Frequently Asked Questions

This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions about economic and community development within the City of Portsmouth.

 

Q.: How do I get general information on the City of Portsmouth, Virginia.

A.: Contact the Department of Economic Development for a comprehensive marketing package. (757) 393-8804 or (800) 848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov.

Q: I am interested in starting a business in Portsmouth. What is the process?

A.: The City of Portsmouth has a CD-Rom titled “An Interactive Guide to Starting a Business in Portsmouth” which details all the federal, state and local requirements. Contact Economic Development at (757) 393-8804 or (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov if you’d like a copy.

Q.: Does the City of Portsmouth offer incentives to businesses?

A.: Businesses may qualify for a variety of Federal, State & Local incentives by locating within designated Empowerment, Enterprise, Foreign Trade and HUBZones throughout the city. Contact Economic Development at (757) 393-8804 or (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov if you’d like a hard copy of our Incentive Zones Brochure.

Q.: Does the City of Portsmouth offer financial assistance to businesses?

A.: The city does not offer financial assistance; however, Economic Development can provide a list of private entities that offer sources of funding to businesses in need of financial assistance. Contact Economic Development at (757) 393-8804 or (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov

Q.: How do I find out if a particular address is within an Empowerment, Enterprise, Foreign Trade or HUBZone?

A.: Simply visit the U.S. Census Bureau website to get the Census Tract Number, then reference the map of incentive zones to see if the census tract qualifies for incentives. Contact Economic Development at (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov if you’d like a copy of the Incentive Zones Brochure.

Q.: Can you help me find available buildings and sites in Portsmouth?

A.: Economic Development maintains a searchable database of public and privately owned office, industrial and retail buildings and sites available for sale or lease in Portsmouth. Go to the Available Properties page or Contact Economic Development at (757) 393-8804 or (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov to receive a summary list of available properties.

Q.: I have a commercial property available for lease or sale. How can I list it on the Economic Development website?

A.: If you represent a commercial property that is available for sale or lease within Portsmouth, Economic Development will list it in our searchable property database. Contact Economic Development at (757) 393-8804 or (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov to have a property data form emailed or faxed to you.