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Recent MEC Events and Programs
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Seven MEC Companies Participating in Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Pilot Program with George Mason University
The objective of this program is to conduct a pilot program that facilitates students experiential learning opportunities focusing on an important part of the Virginia cybersecurity ecosystem, startups. Startups need young cybersecurity talent and are often impacted in their hiring of workers because of limited startup financing and the high cost of cybersecurity labor.
It is anticipated that through their participation in this program, the students will not only continue to develop further their technical skills with real world experience, but also gain valuable soft skills, such as critical thinking and communication. These young professionals are also encouraged to be part of the cybersecurity innovation ecosystem during their college education and on graduation, increasing the chances of their retention in the Virginia region.
Seven MEC companies - Colvin Run Networks (MEC-Leesburg), DataLock Consulting Group, KaDSci, LLC, Webworld Technologies, Harmony Tech, Venio Systems Inc., and Itinfra - have agreed to host Mason students this semester, their stipend paid for by the University, to work on their projects. Thanks to this experience, students will get a taste of life in a startup and may launch their own startups in the future.
For more information about the CCI Pilot Program, contact Gisele Stolz at gstolz2@gmu.edu, PI for George Mason University.
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Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Internship Fair
The CCI Internship Fair, held on January 27, brought together over 200 college students interested in cyber and cybersecurity with representatives from universities - George Mason University, represented by Gisele Stolz, the lead PI for the CCI pilot for GMU, and Marymount University - companies including the MITRE Corp., Qualcomm Inc., DHS' Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Commonwealth STEM Industry Internship Program, and Exelaration Center. The event also included a Business Connect session for employers to network with program leaders to learn more and potentially partner to source interns for your organization.
For more information about the CCI, contact Gisele Stolz at gstolz2@gmu.edu.
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MEC Webinar: Use Analytics to Acquire and Retain Profitable Customers
Acquiring new customers is expensive and the longer you can retain them the more profitable your business can be. This is especially true for businesses that rely on repeat sales because long-term profitability comes from repeatedly providing products and/or services over an extended period of time. This January 21 MEC webinar focused on the importance of customer retention and reviewed key metrics and techniques that are migrating from tech industries to other industries driven by recurring revenues.
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MEC Webinar: SBIR Funding - America's Seed Fund for Early Stage Technology R&D
The January 25th webinar has led by CIT focused on how owners of small, profitable technology based companies could obtain funding. The Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program awards over $3.5B annually to small businesses in the US who are developing new, high risk technology that has commercialization potential. 11 federal agencies make over 5000 awards annually to help them meet their missions and solve critical technology hurdles.
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MEC-Fairfax Welcomes New Clients!
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 ZHA Architects
ZHA Architects, P.C., established in 1986, has a long and successful history of providing comprehensive architectural, planning, programming and construction services for the public and private sectors. From our offices in Fairfax, Virginia, our staff of dedicated architects, designers, planners and technical specialists provide us with the resources and the network of professional affiliations to responsibly handle the development and delivery of complex projects in the Hospitality, Public/Civic and Commercial markets. Visit www.zha-architects.com for more information.
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 The Vintage Neighborhoodfor more information.
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 Lord of Leisure
Who is Lord of Leisure?
We are a small family business based in Virginia. We are trying to bring our innovative ideas to life! We are working on solving little every-day problems with unique and simple solutions.
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Thompson Psychological and Educational Assessments
Thompson Psychological and Educational Assessments provides psychological and educational evaluations for children, adolescents and adults in the northern Virginia Area. Its specialty areas include learning and developmental disorders, such as ADHD, LD, or Autism Spectrum Disorders. The company also provides evaluations for people who require personality testing for employment or security clearances.
Dawna Thompson chose the MEC as the place to launch her business because the program was very highly recommended by a friend and neighbor who used the MEC's services in the past when he was starting his own small business. Dawna is very excited to have the opportunity to benefit from the mentoring of experts as she starts and grows her business.
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MEC-Fairfax Client in the News
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 Gallant Gold Media
MEC Fairfax client, Noreen Wise, owner of Gallant Gold Media, is proud to announce that her company has signed a major partnership with a North Dakota rancher who agreed to contribute 45 acres to plant a forest in remembrance of those we have lost to COVID 19 pandemic. Gallant Gold will be turning Ponderosa Pines Ranch forest into an educational opportunity, teaching students and adults how to grow a forest, in the age of Green Up, as the U.S. strives to reach Paris Agreement targets.
https://gallantgold.com/ponderosa-pines-ranch/
Educating the public is one of the seven major aspects of the Paris Agreement. Gallant Gold Media will be turning this initiative into an educational opportunity, teaching students and the general public about how to grow a forest and soil health.
The Fairfax City grant and MEC mentors were instrumental in this helping Gallant Gold win this contract. Noreen Wise has taken advantage of the many mentoring opportunities provided by the MEC and worked with several in-house experts, Mary Schroeder (marketing), Gary Grenter (strategy and management), Bob LeMay(tax and accounting), who were all critical in guiding her through this process.
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WeWork, MakeOffices Closing D.C.-Area Locations
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While other coworking providers have decided to close their doors, the MEC is still going strong and withstanding the pandemic! As a reminder, our unique space allows clients to:
- Work in your own private office: professional space with 24/7 access
- Practice social distancing: work in your own enclosed office, when it fits your schedule
- Benefit from the MEC's support services and benefits
- Benefit from free one-one mentoring: our subject matter experts can you help navigate the COVID-19 crisis and adapt your strategy
- Join a supportive community of over 130 like-minded entrepreneurs
- Flexible leases
- And our windows can open!
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City of Fairfax Incentives
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 City of Fairfax EDA Offers $5,000 Move-in Incentive Grant for Small Businesses
The City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority (EDA) is searching for two candidates for its new $5,000 grant to attract and retain high-tech high-growth small businesses to Fairfax City. To benefit from the grant the business will (1) relocate into office space located at the Mason Enterprise Center and enter into a standard lease agreement with the MEC program director in compliance with all normal program rules and regulations; and (2) agree to remain within the MEC for a 12-month period following the initial lease signing, for a minimum total of 1 year. Grant funds will be applied to the cost of leasing space within the MEC after all other discounts have been applied. To obtain complete information about this move-in grant, please reach out to: Danette Nguyen, Acting Director of Economic Development/Programs Manager, Office of Economic Development, Danette.Nguyen@fairfaxva.gov |
 City of Fairfax Technology Zone Incentive
The City of Fairfax Technology Zone offers businesses in the City a reduction or suspension of certain business license (Business, Professional, Occupational License, or "BPOL") taxes for a period of up to 5 years with a 100-percent exemption for the first year and a decreasing percentage for years 2 through 5. Applicants must: - Be opening a business recognized as a qualified technology business in the City, or be located within the City, or be willing to locate within the City; and
- Be willing to enter into a contractual Performance Agreement (the "Performance Agreement" or Agreement") between the business entity and the City; and
- Commit to employing a minimum number of full time employees as stipulated by the Performance Agreement; or
- Commit to making a minimum capital investment into a new or existing business. Applicants agree by applying for the Zone that additional information may be requested by the Office of Economic Development including, but not limited to, any relevant tax information, business filing/ formation information, or regulatory license information.
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Partners
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