Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the allocation of $6.2 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support 10 projects aimed at boosting economic competitiveness, workforce development, and strategic industry growth across the state. These initiatives are expected to leverage an additional $4 million in investment.
“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn 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.”
The selected projects focus on areas such as aviation maintenance training, expansion of industrial trades education, talent pathways in emerging technology sectors, regional innovation ecosystems, and long-term strategic planning for industry opportunities. Partnerships with local school divisions, community colleges, and research universities play a significant role in aligning educational programs with current industry needs.
Emily O’Quinn, Chair of the GO Virginia State Board, commented on the collaborative nature of these efforts: “Across the Commonwealth, we see alignment in support of stronger talent pipelines, commercialization activity, and the development of competitive sites. This kind of regional collaboration is the key to new jobs and more economic opportunities.”
Since 2022, GO Virginia has contributed to creating 1,100 new businesses and expanding another 1,100 businesses statewide. The program has generated approximately 25,000 jobs across 131 localities by supporting innovation-driven projects. Over this period it has awarded $72 million in state funding while attracting $61 million from non-state sources. These investments have also helped retain about 12,500 jobs and launch over 125 new training programs that have reached around 45,000 Virginians.
Among the newly funded projects are:
– Expansion of industrial skills trades training through Danville Community College and Southside Virginia Community College.
– Extension of VCU’s Small Business Opportunity Center into multiple regions via partnerships with universities.
– Establishment of Career Connection Labs introducing middle school students to high-demand technical skills.
– Creation of a workforce training center focused on modular construction and advanced manufacturing led by Appalachian Highlands Housing Partnership.
– Support for startup ecosystems through technical assistance hubs like Project RISE.
– Development plans for innovation corridors such as Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor Vision 2050.
Additional planning grants will support site inventories for future industrial development and studies on robotics education feasibility.
For more information about GO Virginia’s ongoing initiatives or impact across the state visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.
