The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses because of the drought in March 2025. The EIDLs are available for some counties in Virginia, including Clarke. The program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities; however, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. 

The Economic Development & Tourism office aims to attract new businesses that fit Clarke County’s character and assist existing businesses by connecting state, local, and private sector agencies. Clarke County also has an Economic Development Advisory Committee.

The office also promotes tourism and maintains experienceclarkecounty.com.

The Economic Development & Tourism office is located in the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center (second floor) at 101 Chalmers Ct. in Berryville, Va.

Hours
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Michelle Ridings
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
(540) 955-5107
(540) 277-7567 (cell)
(540) 955-5180 (fax)
mridings@clarkecounty.gov

Indea Ford
Digital Media & Marketing Specialist
(540) 955-5103
iford@clarkecounty.gov

Double Tollgate Revitalization

The Clarke County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is embarking on a new project. As of March 2025, Clarke County purchased 40 acres of the former Camp 7 property at Double Tollgate from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Double Tollgate is one of the few designated growth areas in the Clarke County Comprehensive Plan. For more information about Double Tollgate, please view the video here.