Existing and Expanding Business
Chesapeake’s vibrant business community offers unparalleled opportunities for our existing companies to expand, innovate, and transform. Dollar Tree Inc. developed into a Fortune 500 company, right here in Chesapeake, improving its ranking of No. 499 in 2009 to become No. 330. Start-up business, Big Ugly Brewing Company used innovative tactics to open a craft brewery. Innovation and transformation are intricately woven together in Chesapeake. It’s no wonder that 20 percent of the region’s largest employers, like Canon, Capital One, Cox Communications, General Dynamics, Dollar Tree, and USAA, are located in our city. Year after year, Chesapeake’s economy continues to generate multi-million dollar business investments and high-demand jobs. With connected transportation networks, diverse industry sectors, and a skilled 21st-century workforce, Chesapeake is a thriving business center like no other. Find out today how your company can prosper in Chesapeake.
Existing Industries
Defense Technologies, Services, and Support
Healthcare
Professional Business Services and Technology
Maritime, Logistics, and Transportation
Manufacturing Leisure and Hospitality
Retail Development
Top 20 Existing Business Employers
| Chesapeake Regional Healthcare | Bae Systems |
| Chesapeake Regional Medical Center | Lifetouch National School Studio |
| Cox Communications | Oceaneering Marine Services |
| Capital One | USUI International Corporation |
| Dollar Tree | Sumitomo Machinery Corporation |
| QVC Chesapeake | Flowserve |
| USAA | Sentara |
| Canon Information Technology | Mitsubishi Chemical |
| General Dynamics | Smith & Keene Electric |
| First Data Resources | Chubb & Son |
Workforce Distribution by Industry
- Among the lowest worker’s compensation insurance rates in the Country
- Civilian labor force exceeds 125,000 for Chesapeake
- Salaries below the national average
| Workforce by Industry | |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | 16.12% |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 10.19% |
| Accommodation and Food Services | 9.68% |
| Construction | 8.77% |
| Professional Scientific & Technical Services | 8.60% |
| Education Services | 8.33% |
| Admin. Support, Waste Management, Remediation | 7.21% |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 4.56% |
| Manufacturing | 4.43% |
| Public Administration | 4.35% |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | 3.93% |
| Wholesale Trade | 3.76% |
| Finance & Insurance | 3.56% |
| Information | 2.25% |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 1.34% |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 1.14% |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 1.11% |
| Utilities | 0.24% |
| Unclassified Establishments | 0.18% |
Source: Virginia Employment Commission, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages-Q1, 2017
Business Partners
- Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
- Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Genedge Manufacturing Alliance
Workforce Partners
- Opportunity Inc. of Hampton Roads
- Tidewater Community College Workforce Department
- Virginia Employment Commission
- Southeastern Virginia Rapid Response Team
Educational Partners
