The Town of Blacksburg values business entrepreneurs and supports the successful launch and growth of local businesses through resources and connections that foster long-term success.

Outdoor dining is permitted in some areas of the public sidewalk in Downtown. The Town issues a license to a specific restaurant to allow them to have tables, chairs, and fencing and provide dining service on the sidewalk. A review for compliance with the Outdoor Dining Guidelines will be conducted with each application. Licenses are required to be renewed annually, and licensees will receive renewal notices. To apply for outdoor dining, visit Outdoor Dining - Town of Blacksburg, VA

Licensing

The Town of Blacksburg supports a thriving community of more than 1,000 businesses and provides efficient business licensing services. Businesses are required to obtain an annual Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) based on gross receipts, with most licenses issued within three to five business days.

For information on business licensing, including requirements for solicitors, itinerant merchants and peddlers, and food trucks/mobile food vendors, visit the Business Licenses | Blacksburg, VA. For additional assistance, contact the Finance Department at 540-443-1050 or businesslicensegroup@blacksburg.gov.

Support for New & Existing Businesses 

The Town’s Business Solutions Manager in the Office of Housing and Community Connections provides guidance, connections to local business networks, and access to essential resources to help businesses establish and grow within the community.

Small Business Guidebook 

Upon request, businesses can receive a copy of the Small Business Guidebook, a comprehensive resource for both new and established businesses, offering information on licensing requirements, networking opportunities, growth programs, and valuable local contacts. Whether opening a new business or expanding an existing one, the guide serves as a reference for every stage of business development. To receive a copy, please contact Business Solutions Manager, Angie Marcolini, at amarcolini@blacksburg.gov. For information on how to open a business in town, please visit: Opening a Business in Downtown Blacksburg | Blacksburg, VA.

Blacksburg Business Brief

The Town of Blacksburg, in collaboration with Downtown Blacksburg Inc., Main Street Connect, and The Blacksburg Partnership host the ‘Blacksburg Business Brief'. This meeting series is designed for members of the business community to connect and stay informed about upcoming town projects and local regulations, and to receive support resources. Beginning in 2027, the first month of each quarter (January, April, June, October) will feature an in-person meeting, and subsequent months’ meetings will be held virtually. To learn more and to receive a link to the virtual meetings, please contact Business Solutions Manager, Angie Marcolini, at amarcolini@blacksburg.gov.

Remaining 2026 meetings:

• Wednesday, September 16 (Virtual) at 3pm
• Wednesday, October 21 (In person, location TBD) at 9am
• Wednesday, November 18 (Virtual) at 3pm
• Wednesday, December 16 (Virtual) at 3pm