These are the public and nonprofit bodies in Virginia that help two or more owners start a business together, fund it and settle it when they disagree. Every one is free or low cost, each is public, nonprofit or university-run, and every link goes to the organization itself.

This is general information as of October 2026; a lawyer in Virginia should read your actual agreement.

Virginia partnership rules at a glance

  • The law. General partnerships follow the Revised Uniform Partnership Act (Va. Code §50-73.79), enacted in 1996. LLCs have Virginia's own act (Va. Code §13.1-1000), not RULLCA. Both LLPs and LLLPs are open to any partnership, with no profession restriction. All 50 states compared.
  • The cost. An LLC files for $100, then owes a $50 annual registration fee every year; miss it by three months and the LLC is cancelled. A general partnership files nothing to form. Fees in every state.
  • Non-competes. Banned for low-wage employees and, since 1 July 2026, licensed health care professionals; everyone else is judged on common-law reasonableness. Civil penalties run to $10,000 a violation for a banned covenant. Every state's rule.
  • When a court can end it. Virginia has only one statutory ground: it is not reasonably practicable to carry on the LLC's business per the operating agreement. There is no oppression ground and no court-ordered buyout to stop it. Grounds by state.

Forming and filing

Free advice

  • Virginia SBDC NetworkFree one-on-one advising from regional centers across the state, headquartered at George Mason University.
  • SCORE VirginiaFree mentoring from volunteers who have run businesses, at chapters statewide or by video.
  • Women's Business Center of Metro RichmondAn SBA Women's Business Center serving the Richmond region, with free training and advising for women owners.
  • VBOC at Old Dominion UniversityThe SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center for Virginia and West Virginia, free training and advising for veteran owners.

Legal help

Money