$1M In Grants Available Through Prince William County's IGNITE Program

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Applications are now open for Prince William County's IGNITE Startup Grant. The grant program has $1 million in funds to distribute to expanding companies.

The county will dish out grants of $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000, based on the company's qualifications. Applications will be available until Dec. 1 or when funds run out, whichever comes first.

Christina Winn is the executive director for the Prince William County Department of Economic Development.

"Prince William County has the makers of Northern Virginia. We have entrepreneurs who invent, tinker, fabricate, and manufacture in a low-cost ecosystem," Winn said in a news release. "This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators who have a compelling product or idea that can be tested and executed in the market. If you’ve got a great idea, we want you to apply."

The county started the grant program in 2020 using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act. The initial program ended in March 2022.

Ann Wheeler, the chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, believes this grant program can inspire economic development throughout the county.

"High-growth companies can drive innovation and moreover, increase new jobs and employment in our community," Wheeler said in a news release. "The pilot program was extremely successful with more than 100 applications. An evaluation of the initial winning companies found they will add an estimated 223 jobs and an estimated $12.8 million in capital investment in Prince William County."

Interested businesses and entrepreneurs can start their application online.