What We Do
The Secretary of Commerce and Trade oversees the economic, community, and workforce development of the Commonwealth. Each of the 13 Commerce and Trade agencies actively contributes to the Commonwealth's economic strength and high quality of life.
Whether you are looking to start a small business or relocate a multi-million dollar company in Virginia, we are ready to assist you.
Virginia Earns Forbes.com's "Best State for Business" Distinction for Fourth Consecutive Year
8th major business friendly ranking overall
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Virginia will remain in first place as Forbes.com's "Best State for Business." It is the fourth consecutive year Virginia has been top ranked. The Commonwealth finished in the top 10 in 3 of the 6 categories examined in the review, which was published on September 23, 2009.
Click here to read the Governor's press release.
SAIC Moves Corporate Headquarters to Fairfax County
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that technology and defense powerhouse Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is moving its corporate headquarters from San Diego to the company's McLean campus in Fairfax County. The scientific, engineering, and technology applications company plans to invest $25 million as part of the relocation and is expected to create 1,200 new jobs over the next three years, adding to its current base of approximately 17,500 employees in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
Click here to read the Governor's press release.
Virginia Holds Top Spot in CNBC's 'Best State for Business' Rankings
7th major business friendly ranking overall
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that for the second time during his administration, CNBC has named Virginia its "Top State for Business". This is the fourth time in the last month that Virginia has received national acclaim as a top place to do business Click here to read the Governor's News Release
Virginia has been recognized repeatedly as a business friendly state and has been ranked the most business-friendly state seven times under the leadership of Governor Kaine and Secretary Gottschalk.
During Governor Kaine's administration, Virginia has also been recognized as the most business-friendly state in America by Forbes.com - 2006, 2007, and 2008; one of the best states for business by CNBC - 2007, 2008 and 2009. In addition, Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc., a top U.S. corporate site relocation expert, ranked Virginia second in its annual study of pro-business states in 2006 and first in both 2007 and 2009. Virginia was recently recognized as one of the top 5 states to start a business by US News and World Report in July 2009; the top-performing state government in America by Governing Magazine in 2008; and the state where "a child is most likely to have a successful life", according to a 2007 Education Week report.
