George Mason University begins with support towards entrepreneurial and small business support to Herndon

George Mason University is expanding its small business incubator programs to the Town of Herndon, with the aim of empowering more Northern Virginia businesses with high-growth potential.


The newest Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) will focus on supporting small, entrepreneurial and emerging businesses while promoting Herndon’s economic growth.

Herndon becomes the fifth Northern Virginia locale to partner with the MEC, joining Fairfax, Arlington, Fauquier, and Springfield. The no-cost and low-cost services brought to small businesses include business advisory services and educational workshops from federal and state programs such as the Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Virginia PTAC), the state Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, and the Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) among others.

“We are thrilled to continue the success of the Mason Enterprise Centers with this expansion by bringing Mason assets directly into the Herndon business community,” said Paula Sorrell, Mason’s associate vice president of innovation and economic development.

In conjunction with partners in Office Evolution and the Town of Herndon, Mason will continue to grow its services, which include access to health insurance, payroll support, and other critical business services in an effort to boost business growth and overall independence to small businesses in the Town of Herndon.

Others services to be provided by the MEC will include access to Mason classroom and research projects, and capstone students and interns.

The project enhances Herndon’s reputation as a tech-savvy area, Sorrell said.

“We are delighted to partner with the Mason Enterprise Center and Office Evolution in creating this space for businesses to grow and prosper,” said Mayor Sheila Olem. “We look forward to welcoming many new enterprises to the town as a result of this collaboration.”