Bedford Economic Development Opportunities Report April 2026

Available Properties in Bedford, VA 

Located in the heart of central Virginia, Bedford offers a unique blend of accessibility, infrastructure, and quality of life that continues to attract both businesses and residents. Positioned along U.S. Highways 460 and 221, just 21 miles from Interstate 81, Bedford sits between the metro areas of Roanoke and Lynchburg, which are each within a 30-minute drive and provide convenient access to regional markets and workforce talent.

Bedford is well positioned for logistics, manufacturing, and business growth, aided by its proximity to major destinations, including Washington, D.C., and the Port of Hampton Roads, along with access to Norfolk Southern rail service and nearby regional airports.

A Strategic Location for Business Success

Economic development is a top priority for Bedford’s Town Council, demonstrated through dedicated funding for local initiatives. In partnership with the Town of Bedford Economic Development Authority, the community is actively working to attract new investment through grants, performance-based incentives, and long-term strategic planning.

These efforts are supported by a proactive approach to community development, ensuring infrastructure, services, and planning efforts align with future growth. Bedford’s recently launched 5-Year Downtown Action Plan further reinforces this commitment, focusing on strengthening partnerships, enhancing design, promoting tourism, and supporting economic vitality in the historic downtown district.

Bedford provides a strong foundation for business success by combining modern infrastructure with small-town affordability and accessibility. Key advantages include:

• Reliable Utilities: Community-owned electric service that is local, renewable and cost-effective, along with abundant water and wastewater capacity
• Advanced Connectivity: Access to a 400-gigabyte fiber backbone and multiple broadband providers
• Strategic Workforce: Access to a regional labor pool of approximately 500,000 within commuting distance
• Competitive Costs: Lower utility and tax rates compared to larger metro areas
• Incentives: Local and state programs, including Enterprise Zone benefits for property improvements and job creation

Together, these assets create an environment where businesses can operate efficiently while planning for long-term growth.

Bedford is committed to developing a strong and skilled workforce. In addition to accredited K–12 schools, the Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center offers students hands-on training in more than 15 career-focused programs, including health sciences, cosmetology, HVAC, building construction, automotive technology, and computer science.

Higher education opportunities are also readily accessible. Central Virginia Community College operates high school dual-enrollment and college classes at the dedicated campus at the Bedford Center for Business, while additional institutions — including Liberty University, the University of Lynchburg, Randolph College, Roanoke College and Hollins University — are located within a short drive.

Quality of Life

Bedford’s natural beauty and recreational amenities are a major draw for residents and visitors alike. The town is nine miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers stunning views of the Peaks of Otter. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy easy access to hiking, fishing, boating, and water recreation along the James River and Smith Mountain Lake, just 20 minutes to the south.

Within the community, parks, trails, and gathering spaces provide opportunities for recreation and connection. Bedford also features a vibrant arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the Bower Center for the Arts and a network of local artisans, both in the historic Main Street business district and beyond.

Historic landmarks such as the National D-Day Memorial, the former Elks National Home, and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest further enrich the community, blending heritage with modern-day vibrancy.

With a diverse business base spanning manufacturing, textiles, furniture production, specialty services and emerging industries, Bedford continues to build on its economic momentum. Available land and buildings, strong infrastructure and a supportive local government make it an attractive destination for new and expanding businesses.

Bedford delivers the advantages of a larger market within a close-knit, community-oriented environment, making it an ideal place for companies seeking both opportunity and quality of life.

To learn more about business opportunities or to plan a visit, explore everything Bedford has to offer at betterinbedford.com.

Site Opportunities Include:

Industrial Space:

Bedford Metal Workforce Center
Total 60,000 square feet with 40-foot high bays in various areas between 6,000 – 18,000 square feet. Dedicated rail spur, exceptional electric service, water and sewer capacity.

Vacant Land and Commercial / Light Industrial Space:

Little Otter Business Park
8 – 50 acres

Bedford Center for Business
3 – 45 acres

Public Power and AMP
Public power utilities are not-for-profit, community-owned electric systems that work to provide the highest-quality, most reliable power to residents and businesses. They are part of the communities and focus on what is best for the people and businesses they serve.

American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is the nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider for more than 130 Members in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, a joint action agency with nine Delaware municipal members. Combined, these Member municipal electric utilities serve more than 665,000 customers. AMP Members receive their power supply from a diversified resource mix that includes wholesale power purchases through AMP and the open market and energy produced at AMP and Member-owned generating facilities utilizing fossil fuel, hydroelectric, solar, wind, and other renewable resources.

For more information about our Member communities and programs, searchampsites.com.