Alexandria Economic Development Partnership

More than 20 operator proposals received for Alexandria’s new tech accelerator

Published April 1, 2026 at 10:00AM

The Alexandria skyline (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A program operator for a new tech startup accelerator will be selected in mid-April after the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership received numerous applications through its request for proposals process.

AEDP is launching the accelerator program to support new tech startups based in the city — the first direct support the organization has provided for startups in these industries. Attracting high-growth industries and boosting support for entrepreneurs is one of the strategies in ALX Forward, a roadmap for the city’s future economic growth recently approved by City Council.

Around Town

Alexandria resident launches new app to help job hunters tailor resumes

By Katie Taranto

Published March 12, 2026 at 10:40AM

Craig Certo and dog, Frank (courtesy of Craig Certo)

A software developer in Alexandria is piloting a new digital tool to help job seekers improve their resumes.

Craig Certo created Career Catalyst last year. It’s an application designed to cross-analyze a user’s resume and offer fine-tuned editing suggestions based on job postings they’re applying for.

News

New startup accelerator program seeks to foster tech company growth in Alexandria

By Emily Leayman

Published March 4, 2026 at 3:45PM

The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard (staff photo by James Cullum)

An accelerator program to support new tech startups is launching in the city, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership announced today (Wednesday).

The program will provide mentorship, coaching, technical support, capital connections and structured founder engagement for up to 15 startups over four to six months. It will serve startups in high-growth sectors such as robotics, aerospace, quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), energy tech, computer services, cybersecurity and defense.

Around Town

Old Town couple cuts ribbon on ‘Sundara Indian Restaurant & Cafe’ at Braddock Metro Center

By Katie Taranto

Published February 11, 2026 at 3:45PM

Mary Ardolino cuts the ribbon on Sundara Indian Restaurant & Cafe with her husband, chef Subheesh Manikoth (second from right), surrounded by friends and family (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A local Indian restaurant founded by an Old Town couple is celebrating the start of a new chapter in Alexandria.

After about 18 months of planning and renovations, Sundara Indian Restaurant & Cafe is reopening in a new space on the ground floor of 1320 Braddock Place in Suite 105. It’s a hard-earned milestone for the business, which grappled with unexpected delays and rising renovation costs to reopen after departing from an Arlington VFW post in summer 2024, following a zoning dispute.

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City Council approves plan to boost Alexandria’s economic growth amid challenges

By Emily Leayman

Published January 14, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated January 14, 2026 at 3:48PM

Stephanie Landrum, CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus ribbon cutting, Feb. 28, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a roadmap for Alexandria’s economic future last night (Tuesday) as the city tries to strengthen its economic competitiveness.

The ALX Forward framework will shape how the city pursues economic growth, from development to business recruitment and retention. It details strategies like leveraging economic opportunities in Old Town North, Eisenhower East, the West End, and Potomac Yard; retaining local businesses; attracting industries like artificial intelligence and strengthening support for entrepreneurs.

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AEDP plans redesign of website, marketing materials, aiming to draw more businesses to city

By Katie Taranto

Published December 16, 2025 at 3:45PM

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership group photo at the partnership's new Carlyle office (photo by Laura Hatcher Photography, via AEDP/Facebook)

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership is planning a major redesign of its website and published materials, in hopes of attracting more businesses to the city.

D.C.-based marketing and public relations agency Hart announced today (Tuesday) that AEDP has selected its team “to lead a comprehensive modernization of its website, messaging, video storytelling and marketing collateral.”

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Alexandria named a top innovation hub by national business publication

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 10, 2025 at 4:30PM

City of Alexandria (Photo credit Hover Solutions for Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria has been recognized by Business Facilities magazine, a leading resource for site selection and economic development, as one of the nation’s top innovation hubs to watch in 2025.

The magazine featured Alexandria in its September/October issue, citing the city’s combination of research institutions, federal agencies and corporate partnerships.