Government

Economic Development & Tourism

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

 Old prison building located at the Camp 7 property. If you are intered in learning more about opportunities at Double Tollgate, please contact Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Michelle Ridings at 540-955-5107 or email mridings@clarkecounty.gov.

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 linked below.

Video link: https://youtu.be/jCCUKOXWFOc

 

Waterloo Pad-Ready Highway Commercial Zoned Sites


A sunset with a view of the mountains. Virginia shape with Clarke County and Richmond as stars marking the location. Waterloo Pad-Ready Sites written overtop.

Four pad-ready sites located at the Waterloo intersection in Boyce, VA, are available for development. These highway commercial zoned properties are being marketed for development opportunities. View the video below for an overview of the site and surrounding area.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE4sxQzO21A&t=2s

 

Business Interviews

A building with flags in the front of it. Top left corner has the Clarke County seal image and Business in Clarke County, Virginia.

View the video below to hear current businesses give their testimonials on operating a business in Clarke County, Virginia. If you are searching for a location for your business that offers quality of life, a sense of community, small-town appeal with a close proximity to metropolitan hubs, transportation accessibility, and a skilled workforce, Clarke County is your new home. Clarke County is business friendly with low taxes and is welcoming business expansions, business start-ups, and business relocations. 

Video link: https://youtu.be/hw2FQBcCR5Y

Property for Auction

A stone house with a separate stone wall.

The property and house located at 328 N Buckmarsh Street, Berryville, VA. 22611 will be offered at auction on September 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

View Auction Details & Property Information