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The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership is seeking an outside firm to design and run the city's first startup accelerator, offering a $200,000 contract to build a program targeting high-growth companies in emerging technology sectors.
AEDP released a request for proposalson Wednesday for a program operator to recruit, select, and support a cohort of up to 15 Alexandria-based companies in robotics, aerospace, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, energy technology, cybersecurity, and defense — the first time AEDP has earmarked direct support for those industries. There is no cost for startups to participate, and the program does not offer direct capital to participants. The program must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
"We know these startups are here. We know they are succeeding. And we know they want and need this support to grow in Alexandria," said Philomena Fitzgerald, AEDP's small business and entrepreneurship manager. "Our goal with this RFP is to find the right partner to create custom programming to help Alexandria entrepreneurs grow successfully while simultaneously improving the Alexandria start-up ecosystem."
The RFPa notes that Alexandria has many of the ingredients of a strong startup ecosystem — a venture capital network, high-net-worth individuals, and the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing — but currently lacks a structured program to support and retain high-growth entrepreneurs. Comparable programs in the region include the Arlington Innovation Fund, the Fairfax Founders Fund, the Starburst National Landing Launchpad, the Bowie Innovation Center, and the Loudoun Innovation Challenge.
The $200,000 budget covers operator fees and all direct program costs for the first year, per the RFP. AEDP said it may consider additional funding if a proposer can demonstrate strong return on investment, measurable outcomes, or the ability to leverage matching funds or sponsorships.
The selected operator would recruit and select the cohort, deliver mentorship and milestone-based coaching, connect founders with investors, and organize at least two public events — including a pitch competition, business showcase, or demo day. All events must be held in Alexandria. The accelerator will not have a dedicated physical home; programming will be offered at various locations across the city, including Virginia Tech's Potomac Yard campus, local coworking spaces, and AEDP's own event space at 1940 Duke St., per the RFP.
The program is designed around specialized mentorship and technical execution rather than a generic curriculum. Operators are expected to draw on local assets such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Northern Virginia Community College, the National Science Foundation, and the National Innovation Quarter. AEDP is a founding partner of National IQ, the innovation district spanning National Landing and Potomac Yard along the Arlington-Alexandria border, which launched in February with Amazon, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Virginia Tech, and others, focusing on defense, national security, and dual-use technology startups.
The competitive pressure driving the effort is not abstract. The Arlington Innovation Fund, Fairfax Founders Fund, and others have built structured vehicles for retaining fast-growing companies that Alexandria has lacked. The Washington Business Journal reported Wednesday that the Arlington Innovation Fund awarded freight logistics startup GenLogs a grant in February 2024; the company went on to raise a $60 million funding round and now has 25% of its 70-person workforce in its Ballston office.
Proposals must include a defined strategy for reaching underrepresented founders, with diversity targets reflecting the city's demographics, per the RFP.
The accelerator is a direct outgrowth of ALX Forward, Alexandria's first comprehensive economic development strategy in nearly two decades, which City Council unanimously adopted in January. The framework — developed over three years with more than 800 community touchpoints — specifically calls for expanding accelerator and incubator spaces and diversifying the city's economy. It includes $750,000 in the city manager's proposed FY2027 budget, with $300,000 dedicated to small business support.
AEDP plans to select a vendor by early April, with cohort recruitment launching no later than June. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on March 25. Questions must be submitted to apply@alexandriaecon.org by March 11. The full RFP is available at alexandriaecon.org.
