GO Virginia program provides over $2.5 million in grants for workforce and business development

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that more than $2.5 million in grants from the Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) program have been awarded to support 21 projects across the state. These initiatives are focused on developing workforce pipelines in targeted industries and fostering critical resources to attract and grow Virginia-based businesses.

GO Virginia is an economic development initiative aimed at promoting regional collaboration for job creation in key industry sectors. The program emphasizes investments in workforce development, start-up ecosystems, infrastructure, and the expansion of industry clusters.

These 21 projects will also leverage over $1.5 million in additional local and non-state funding. Since its launch in 2017, GO Virginia has supported 311 projects with over $134 million in funding for regional economic development efforts.

For more details on the GO Virginia program, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.

Full List of Awarded Projects and Their Objectives

Below is a detailed overview of the projects awarded GO Virginia funding, their objectives, and expected impacts.

Per Capita Applications

• United Way of Southwest Virginia GO TEC Expansion 2
  Award: $491,196
  Region: Bland, Smyth, Tazewell, Wythe, Washington Counties
  This project will establish five new career connection labs in the region, following the GO TEC framework, to prepare qualified candidates for roles in key local industries.
• GO TEC Region 3 Expansion
  Award: $489,381
  Region: Brunswick and Henry Counties
  The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research will develop two new career connection labs in advanced manufacturing and IT for middle schools and pilot a bridge program for high school students in Henry County.
• Progress Park Lot 10
  Award: $425,876
  Region: Bland and Wythe Counties
  The Joint IDA of Wythe County will ready Lot 10 in Progress Park industrial park for development, aiming to attract advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies businesses.
• Educating Engineers for the Region 2 Workforce
  Award: $367,000
  Region: Amherst and Nelson Counties, Lynchburg City
  Randolph College will expand a multidisciplinary engineering program in mechatronics and robotics, including dual enrollment opportunities and mandatory paid internships.
• Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board TPI
  Award: $250,000
  Region: Shenandoah Valley Counties and Cities
  The SVWDB will develop a comprehensive talent pathways plan to identify workforce gaps and opportunities in manufacturing and transportation.
• Developing IT and Cybersecurity Certification Pipeline (ITCCP)
  Award: $202,872
  Region: Montgomery and Pulaski Counties, Radford City
  Radford University, in collaboration with regional partners, will establish a certification program for students in IT and cybersecurity, creating a talent connector program for job placements.

Planning Grants to Spur Future Development

• MRRP Site Selection Identification and Evaluation, 2024
  Award: $100,000
  Region: Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Wythe Counties, Galax City
  The MRRP will identify 20-30 potential sites for future development to enhance the inventory of shovel-ready sites in the region.
• Wildwood Commerce Park Site 1 Due Diligence
  Award: $100,000
  Region: Carroll and Grayson Counties, Galax City
  The Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority will conduct due diligence for a 50-acre site within a larger 105-acre park, enhancing its potential for economic activity.
• GMP Clean
  Award: $100,000
  Region: Montgomery County, Roanoke City
  The partnership will develop a pilot cleanroom space to support the life sciences and biotechnology industries.
• Workforce Development Plan for Western Tidewater Mechatronics Program
  Award: $100,000
  Region: Isle of Wight, Southampton Counties, Franklin and Suffolk Cities
  Paul D. Camp Community College will work with regional employers to design a mechatronics program to fill high-paying logistics roles.
• Career Investigations: Pathways to Your Future
  Award: $100,000
  Region: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun Counties, Alexandria, Manassas, Manassas Park Cities
  ACPS will develop a nine-week STEM-H career exploration curriculum for middle school students to increase awareness of in-demand jobs.
• Future Kings Life Sciences Workforce Development Pilot Program
  Award: $100,000
  Region: Loudoun, Prince William Counties, Manassas City
  The program aims to boost interest and readiness for biomedical roles in underserved black and Latino communities through student internships and educational programs.
• WiseLink Coalfield Transformation Project
  Award: $99,481
  Region: Dickenson, Lee, Scott, Wise Counties, Norton City
  The initiative will analyze electric power grid capacity to make land more marketable for high-energy-use industries.

Supporting Regional Economic Growth

• Greater Richmond Cluster Analysis
  Award: $87,500
  Region: Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico Counties, Richmond City
  The GRP will study and recommend strategies to foster industry clusters in the Richmond area.
• SciTech Innovation District Planning Grant
  Award: $75,000
  Region: Loudoun County, Manassas City
  Aimed at developing an innovation district to support tech companies, stimulate job creation, and attract investments.
• Winchester Airport Advanced Air Mobility Pipeline Study
  Award: $71,000
  Region: Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren Counties, Winchester City
  The study will map out a strategy for the advanced air mobility industry by identifying optimal sites and workforce development needs.
• Career Pathway Development Initiatives for the Lynchburg Region
  Award: $40,500
  Region: Amherst, Bedford, Campbell Counties, Lynchburg City
  The LRBA will conduct a skills gap analysis for manufacturing roles and engage employers and school leaders to address workforce needs.
• UAS BVLOS Key Site Initiative
  Award: $35,392
  Region: Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach Cities
  The study will identify the best location for unmanned systems training and industry partner collaboration.
• ASD Agricultural Campus Site Planning
  Award: $25,000
  Region: Carroll, Lee, Tazewell, Washington Counties, Bristol City
  Appalachian Sustainable Development will enhance their capacity to provide agricultural training and resources for small-scale farmers.
• Amelia County Regional Commerce Center Planning Grant
  Award: $21,000
  Region: Buckingham, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward Counties
  A study will be conducted to determine the types of businesses that can be supported by a new 134-acre site acquired by Amelia County.

Supporting Workforce Development and Economic Progress

The GO Virginia awards showcase the state’s commitment to fostering collaboration, building workforce pipelines, and ensuring that local communities have access to economic development opportunities. By prioritizing educational partnerships, career pathways, and site development, Virginia is positioning itself for a future of sustained growth and job creation across a wide array of industry sectors.