Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the allocation of $2.8 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support 10 projects aimed at enhancing regional economies, expanding workforce training, and preparing sites for future business investment across the state. These projects will also leverage an additional $1.2 million from local and non-state sources.
The grants target sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, information technology, emerging technologies, and aquaculture. According to Governor Youngkin, “GO Virginia continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for regional innovation and collaboration. These projects reflect our shared commitment to building a highly skilled workforce, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth through strategic, forward-looking investments.”
A key focus of this round of funding is workforce development in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, robotics, and welding. The initiatives are designed to provide Virginians with certifications and skills needed by employers.
Support for entrepreneurship is also included through expanded incubator resources and new pathways for founders to access capital. The GO Virginia State Board approved further investments aimed at increasing regional competitiveness by identifying potential business-ready sites and exploring ways to expand the aquaculture industry.
“These investments are a testament to the power of regional collaboration to create meaningful opportunity,” said Emily O’Quinn, chair of the GO Virginia State Board. “By advancing innovation, aligning workforce training with industry needs, and identifying sites for future investment, we are strengthening regional economies and building resilience across Virginia.”
At its September 9th meeting, Emily O’Quinn was elected chair of the board. Jim Cheng was named vice chair with responsibility for program evaluation; John King was appointed vice chair responsible for ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
Since its launch in 2017, GO Virginia has worked across 131 localities in the state and contributed to creating more than 1,300 businesses and 24,000 jobs through its focus on innovation and industry growth.
Projects receiving implementation grants include:
– The Hampton Roads Advanced Manufacturing Modernization with Emerging Robotics (HAMMER) Program ($669,783), which expands access to collaborative robotic welding technology.
– Empowering Founders Through Every Stage ($1,473,710), providing stage-specific incubator programs in Henrico County and Richmond.
– Say Yes to LYH Region ($99,999), developing a talent attraction portal focused on manufacturing in Lynchburg.
– Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment Program ($38,227), offering IT certifications in Rockbridge County.
– Rockbridge Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development ($131,128), expanding manufacturing training in Rockbridge County.
Planning grants were awarded for site advancement strategies in New River Valley ($94,400), energy-intensive industry site preparation in Virginia’s Gateway Region ($100,000), an investment playbook for Hampton Roads ($100,000), a study on Blue Catfish processing opportunities ($99,840), and a healthcare practice management certification pilot program at University of Mary Washington ($78,014).
For more information about GO Virginia’s impact or completed projects visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova or explore their interactive Program Performance Dashboard.
