Governor Youngkin unveils $6.2 million in GO Virginia grants to boost workforce training and economic innovation across the Commonwealth

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a new round of Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) funding, with $6.2 million awarded to 10 regional projects. These initiatives are expected to unlock an additional $4 million in matching investments, directly targeting workforce training, small business expansion, and long-term industry growth.

“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Youngkin. “Virginia is stronger than ever, but we have to keep going. By investing $6.2 million in these projects, we are strengthening Virginia’s workforce, advancing key strategic industries, and keeping Virginia competitive for years to come.”

Investing in Training, Industry, and Regional Growth

From trades education in Southern Virginia to emerging technology pathways in Northern Virginia, the selected projects represent a diverse range of goals with one common thread—equipping Virginians for success in tomorrow’s economy.

The largest of the awards, $1.3 million, will expand industrial skills training across Southern Virginia. The initiative will deliver hands-on programs in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and more through partnerships with Danville and Southside Virginia Community Colleges.

Another $1.2 million will go toward the expansion of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Small Business Opportunity Center, increasing support for entrepreneurs and startups across Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg, and Northern Virginia.

In Region 9, a $1 million grant will fund the first GO TEC Career Connection Labs in Albemarle County, Greene County, and Charlottesville. These middle school labs will expose students to high-demand skills in biotechnology, coding, robotics, welding, and advanced manufacturing.

Planning the Future While Meeting Today’s Needs

GO Virginia is also funding critical planning and pilot efforts to help regions prepare for long-term success. The $250,000 Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor Vision 2050 will lay out a 25-year strategic plan to support key clusters like biotechnology and IT across southern and western Virginia. Meanwhile, smaller awards like the $96,700 Vector Space Robotics feasibility study in Lynchburg will explore expanding robotics training to meet rising industry demand.

Other planning efforts include:

• VersAbility TECH Center in Hampton and Newport News ($100,000) to connect underrepresented workers with in-demand jobs

• Northern Neck Sites Inventory ($100,000) to prioritize industrial and commercial site development

• NOVA TechWorks ($99,993) to reskill tech workers for high-demand roles tied to federal contracting

• VTTI Workforce Pathways ($99,999) for planning EV and autonomous vehicle workforce pipelines

• WISE Initiative ($99,556) to embed AI skills into life sciences education and employer pipelines

Track Record of Economic Impact

GO Virginia’s impact since 2022 has been profound. The program has helped create and expand over 2,200 businesses and generated 25,000 new jobs across 131 localities. Over 125 new programs have trained 45,000 Virginians, with state funding totaling $72 million and matching contributions adding another $61 million.

“Across the Commonwealth, we see alignment in support of stronger talent pipelines, commercialization activity, and the development of competitive sites,” said Emily O’Quinn, Chair of the GO Virginia State Board. “This kind of regional collaboration is the key to new jobs and more economic opportunities.”

To learn more about GO Virginia and its ongoing work to drive economic growth through regional innovation, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.