Local economic leaders in Fredericksburg and Prince William County are launching new initiatives to strengthen small businesses and entrepreneurs, reflecting a broader shift toward locally driven networking, education, and collaboration.
In Fredericksburg, the city’s Economic Development Authority announced today the launch of two new quarterly programs — FXBG Local Loop and The Business Pour — designed to support business growth and deepen connections within the local business community.
At the same time, a well-known weekly entrepreneur gathering in Prince William County is rebranding and restructuring after the national 1 Million Cups Prince William program was sunsetted, relaunching as the Entrepreneur Resource Group of Prince William (ERGPW).
Fredericksburg EDA launches new programs
The Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority said its new initiatives are part of a broader strategy to invest directly in locally owned businesses and reinforce Fredericksburg’s role as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
“Locally owned businesses are the backbone of Fredericksburg’s economy,” said Meredith Schatz, chair of the Fredericksburg EDA. “Through FXBG Local Loop and The Business Pour, the EDA is investing directly in our business community’s success by providing tools, insights, and opportunities for meaningful connection.”
FXBG Local Loop is a new quarterly workshop series focused on practical business education. Local and regional professionals will lead sessions and will cover topics such as digital marketing, branding, search engine optimization, artificial intelligence and digital tools, financial best practices, and cross-marketing strategies.
In addition to formal learning, the workshops are designed to encourage collaboration among business owners through structured networking and idea sharing.
The EDA is also launching The Business Pour, a quarterly, after-hours networking event hosted at rotating local venues, including breweries, restaurants, and community spaces. Each event will center on a theme such as leadership, talent development, business well-being, or emerging economic opportunities.
“The Business Pour is about celebrating what makes FXBG’s business landscape so unique,” Schatz said. “Every business has a story to tell — and these gatherings are about strengthening the relationships that drive our economy forward.”
Prince William group rebrands after national program ends
In Prince William County, organizers of the weekly entrepreneur gathering formerly known as 1 Million Cups Prince William announced they are moving forward independently after the national program decided to sunset the local chapter, in place since 2012.
Rather than ending the meetings, organizers said the group has outgrown the original structure and will relaunch as the Entrepreneur Resource Group of Prince William.
“The community you know and trust — collaboration, networking, shared insights — remains intact,” organizers wrote in a message to members.
Weekly meetings will continue at CenterFuse in downtown Manassas on Wednesday mornings, with informal networking beginning at 8:30 a.m. and programming starting at 9 a.m.
Under the new ERGPW banner, organizers said the group will offer new resources, formats, and expanded opportunities to engage entrepreneurs, community leaders, and collaborators across the county.
“Our goal is simply to make this space stronger, more relevant, and more supportive for every member of our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” the organizing team said.
Additional details about upcoming events, membership, and programming are expected to be announced in the coming days.
