Incentives
A variety of incentives could be available to businesses locating in Isle of Wight County depending on the level of investment or location. Here are some of the state, federal and local incentives that may be available:
Isle of Wight Incentive Program Summary
LOCAL LEVEL
INCENTIVES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The animating purpose of the Economic Development Incentive Policy and Procedure shall be to enhance the ability of Isle of Wight County to foster and stimulate economic development in the County by inducing new businesses to locate in the County, and existing businesses to remain in the County or to expand their operations.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE GRANT (EDIG)
The Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors may grant qualified prospective businesses or developers a cash grant up to five years value of the machinery and tools taxes paid by the business.
REHABILITATED COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EXEMPTION
This program, administered by the Isle of Wight County Commissioner of Revenue’s office, allows owners of commercial and industrial properties that are at least 30 years old to apply for a five (5) year real estate tax exemption when certain improvements are made to the property.
SMITHFIELD ARTS & CULTURE DISTRICT
The establishment of an Arts & Cultural District helps position, promote and expand the arts community. It also serves as an economic development vehicle to foster growth in the downtown district, by offering financial incentives to arts businesses within the Historic District. Established in 2010, the Arts and Cultural District was incorporated within the already existing historic district in downtown Smithfield. The ordinance allows for several fees to be waived or reduced for arts-related businesses, such as zoning permit and business license fees, as well as fees for sandwich board signs.
TOWN OF WINDSOR TOURISM ZONE
Property tax rebates and reduced water service facility fees are available to any new, expanded, or relocating business that builds new structures, expands or improves existing structures, or performs site improvements which increase property values by $25,000 or more.
STATE LEVEL
VIRGINIA ENTERPRISE ZONE
The Enterprise Zone Program provides state and local grants and local tax refunds for qualifying new and existing companies and property owners that create new full-time jobs and/or new taxable investment above specific thresholds. The Isle of Wight zone includes Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park Phases II and III and a portion of the Isle of Wight/City of Franklin Revenue Sharing District known as Camptown, which includes the International Paper mill campus and the former ATC Panels manufacturing facility.
Brochure – State and Local Enterprise Zone Incentives
For more information about Virginia Enterprise Zone incentives, contact Nicole Talton, Economic Development Coordinator, 757-356-1962 or ntalton@iwus.net.
THE PORT OF VIRGINIA TAX CREDITS & GRANT PROGRAM
The POV Grant provides tax credits and a grant to certain qualified companies, to incentivize the location of new maritime-related employment centers or expand existing centers in specified localities in order to encourage and facilitate the growth of the Port of Virginia. For more information, contact Laura Swankler, Sr. Manager, Port Centric Logistics, 757-683-2135 or lswankler@portofvirginia.com.
COMMONWEALTH OPPORTUNITY FUND
The Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund (COF) is a discretionary financial incentive established to support projects that create new jobs and investment in accordance with certain criteria established by state legislation. Grants are made at the discretion of the Governor.
VIRGINIA JOBS INVESTMENT PROGRAM
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) provides services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change. As a business development incentive supporting economic development since 1965, VJIP reduces the human resource development costs of new and expanding companies. With strong support from the Governor and General Assembly, VJIP is completely state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.
AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND
Funding from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports local efforts in attracting new and expanding agriculture and forestry processing/value-added facilities using Virginia grown products.
Additional State Incentive Information:
Virginia Guide to Incentives (Jan. 2023)
FEDERAL LEVEL
FOREIGN TRADE ZONE
Federally designated area that enables businesses to defer, reduce or eliminate the payment of U.S. Customs duties on goods held within that zone. Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park is a “Magnet Site,” meaning the site is already designated for FTZ benefits and allows for expedited final approvals from U.S. Customs. For more information, contact Laura Swankler, Sr. Manager, Port Centric Logistics, 757-683-2135 or lswankler@portofvirginia.com.