Why Onancock?
Why Onancock? Onancock is Business Friendly.
Business Taxes
In 2022 the Town of Onancock made several changes to become more business friendly.
The Business Professional Occupational License (BPOL) tax was reduced from a tax based on the previous year’s gross sales receipts to a flat rate fee of $40 annually. This change has saved many businesses several hundred dollars a year.
The town also removed the Tangible Business Property tax. The equipment used to operate your business is no longer taxed by the town. Please note, Accomack County charges that tax on all businesses located in the county.
Building and Zoning
Onancock’s Town Manager is also the Zoning Administrator. All construction projects that change the footprint of the property must be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to obtaining a building permit.
Zoning permits are $25. Building permits For multi-family and commercial projects, are $15 per $1,000, with a minimum fee of $50.
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Please visit the town’s website for more information about the town’s Zoning Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/va/onancock/codes/code_of_ordinances
Should your business require a Special Use Permit to operate, you will need to contact the Town of Onancock’s Zoning Administrator. Special use permits cost $150.
Once the Zoning Administrator reviews the application and makes a positive recommendation, it is presented to the town’s Planning Commission for review and a recommendation would then be made to the Town Council at a public hearing.
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Accomack County’s Building and Zoning Department issues building permits for Town of Onancock properties. Please visit Accomack County’s website for more information about obtaining a building permit: https://www.co.accomack.va.us/departments/building-inspections-and-zoning/services/building-permits-and-code-inspections.
Plenty of Opportunity
Onancock Main Street surveys businesses, residents and tourists regularly to reveal what kinds of businesses are most sought after and will be successful.
We have market research to share with prospects from these market surveys in addition to research from Virginia Main Street and Virginia Tourism.
We recently compiled a list of all available properties, either for lease or for sale, as part of our Open For Business initiative. These properties offer business owners the opportunity to tailor their space requirements in the commercial district.
To view Onancock’s opportunities, visit onancockmainstreet.org/openforbusiness.
Loyal Community Base
The population of Onancock is 1,300, and the population of the county is 33,239. The community supports area businesses because everyone wants Onancock to remain the commercial center for the middle portion of the Eastern Shore. This is a year-round vibrant community and visitor destination that is rich in history and the arts.
The median household income in Onancock is $54,941, on par with median household incomes in the 30-mile drive trade area, Accomack County and the Eastern Shore.
30-mile radius – Onancock is at the center
The trade area for Onancock is a 30-mile drive radius. This trade area stretches from Exmore to Oak Hall, and covers the majority of Accomack County.
Tourism
In 2023, visitors to Virginia’s Eastern Shore spent $249.9 million, an increase of 6.7% over 2022.
Tourism in Virginia generated $33.3 billion, an increase of 10% over 2022. That comes to $91 million a day.
Recreation was the fastest growing category for the Eastern Shore in 2023 up 12% over 2022.
Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Broadband
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority is a public authority, formed by the Counties of Northampton and Accomack, to provide broadband services on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
The ESVBA is a public not-for-profit company. The ESVBA network is operational, but continues to grow. Some of the customers which ESVBA is currently serving are education, government, wholesale, commercial and healthcare.
The ESVBA provides connectivity and dedicated internet services to all customers. However, the ESVBA’s network is an “Open Access” network, which allows for any certified provider to utilize the ESVBA’s network to provide services to end customers.
(Source: ESVBA)
Support by Onancock Main Street
Town of Onancock brand development with new logo and tagline
Market research, professional planning and financial support for businesses in the commercial district
Feasibility study, and partnership with the town, resulting in $1 million loan and redevelopment of high-visibility historic building
Installation of murals and a public art program
Public-facing business improvements grants to qualifying businesses
Promotion of Onancock as a tourist destination via Virginia Tourism grants
Seasonal marketing programs to attract visitors and generate business revenue
Educational programs and tools for local businesses
Over ¼ million dollars in grants funding high-impact downtown revitalization projects
Free architectural renderings for building improvements to businesses in the commercial district
Get in touch.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
