This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions about economic and community development within the City of Portsmouth.

1.  I would like general information about the City of Portsmouth, Virginia.  How do I request a marketing package?

Contact the Department of Economic Development for a comprehensive marketing package.  (757) 393-8804 or (800) 848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov.

2.  Does the City of Portsmouth offer incentives or financial assistance to businesses?

Businesses may qualify for a variety of Federal, State & Local incentives by locating within designated Empowerment, Enterprise, Foreign Trade and HUBZones throughout the city.  The city does not offer financial assistance; however, Economic Development can provide a list of sources of funding to businesses in need of financial assistance.  Contact Economic Development at (757) 393-8804 or (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov  if you would like a hard copy of our Incentive Zones Brochure.

3.  How do I find out if a particular address is located within an Empowerment, Enterprise, Foreign Trade or HUBZone?

To determine if an address is located within one of Portsmouth’s Incentive Zones, visit the U.S. Census Bureau website www.census.gov to get the Census Tract Number, then reference the map of incentive zones to see if the census tract qualifies for incentives.  Contact Economic Development at (800)-848-5690 or porteco@portsmouthva.gov  if you would like a copy of the Incentive Zones Brochure.

4.  How do I find available buildings and sites in Portsmouth, Virginia?

Economic Development maintains a searchable database of public and privately-owned office, industrial and retail buildings and sites available for sale or lease within the City of Portsmouth.

5.  I have a commercial property available for lease or sale.  How can I list it on the economic development website?

If you represent a commercial property that is available for sale or lease within Portsmouth, Economic Development will list it in our searchable property database.  Complete a property data form and return it to Economic Development via email porteco@portsmouthva.gov or fax (757) 393-8293 or call (757) 393-8804 or (800) 848-5690 to have one faxed to you.

6.  How do I find out about homes for sale in Portsmouth, Virginia?

If you are considering relocating your residence to Portsmouth and are looking for homes for sale or rent, the Virginian-Pilot, a daily newspaper serving Portsmouth and the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, has a searchable Real Estate Web containing listings of homes for sale as well as information on selecting an agent. Select Portsmouth Neighborhood Profiles.