Director, Diversity Business
Karen Smaw leads the efforts at Fairfax County Economic Development Authority to support small and minority businesses.
Smaw is noted throughout Fairfax County for her “Starting a Business” workshops which educates thousands of entrepreneurs on the benefits and opportunities of starting and growing a business. Since 2003, these workshops have assisted over 3,000 business persons and entrepreneurs. The SBA, the Community Business Partnership, and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance are partners in the workshop series.
Smaw also creates classes for small businesses that want to grow, and for companies that want to export goods and services to other countries.