Transactions of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund, First Quarter of the 2024 Fiscal Year
Summary
Letter dated November 8, 2023 to Glenn Youngkin, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the chairs of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee and House Appropriations Committee, documenting transactions of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund during the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year as required in Item 115, N.6.a. of the 2023 Acts of Assembly Special Session I. The letter states that as of September 30, 2023, a total of $218,900,000 in state general funds had been appropriated, and that the Cardinal Financial System reflected a cash balance of $110,334,249.36. It states that $3,785,355 in projects were funded during the quarter, including $3,595,355 approved by the GO Virginia State Board. The closing block names Bryan Horn, DHCD Director.
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“Transactions of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund, First Quarter of the 2024 Fiscal Year.”
Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2023-rd614-c8c1a68147/
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November 8, 2023
The Honorable Glenn Youngkin
Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Patrick Henry Building
Richmond, VA 23219
The Honorable Janet D. Howell
Chair, Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee
900 East Main Street
Pocahontas Building, Room E509
Richmond, VA 23219
The Honorable Barry D. Knight
Chair, House Appropriations Committee
900 E Main Street
Pocahontas Building, Room W1304
Richmond, VA 23219
Dear Governor Youngkin, Chair Howell and Chairman Knight,
I am writing to provide documentation of the transactions of the Virginia Growth and
Opportunity Fund, which have occurred during the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year as
required in Item 115, N.6.a. of Chapter 1 of the 2023 Acts of Assembly Special Session I or the
budget bill.
As of September 30, 2023, a total of $218,900,000 in state general funds has been appropriated
to the Fund. At that time, the Cardinal Financial System reflected a cash balance of
$110,334,249.36. This includes $4,137,698.38 in earned interest. Funds obligated since the
inception of the Fund total $127,721,606.31 which includes $114,064,774 in project awards.
The total expenditures from the fund through June 30, 2023 was $72,481,238.02. The balance
available for future commitments is $50,956,182.69. This amount includes the $30,000,000
appropriation for FY24 (Item 115, N.1. of the 2023 Special Session 1 Budget Bill).
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development | Partners for Better Communities
Main Street Centre | 600 East Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23219
www.dhcd.virginia.gov | Phone (804) 371-7000 | Fax (804) 371-7090 | Virginia Relay 7-1-1
There were 11 projects funded during the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year totaling
$3,785,355. This includes 3 administratively approved project ($190,000) and 8 projects
approved by the GO Virginia State Board ($3,595,355). A summary of these projects can be
found in the attached document. Also, please find an awards report for all funded projects
since program inception and the unobligated Per Capita balances by region and the unobligated
Statewide Competitive balances.
Sincerely,
Bryan Horn
DHCD Director
Cc The Honorable Caren Merrick
Secretary of Commerce and Trade
Nancy Howell Agee
Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board Chair
Attachments:
FY24Q1 Awarded Project Report
FY24Q1 GOVA Project Awards Full Report
FY24Q1 Unobligated Balances by Region
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development | Partners for Better Communities
Main Street Centre | 600 East Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23219
www.dhcd.virginia.gov | Phone (804) 371-7000 | Fax (804) 371-7090 | Virginia Relay 7-1-1
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To increase the pool of qualified candidates in the Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture/Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Information and
Emerging Technologies clusters. The project will add six new career connection labs, one in each participating locality. These labs will be
United Way of Southwest Virginia GO United Way of Southwest
1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $600,055 $366,845 constructed in nine individual career pathway modules all utilizing the GO TEC career connection labs framework: 1) Agriculture – Biotechnology
TEC Expansion Virginia
Agriculture and Food Production, 2) Automation & Robotics, 3) Electrical Engineering, 4) Information Technology, Coding, and Cybersecurity, 5)
Metrology, 6) Precision Machining, and 8) Mechanical Engineering.
To address the education gap in high school CTE educational programs. This project is a planning process to conduct a needs assessment,
complete a feasibility study, and provide an action plan for implementation of virtual reality curriculum in high school career and technical
Virtual Reality for Training and Career Mount Rogers Regional education programs in partnership with GO TEC. The needs assessment will analyze the necessity to engage students at the beginning of their
1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 7/21/2023 $50,000 $25,000
Exploration Partnership high school careers where CTE opportunities are limited. The feasibility study will evaluate if virtual reality is the appropriate learning tool for
high school students and if the program is sustainable. The action plan will provide implementation steps to continue the career pathways for
students from middle school to high school and beyond to credentialing, higher education institutions, and careers.
To create jobs expand businesses, serve businesses, engage entrepreneurs and mentors, and increase the number of fund investments by scaling
the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP) through pre and post accelerator activities and updating data in the Region 2
2 Strengthening Entrepreneurs' Impact Verge Alliance Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/12/2023 $577,800 $288,900 Innovation Ecosystem report. The project will support companies in the technology and biotechnology sectors grow and scale through the
following activities: 1) Launching OnRAMP, a pre-accelerator program to improve barriers to entry for early-stage startup companies, 2)
Enhancing Exit RAMP program, and 3) Enhance I&E report by collecting data on early-stage startups.
To define talent pathways for Region 2’s Life Sciences & Biotechnology and Transportation, Manufacturing, & Autonomy targeted industries. This
Virginia Tech Center for
project will utilize a model by which Virginia Tech CECE will contract with a diverse group of implementation partners to convene industry
2 Talent Pathways Initiative Economic and Community Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $250,000 $125,029
coalitions, complete quantitative and qualitative situational analysis, complete gap analysis, develop an inventory of in need and existing skills
Engagement
and training opportunities, develop an asset map, and identify strategies and supporting highest-impact pathway projects for the future.
To have a skill-ready and health-ready workforce that advances Southern Virginia’s economy. The Region 3 Council selected the Southern Virginia
Southern Virginia
TPI Planning 2023: SoVa Partnership for Partnership for Health Science Careers (SOVAPHSC) to serve as the Talent Pathways Planning Initiative industry cluster talent coordinating entity.
3 Partnership for Health Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $133,000 $67,500
Health Science Careers This proposal recognizes the competitive disadvantage faced by Southern Virginia when recruiting and retaining traded sector business
Science Careers
investment because of their low healthcare outcomes, diminishing access to healthcare providers, and the availability of healthcare workers.
To provide ready access to capital for innovators and entrepreneurs through targeted resource navigation, technical assistance, and outreach
and storytelling. The RISE Build-to-Scale Initiative is the next phase of the SOVA RISE Collaboration, which began with the Region 3’s
SOVA Innovation Hub
3 RISE Build-To-Scale Initiative Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/12/2023 $600,000 $350,000 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Strategy in 2019. This proposal will scaleup and expand the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Region 3 and will
Corporation
include the following activities over the next two years: 1) Launch the RISE Community Navigator Program, 2) Expand the RISE Entrepreneurship
Training Pipeline, and 3) Extend Outreach and Storytelling.
To create a talent pipeline of students who choose to focus on careers in life sciences. The project will prepare and conduct a pilot introducing
students to the life science field. This will include classroom and laboratory study, along with networking with networking opportunities and a
5 Life Science Virginia LifeNet Health Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 8/22/2023 $40,000 $22,885
focus on development of soft skills. Henrico County Public Schools and Virginia Beach Public Schools have each agreed to partner with the project
by hosting a pilot for a semester.
To ensure the aviation industry can meet the region’s demands. : In partnership with the Norfolk Airport Authority, Peninsula Airport
Hampton Roads Regional Aviation, Commission, and the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy, the Hampton Roads Alliance will conduct an assessment to help position
5 Hampton Roads Alliance Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 7/11/2023 $100,000 $50,000
Aerospace, and Unmanned Systems Region 5’s aviation, aerospace, unmanned systems industry. This study will assess current conditions for the region’s aviation industry, project
future demands, and provide recommendations on how the the region can meet these demands.
To develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem strategy to define and implement recommendations to further grow the Region 6 ecosystem. The
Rivers Region
Region 6 Regional Entrepreneurship project aims to build capacity for the Rivers Region Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Council by hiring an executive director to carry out the duties of
6 Entrepreneurial Ecoystem Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/12/2023 $300,000 $150,000
Initiative (REI) the organization, engage with stakeholders, create recommendations and priorities, and create an REI Strategy and Report and Actional
Council
Strategies Plan documents.
To define talent pathways for Region 7’s targeted industries of Computer Software, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies . The Region 7
Center for Regional Council selected the Arlington-based nonprofit Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC), working in collaboration with the George
7 Region 7 Talent Pathways Initiative Economic Competitiveness Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $250,000 $125,000 Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, to serve as the Talent Pathways Planning Initiative Industry cluster talent coordinating entity.
(CREC) CREC will work with Region 7 council leadership to identify a Research Advisory Group consisting of businesses, local stakeholder groups, and
subject matter experts from educational institutions to guide the project.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To increase the pool of qualified candidates in the Transportation and Logistics and Light Manufacturing industry clusters. The project will add
GO2 Work in Manufacturing and Shenanadoah Valley Center new career education and technical programs for Industrial Maintenance and Aviation Technology and will address critical needs to upgrade
8 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $884,500 $442,250
Transportation in the Valley for Advanced Learning equipment to modern standards and technologies for training high school and adult apprenticeship students in Precision Machining, Welding,
Auto, and Diesel Technology.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To expand the Ignite Program throughout the Region One footprint to collaboratively align school curriculums with local employer needs.
United Way of Southwest UWSWVA will engage key industry associations in targeted industries and build a web‐based platform of activities to assess student skills and
1 Ignite Internships Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/10/2018 $250,000 $618,482
Virginia interests and match those students with available work-based learning opportunities in these industries. UWSWVA expects to place 120 interns
with at least 40 companies as part of this project.
Southwest Virginia To complete initial work on the HubLink platform, an online jobs platform where job-seekers will be able to access job and training opportunities
1 SWVTC Hub Link Technology Council Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 8/14/2018 $27,547 $27,637 in the technology industry. SWVTC will engage stakeholders and job seekers, and inventory all technology training programs offered in the
(SWVTC) region.
To conduct a market study, initial environmental impact analysis, and cost projections for the development of a graphene economy in Southwest
1 Coal-to-Graphene Study Virginia Tech Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/11/2018 $25,000 $25,000 Virginia. Virginia Tech’s Institute of Critical Technology and Applied Science has developed a method of manufacturing graphene from coal at a
significantly reduced cost from what is currently available.
To expand unmanned systems coursework with two new capstone courses on smart farming and the use of technology to improve farming
Mountain Empire techniques, increase yields, and maximize agriculture profits. MEEC will offers students the ability to earn national credentials for FAA drone
1 Smart Farming Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/12/2019 $310,372 $380,500
Community College (MECC) operations, agricultural inspections, and pesticide spraying at the new Center for Workforce & Innovation of Appalachia (CWIA), and additional
courses will allow MECC to offer the first Unmanned Aerial Systems Associate Degree (AAS) in Virginia.
To create a coordinator position to further the mission of the Regional Industrial Facility Authority, which serves the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise,
LENOWISCO Planning Site Development and
1 Lonesome Pine RIFA Coordinator Regional Per Capita 6/24/2019 $50,000 $50,000 and Dickenson and the City of Norton. The coordinator will formalize the RIFA organization structure, continue and expand the conversations
District Commission Infrastructure
regarding tax revenue sharing, coordinate with other RIFAs as appropriate, and coordinate funding opportunities in the region.
To lead a collaborative planning initiative and in-depth market study that will identify specific pathways for large-scale solar-related investment
1 Solar Playbook for SWVA Appalachian Voices Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/24/2019 $70,947 $70,947
on mined lands and high-paying employment opportunities in Southwest Virginia.
LENOWISCO PDC will work with InvestSWVA, Coalfield Strategies LLC, Virginia’s Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME), and the
LENOWISCO Planning Site Development and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to locate suitable sites within the region to attract data centers. This study will result in: 1)
1 Project Oasis Regional Per Capita 9/10/2019 $50,000 $50,000
District Commission Infrastructure the development of tools that prioritize power and fiber network availability and the potential of mine pool water reclamation, 2) a preliminary
engineering feasibility and design, 3) a market analysis, 4) tenant research, and 5) a concept design for possible data center sites.
Opportunity SWVA along with UVA Wise will collaborate to develop the Launch SWVA Region 1 Strategy for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
1 Region 1 REI Coordinating Entity Opportunity SWVA Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/9/2019 $80,000 $40,000 Investment. This Innovation Investment plan will build upon the TEConomy report and develop an action plan to implement recommendations
for Region 1.
LENOWISCO Planning Site Development and
1 Project Energizer Regional Per Capita 4/17/2020 $50,000 $50,000 To help lay the groundwork to determine the best sites for small-scale, modular pumped-storage hydropower technology in Southwest Virginia.
District Commission Infrastructure
To establish the Southwest Virginia Energy Park to host companies interested in studying, perfecting, and commercializing energy technology
LENOWISCO Planning Site Development and ideas. LENWISCO PDC will procure two separate consultant teams to 1) vet over 100,000 acres of reclaimed surface mined properties plus
1 Project Innovation Regional Per Capita 4/17/2020 $100,000 $150,000
District Commission Infrastructure adjacent underground mines, and 2) determine the Park’s governance model, assist with designing the Park, and develop a plan for start‐up and
long-term sustainability.
A project manager position will be created to lead and coordinate business-development opportunities for ag sector in an effort to implement
SWVA Regional Agribusiness Virginia Tech Cooperative
1 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/17/2020 $100,000 $100,000 the recently completed Agricultural Action Plan, advance the core strategies in that plan and other related plans and specifically support work
Opportunities Extension
that grows the beef cattle, small grain, and craft beverage industries, among others.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To support small farmers impacted by COVID-19 by introducing a platform to facilitate wholesale logistics at the Appalachian Harvest Food Hub,
Farmer Pipeline: Maintaining the Supply Appalachian Sustainable
1 Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/16/2020 $99,996 $51,076 launch a training platform, introduce farmer efficiency technology to streamline production processes, deploy an online marketplace to serve
Chain by Growing Farmers Development
institutional buyers and direct-to-consumer sales and implement supporting project management software.
To augment Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance’s (VIAA) business retention and expansion efforts by providing capital resources for
Virginia's Industrial
1 Perseverance Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/16/2020 $100,000 $52,500 services to companies to address the negative impacts of COVID‐19 on Region 1’s manufacturing sector. VIAA would provide vital business
Advancement Alliance
/operation and evaluation/diagnostic services to assist key sectors companies in recovery, transition, and process improvement.
To expand the capabilities of existing suppliers to develop sustainable ongoing revenues in the areas of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
Retooling Manufacturers for Strategic other medical equipment and supplies to address critical shortages. The project also seeks to provide more secure domestic supply chains for
1 GENEDGE Statewide ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/23/2020 $2,950,000 $1,475,000
Industries these products. This will include further development of a Virginia-based supply network and build a planned capacity and response to potential
recurrence of the COVID-19 virus.
Lonesome Pine RIFA Project LENOWISCO Planning Site Development and To develop and repurpose a former 188-acre mine site in the City of Norton. The site will provide four site-ready pad locations to include
1 Regional Per Capita 9/22/2020 $485,000 $1,417,400
Intersection District Commission Infrastructure associated instrastructure, site-work, access roads and amenities. The project will allow the site to be recertified from Tier II to Tier III.
To develop a talent pipeline that increases the number of graduates from high school, community college, and college ready to work in
United Way of Southwest information technology jobs in the region to meet the forecasted 10-year demand for IT workers in Region 1 of 1,386 new workers. This phase of
1 Ignite Tech Talent Pipeline Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $251,960 $251,960
Virginia the project will be a one year discovery phase that will include assessing capacity of schools to create pathways to careers, student interest in IT
careers, baseline current employer activities and demand for specific skills, certifications and degrees for entry-level positions.
William King Museum of Art - Digital William Kind Museum of To develop a Digital Art Laboratory to provide a novel approach to digital design training. Students will have access to learn on the most current
1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $70,910 $75,735
Workforce Development Art designer software and 3-D prototyping equipment available, making their skills more valuable to companies.
Site Development and To provide natural gas to the 273 acre Wildwood Commerce Park in Carroll County that will allow BRCEDA to competitively market the property
1 Wildwood Natural Gas Extension Blue Ridge Crossroads EDA Regional Per Capita 12/7/2020 $527,600 $320,684
Infrastructure for manufacturing and distribution centers.
To create jobs in GO Virginia Region One in the energy storage and electrification manufacturing field while attracting investments and expand
Energy Storage & Electrification
1 Appalachian Voices Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 3/16/2021 $486,366 $245,000 the local tax base. The project will consist of a three-phased approach including targeted technical analysis, outreach and planning, and
Manufacturing Jobs
implementation to assist four companies in the region, as well as attract new companies to the region.
To develop a business retention and recruitment tool for economic developers to promote telework employment strategies in the Lonesome
1 Project Fuse Lonesome Pine RIFA Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/21/2021 $70,000 $35,000
Pine RIFA territory.
To build farmer capacity, create market confidence in the region’s ability to meet quality specifications, create product diversity, and take the
1 Project Thoroughbred InvestSWVA Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/21/2021 $100,000 $100,000 first step toward creating jobs for graduates of Mountain Empire Community College’s grain management program currently under
development.
To complete a feasibility study for an Innovation Hub for Agriculture Initiatives to support on-going ag-related entrepreneurship education
GROW(TH): The Business of Agriculture through a set of distinct, custom programs that will drive workforce growth in the sector and create a culture of opportunity in an economic
1 Emory & Henry College Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 4/21/2021 $52,950 $26,500
in SWVA ecosystem that fosters innovation in agriculture through a partnership between higher education and businesses, community organizations, and
municipalities.
Appalachian Council for To provide access to information and resources along with knowledge of Business Continuity/Resiliency and its importance in business survival
1 ACI Business Continuity and Resiliency Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/8/2021 $68,500 $34,500
Innovation during times of crisis.
To transform an additional 1% of the Southwest Virginia population into entrepreneurs by 2027, and ensure these entrepreneurs have access to
1 SWVA Startup Program UVA-Wise Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/15/2021 $290,850 $145,425
a robust ecosystem, including support for potential scale-up businesses.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To perform a market analysis relative to the opportunity for Region 1’s manufacturers to participate in the onshore and offshore wind supply
1 Project Veer InvestSWVA Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 10/15/2021 $49,750 $24,875
chain.
Mobilizing the Supply Chain with Critical Appalachian Sustainable To create critical infrastructure in the food supply chain to address some unmet needs in the region. This critical infrastructure includes several
1 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 12/15/2021 $212,200 $106,624
Infrastructure Development elements such as outfitting building space at Appalachian Harvest Food Hub with the equipment and space necessary to process produce.
To provide water and sewer line extensions to Pathway Park in Smyth County, site work for a proposed spec building, and the formation of a RIFA
Site Development and
1 Pathway Park Infrastructure Smyth County EDA Regional Per Capita 12/15/2021 $600,000 $300,000 between Smyth and Bland Counties (and possibly other localities) that will allow the RIFA to competitively market the property for manufacturing
Infrastructure
and distribution centers.
To connect manufacturers to students participating in sector relevant education and training programs that will ultimately lead to employment in
the manufacturing sector. MRRP will provide staffing and resources to launch a pilot program focused on retaining and attracting talent within
Mount Rogers Regional
1 Make It Here Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/19/2022 $90,000 $45,000 the region. GO Virginia funds will be used for staff and planning capacity. The Talent Solution Team will be responsible for developing a long-term
Partnership
plan to address talent retention and focused training needs. This project is designed to inform a future implementation project that will carry out
the initiatives identified in the plan.
Carroll County Public To pilot GO TEC Career Connections labs at Carroll County Middle School, Grayson County Middle School, and one middle school at Wythe County
1 GO TEC Region 1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/21/2022 $308,924 $154,462
Schools Public Schools. These labs will serve as pilot labs for Region 1 and will be implemented in partnerships with GO TEC in Region 3.
To create a welding certification program through a collaboration between MECC, the VA Dept of Corrections Wise Correctional Unit, and
Mountain Empire Community College Mountain Empire
1 Regional ERR Workforce Development 4/21/2022 $101,025 $50,730 regional manufacturing employers by leveraging the two agencies' strengths and existing resources to address a demonstrated workforce need
Project WELD Community College (MECC)
for entry- level welders.
United Way of Southwest Virginia -
United Way of Southwest To help manufacturers in the region fill open jobs by increasing the labor force participation rate through the development of a pilot program to
1 Employee Sponsored Healthcare Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/14/2022 $269,406 $134,703
Virginia expand the capacity of the child care industry and address costs through the development of an employer-sponsored benefit program.
Benefit, 2022
To issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to expedite the selection for independent subject matter experts (SMEs) to examine the feasibility of
developing multiple Small Modular Reactor (SMR) site locations within the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (LPRIFA)
LENOWISCO Planning Site Development and geographic footprint. The LENOWISCO PDC seeks to recruit the siting and development of SMRs within the LPRIFA geographic footprint. SMRs
1 SMR Site Feasibility Regional Per Capita 10/13/2022 $100,000 $50,000
District Commission Infrastructure have capital-intensive investments from developer(s) with projected long-term life cycles in excess of 40 years. SMRs are new, cutting-edge
licensed technologies that are small nuclear power plants of up to 300 MW. These SMR plants are capable of generating electricity on a 24-7
basis and are reliable zero carbon generators.
To prepare the SWVA economy for future investments in a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) energy focused ecosystem. The LENOWISCO Planning
District Commission, in partnership with Lonesome Pine RIFA, will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) designed to procure the services of a
LENOWISCO Planning
1 SMR Supply Chain Analysis Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 1/24/2023 $50,000 $25,000 Subject Matter Expert (SME) that will prepare a Regional SMR Manufacturing Supply Chain Report. This report will be utilized to identify existing
District Commission
businesses for retooling and to recruit new businesses which will provide the baseline for manufacturing jobs needed to support the SMR supply
chain.
To increase the pool of qualified candidates in the Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture/Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Information and
Emerging Technologies clusters. The project will add six new career connection labs, one in each participating locality. These labs will be
United Way of Southwest Virginia GO United Way of Southwest
1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $600,055 $366,845 constructed in nine individual career pathway modules all utilizing the GO TEC career connection labs framework: 1) Agriculture – Biotechnology
TEC Expansion Virginia
Agriculture and Food Production, 2) Automation & Robotics, 3) Electrical Engineering, 4) Information Technology, Coding, and Cybersecurity, 5)
Metrology, 6) Precision Machining, and 8) Mechanical Engineering.
To address the education gap in high school CTE educational programs. This project is a planning process to conduct a needs assessment,
complete a feasibility study, and provide an action plan for implementation of virtual reality curriculum in high school career and technical
Virtual Reality for Training and Career Mount Rogers Regional education programs in partnership with GO TEC. The needs assessment will analyze the necessity to engage students at the beginning of their
1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 7/21/2023 $50,000 $25,000
Exploration Partnership high school careers where CTE opportunities are limited. The feasibility study will evaluate if virtual reality is the appropriate learning tool for
high school students and if the program is sustainable. The action plan will provide implementation steps to continue the career pathways for
students from middle school to high school and beyond to credentialing, higher education institutions, and careers.
Roanoke-Blacksburg
To conduct a two-year strategic planning process to assess weaknesses in the current capital landscape that inhibit entrepreneurship and the
Innovation Network (RBIN)
2 Capital Ecosystem Development Plan Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 2/13/2018 $77,207 $128,832 commercialization of regional research. VIC will use this information to establish a capital pathways plan to cultivate sources of startup capital for
dba Valleys Innovation
high-growth companies, complete with proposals for new and expanding programming and capital resources for the region.
Council (VIC)
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Central Virginia Workforce To address the skills and interest gaps in middle- and high-skill occupations in manufacturing, healthcare and information technology. Region
2 Region 2 Talent Collaborative Development Board Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/13/2018 $300,000 $630,072 2000 will conduct a campaign to increase awareness and interest in these industries, and create an existing worker-training program to upskill
(Previously Region 2000) employees into higher-skilled vacant jobs.
To create a talent attraction and retention plan to reduce outmigration of recent graduates from the region’s 25 colleges and universities. GO
Roanoke Regional
2 Stopping the Brain Drain Study Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/13/2018 $65,300 $65,800 Virginia funds will be used to identify the region’s challenges through surveys, focus groups and interviews to produce an action plan for
Partnership
recruiting and retaining talent.
Western Virginia Regional To improve the site readiness and marketability of an industrial site near the intersection of Routes 81 and 581 that will accommodate a 52-acre
Site Development and
2 Wood Haven Water & Sewer Industrial Facility Authority Regional Per Capita 2/13/2018 $200,000 $760,000 pad and a 20-acre pad. GO Virginia funding will be used to complete the necessary water and sewer utility extensions and connections to prepare
Infrastructure
(WVRIFA) the site for development.
To design, construct, and equip the CERE Industry Labs at the former Center for Advanced Engineering & Research (CAER) facility in Bedford
2 CERE Industry Labs: Phase I Liberty University Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/10/2018 $300,000 $1,586,100 County to offer regional companies and institutions of higher education the facilities necessary to promote research and development, as well as
to foster the attraction and retention of the scientific and engineering workforce.
To expand the reach of the Regional Acceleration and Mentorship Program (RAMP) in downtown Roanoke, which offers technology-based
Roanoke-Blacksburg
2 RAMP Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 4/10/2018 $245,000 $245,000 startups access to classroom education, mentoring and assistance in identifying capital. GO Virginia funds will be used to expand into services for
Technology Council
a second cohort.
To implement a new drone technology training program to capitalize on the Alleghany Highlands Drone Zone Initiative surrounding the
Enhancing the Region through New Dabney S. Lancaster development of an unmanned systems facility in the region. This new program will establish a career pathway beginning with project‐based
2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/10/2018 $76,000 $257,000
Technology for Unmanned Systems Community College learning opportunities for high school students and extending to two- or four-year degree attainment through partnerships with other higher-
education institutions.
To develop the Additive Manufacturing Partnership Lab (AMPL) at the newly-established CERE facility in Bedford County. Liberty will utilize AMPL
2 CERE Industry Labs: AMPL Phase II Liberty University Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/11/2018 $274,980 $630,000 to train students and manufacturing employees in the region on the newest technology-based processes, such as 3D printing and robotics, which
are diving manufacturing industry growth.
To expand on what was previously awarded in Region 1 for $250,000 to include the creation of a web-based platform to deliver activities that will
United Way of Southwest
2 Ignite Internship Expansion Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/12/2019 $99,406 $102,886 encourage post-secondary education and streamline workforce credentialing, provide work-based learning opportunities, and match new
Virginia
graduates with local employers. UWSWVA will expand these efforts into Giles and Pulaski Counties and the City of Radford.
The Mill received a second year of seed funding for $180,000 to continue to support the birth rate of new high growth companies. Innovation Mill
Increasing the Birth Rate of New High The Advancement (The Mill) offers programs and services for startup entrepreneurs in the proof of concept stage and supports the birth rate of new high growth
2 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 3/12/2019 $150,000 $315,000
Growth Companies (Phase 1) Foundation companies in the region. The Advancement Foundation, a non-profit that strategically leverages community resources to increase business
growth, the creation of high-quality jobs, community engagement, talent retention and economic growth within the region, powers the Mill.
To advance a portfolio of six existing commercial/industrial sites along the site readiness scale and determine next steps for moving all sites to at
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Lynchburg Regional Site Development and
2 Regional Per Capita 6/24/2019 $81,300 $81,301 least Tier 3 according to the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP), with seven localities participating. GO Virginia funds will be used for
Due Diligence Study Business Alliance Infrastructure
consultant services to complete the required due diligence phase necessary to advance these sites.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Regional Career and Technical Western Virginia Workforce To evaluate the region’s current Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives and programs. The project will facilitate initial evaluation of the
2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/24/2019 $45,000 $45,535
Education Study Development Board current needs, demand, and capacity and make recommendations to better serve the region.
Virginia Tech will develop and implement the Blockchain Ecosystem Catalyst (BEC) program through four areas: 1) academic programming, 2)
professional development, 3) developing industry relationships, and 4) launching an online resource portal for blockchain startups and
2 Blockchain Ecosystem Catalyst Virginia Tech Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/10/2019 $246,800 $250,000 professionals. The BEC program will support talent development by creating and supporting new curricula for regional higher education and mid-
career professionals that bolster and widen existing IT pipelines around blockchain/distributed ledger systems. The program is also designed to
encourage entrepreneurship and commercialization of blockchain-related technologies.
Virginia Tech will be creating regional hubs to help connect local employers, students, Virginia Tech faculty, and economic development
professionals. This program will 1) create a pipeline of talent from Virginia Tech to employers in the region’s identified priority clusters through
2 Developing a Destination for Talent Virginia Tech Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/10/2019 $300,000 $473,000
an internship program, and 2) facilitate opportunities for Virginia Tech faculty to collaborate with employers and interns on specific tech transfer
projects.
To create a redevelopment master plan for the former 350-acre Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC) site, located in Amherst County. The
Lynchburg Regional Site Development and master plan efforts will include data collection and analysis, public engagement, workshops, infrastructure analysis, and market assessment to
2 CVTC Redevelopment Plan Regional Per Capita 12/9/2019 $100,000 $250,000
Business Alliance Infrastructure submit to the Amherst Board of Supervisors to be considered for inclusion in the County’s comprehensive plan and approval of an overlay‐zoning
district.
Will coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders throughout Region 2 to develop the Region 2 Innovation and Entrepreneurial Investment Plan.
2 Region 2 Entrepreneurship Initiative Valleys Innovation Council Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/9/2019 $299,995 $150,004
Virginia Innovation Council (VIC) will map the regional ecosystem assets and develop strategies to attract entrepreneurship resources.
Classrooms to Careers will connect teachers and students to local Information Technology (IT) businesses, raising students’ awareness of IT
Montgomery County Public
2 Classrooms to Careers Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/17/2020 $180,000 $231,700 career opportunities in the New River Valley (NRV) and preparing them for the further education and training needed to pursue those
Schools
opportunities successfully.
The Mill is requesting our second year of seed funding in the amount of $180,000 to continue to support the birth rate of new high growth
companies. Innovation Mill (The Mill) offers programs and services for startup entrepreneurs in the proof of concept stage and supports the birth
Increasing the Birth Rate of New High The Advancement
2 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 4/17/2020 $180,000 $180,000 rate of new high growth companies in our region. The Mill is powered by The Advancement Foundation, a non-profit that strategically leverages
Growth Companies (Phase 2) Foundation
community resources to increase business growth, resulting in quality jobs, community engagement, talent retention and economic growth
within our region.
To support an initial 90-day start-up phase for 2 testing sites located in Blacksburg and Roanoke to help large numbers of people receive timely
Virginia Tech Office of Vice COVID-19 test results. A task force from Virginia Tech has been assembled to work on various aspects of the project. To date, the team has
Rapid High-Throughput COVID-19
2 President for Health Regional ERR Workforce Development 4/21/2020 $100,000 $50,000 developed and finalized validation for COVID-19 testing and stood up two Fralin laboratory facilities. GO Virginia funds will be used to support the
Testing
Sciences and Technology salaries of the newly hired Medical Laboratory Specialists (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT), and student interns at both sites to help
scale-up the operation and purchase testing supplies needed for sample analysis.
To help the region sustain the momentum of accelerating growth businesses that generate high-wage jobs, extend the benefits of the Program to
Blacksburg Roanoke
2 Pivot and RAMP Up Regional ERR Startup Ecosystem 5/6/2020 $97,200 $49,000 more companies throughout the region by offering education, mentoring and business assistance programming virtually and by providing
Technology Council
continuing services to accelerator graduates.
New River Valley Business Continuity New River Valley Regional
2 Regional ERR Workforce Development 5/22/2020 $100,000 $50,000 To provide local employers 24/7 technical assistance to offer certification of best practices to safely reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Team (phase 1) Commission
Roanoke Regional To rapidly engage regional companies in the targeted sectors to assist them with immediate and long-term recovery and build future resilience in
2 Roanoke Regional Recovery Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 5/22/2020 $100,000 $50,000
Partnership response to COVID-19.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Virginia Tech Office of Vice
Workforce Training for Coronavirus To increase capacity at the two newly stood up Fralin laboratories in Blacksburg and Roanoke to allow for COVID-19 testing over a one-year
2 President for Health Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/23/2020 $500,000 $250,000
Testing in Southwest Virginia period and develop an internship pipeline for full time positions.
Sciences and Technology
Virginia Tech, Institute for
To develop a Public Health Readiness (PHRE) mobile application designed to help smaller organizations quickly assess and optimize their
2 PHRE Mobile App Critical Technology and Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 7/30/2020 $63,500 $42,610
readiness to operate with minimal risk to workers, customers/patrons, and surrounding communities.
Applied Science
Lynchburg Regional Site Development and To advanced two sites; one in the Amherst County and one in the Town of Amherst along the Virginia Business Readiness Scale. Due diligence
2 Amherst LYH Site Readiness Regional Per Capita 9/22/2020 $366,572 $183,286
Business Alliance Infrastructure and grading will advance 151 acres to a Tier IV and 76 acres to a Tier V.
Experiential Learning in Tech Roanoke-Blacksburg To provide internship opportunities to for students earning a software developer degree at a regional 4-year university and connect them with
2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $290,000 $145,000
Employment (ELITE) Internship Program Technology Council small-based technology companies that do not have the expertise or capacity to manage an internship program.
To provide employers impacted by COVID-19 with 24/7 technical assistance from the Business Continuity Team (BCT) related to public relations
and messaging, facility cleaning, and certification of best practices and coordination of on-site testing. This is a follow up request from the
New River Valley Business Continuity New River Valley Regional
2 Regional ERR Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $250,000 $125,000 $100,000 Go Virginia Economic Resilience and Recovery (ERR) Fast-Access funds NRVRC was recently awarded to conduct a 6-month startup-
Team (Phase 2) Commission
phase. The BCT services will be marketed by the program manager to existing employers the Chamber of Commerce, Onward NRV, and other
regional partners, working with the BCT Public Health Director, who will coordinate with impacted businesses and the New River Health District.
CVCC has identified 26 existing programs that will enhance and align under the Academy framework, and will develop 4 additional credential
and/or certificate programs. The CTE Academy programming includes heavy concentration of the Region’s targeted industry sectors of
Central Virginia Community College CTE Central Virginia Community manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and the automated segment of the food and beverage sector. The skills-based training will
2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/7/2020 $266,000 $134,000
Academy College enable students to pursue well defined career pathways to obtain higher paying jobs that are achievable with the stackable credentials and
certifications. Each of the pathways include a dual enrollment option based on existing programs offered to each of the 5 regional public high
school divisions, which includes 10 total high schools.
Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Inc (VTCRC) will assess the demand and projected growth of lab space, creating a working plan to serve
the entire region, and create an initial conceptual design to drive investor and market interest. This effort will design, develop, and operate lab
Region 2 Flexible Laboratory Space
2 Virginia Tech Foundation Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 2/23/2021 $99,360 $55,000 space under VTF’s leadership through the VTCRC infrastructure to support commercial entities as well as young startups in both Roanoke and the
Assessment
New River Valley. VTCRC routinely receives requests for prospects seeking lab space but they currently have a backlog of 9 companies seeking lab
space in various forms. This will also help address keeping the locally grown talent within the region.
Virginia Tech Grado
Helping Local Employers Prepare the
Department of Industrial To address the need for specifically trained talent in Industry 4.0 skills in both the current and future Region 2 workforce and increase
2 Existing and Future Workforce for Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 5/4/2021 $45,360 $30,000
and Systems Engineering competitiveness for Region 2’s manufacturers.
Industry 4.0
(ISE) Learning Factory
To scale the Future Centers model to Amherst County High School and at least another high school located in Region 2000 and the Central
Virginia Community College (CVCC) capture area, and develop a playbook. The Future Centers model looks to increase the number of experiential
2 Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 5/4/2021 $97,740 $131,250
opportunities offered to high school students and increase the number of students who participate in those opportunities by increasing the
percentage of students pursuing on-the-job training, certificates and degrees in those in-demand fields.
To advance the life and health sciences talent pipeline by establishing a new initiative to better: 1) meet the acute and growing need of regional
Building a Regional Health Sciences
2 Freedom First Foundation Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 5/4/2021 $100,000 $106,355 employers for qualified workers, including technicians and others; 2) support the region’s emerging Health and Life Sciences (H&LS) ecosystem
Talent Pipeline
and; 3) make the region stronger as a magnet for attracting established companies in the H&LS sector seeking to expand and relocate.
To bring marquee programming into a dedicated lab facility designed to be flexible and fulfill the needs of smaller emerging startups and existing
2 Project Eagle+ Virginia Tech Foundation Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 12/15/2021 $599,437 $503,687
regional biotech companies.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Regional Talent Strategy Western Virginia Workforce To implement a regional talent strategy in the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands in partnership with the Roanoke Regional Partnership
2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/21/2022 $315,911 $189,354
Implementation Development Board focused on career awareness and career pathways, talent development, talent attraction and retention, and collaboration and leadership.
Workforce and Entrepreneurship To facilitate the implementation of expanded programming and equipment at the Vector Space centered around workforce development and
2 Vector Space Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/14/2022 $324,000 $162,100
Initiatives in a Regional Makerspace entrepreneurship for underserved populations.
To create a platform for computer science (CS) focused entrepreneurship in the New River and Roanoke Valleys focusing on stimulating startups
Virginia Tech Department
2 CS/root Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/13/2022 $175,000 $175,000 in the pre-launch phase. The initiative will focus on the pre-launch phase when technical founders need the expertise of technical advisors to
of Computer Science
move their concept, IP, or ideas from the drawing board to working demonstrations for eventual use in a go-to-market strategy.
To advance an industrial site in an existing airport park from Tier 2 to Tier 3 along the Virginia Business Ready Site Program (VBRSP) scale.The City
Site Development and
2 Airport Commerce Park City of Lynchburg Regional Per Capita 12/13/2022 $190,000 $109,074 of Lynchburg and Campbell County are collaborating to advance 82 acres for future development. This park, which is located on and adjacent to
Infrastructure
the Lynchburg Regional Airport Commission footprint, is 260 acres in size with 82 developable acres.
To expand the pool of qualified welders to meet the unmet needs of manufacturers in the region through the expansion of the Botetourt
Technical Education Center (BTEC) welding program. In partnership with BTEC, Craig County Public Schools, Botetourt County Public Schools, and
BTEC - Expanding Welding Training Botetourt County Economic
2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/13/2022 $166,667 $83,333 Botetourt Education Foundation, Botetourt County EDA is requesting 10 new welding booths to expand the current welding program at BTEC and
Capacity & Jobs in the Roanoke Valley Development Authority
train an additional 45 new welders. The additional capacity will allow the program to increase high school and adult enrollment and double the
hands-on training time capacity at the welding booths.
To train participants and serve businesses in order to scale up the transportation and autonomous vehicles sector through a coalition of industry
Virginia Tech Grado
and educational partners. Through the formation of an Automated-Connected-Electrified (ACE) Coalition of over 150+ public, private, and non-
Industry 4.0 for the Automated- Department of Industrial
2 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 12/13/2022 $500,000 $251,300 profit organizations, the initiative seeks to advance the region’s transportation and autonomous vehicles sector with the following: 1) providing
Connected-Eletrified (ACE) Workforce and Systems Engineering
direct technical assistance and advising to sector companies, 2) creating a Network Navigator position, and 3) enhancing and implementing the
(ISE) Learning Factory
Industry 4.0 Curriculum through a prior Viginia Tech-led GO Virginia Enhanced Capacity Building (ECB) grant.
Through the purchase of a 60,000 square foot former foundry, the Town of Bedford Economic Development Authority seeks to develop a master
plan to determine programming and an operational model for the proposed “Regional Metal Workforce Retention Center”. The facility would be
2 Metal Workforce Training Center Town of Bedford Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 1/27/2023 $99,900 $213,772 ideally suited for metal fabrication including welding, forging, machining, stamping, folding, extruding, etc. This proposal would help develop
public/private business model that encourages corporate industry participation and help address the expansion needs of the Central Virginia
Community College (CVCC) CTE Program.
To increase the number of growth-oriented startups by creating an entrepreneurial center of excellence for the Greater Lynchburg region that
will serve as an anchor and catalyst for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Center seeks to provide new and serial entrepreneurs with
Lynchburg Regional
2 Center of Entrepreneurship Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 3/14/2023 $240,192 $187,035 access to capital and resources to help take their products into the marketplace. This initiative will provide direct assistance to entrepreneurs and
Business Alliance
provide dedicated physical space at LRBA and Liberty University for the targeted startups to include shared workspace, access to meeting rooms,
and space to work with mentors and support services.
To serve as a regional catalyst to create and fill a well-trained, well-supported pipeline of career-seekers who will fill the needs of high-demand
2 Lynchburg Career Acceleration Program Lycnbburg Beacon of Hope Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/14/2023 $540,000 $352,200 traded sector industries in and around the Lynchburg region. The proposal will accelerate the training, mentorship, career development, and
placement of talented opportunity youth and prime-age workers in the region.
To advance an industrial site in an existing corporate park from Tier 4 to a Tier 5 along the Virginia Business Ready Site Program (VBRSP) scale.
Montgomery County and the Town of Christiansburg are collaborating to advance this 35-acre site for future development. This effort will build
Falling Branch Coporate Park Regional Site Development and
2 Montgomery County Regional Per Capita 6/13/2023 $324,000 $4,585,000 on previous work to develop pad sites within the park. The applicant has indicated that a previous Tier 5 lot in an earlier phase of the park was
Site Development Infrastructure
chosen for a Life Science facility with a $100 million investment, and that advancing this site to a Tier 5 would allow for less uncertainty and a
shorter construction timeline. The project will involve grading the site and installing utilities.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To create jobs expand businesses, serve businesses, engage entrepreneurs and mentors, and increase the number of fund investments by scaling
the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP) through pre and post accelerator activities and updating data in the Region 2
2 Strengthening Entrepreneurs' Impact Verge Alliance Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/12/2023 $577,800 $288,900 Innovation Ecosystem report. The project will support companies in the technology and biotechnology sectors grow and scale through the
following activities: 1) Launching OnRAMP, a pre-accelerator program to improve barriers to entry for early-stage startup companies, 2)
Enhancing Exit RAMP program, and 3) Enhance I&E report by collecting data on early-stage startups.
To define talent pathways for Region 2’s Life Sciences & Biotechnology and Transportation, Manufacturing, & Autonomy targeted industries. This
Virginia Tech Center for
project will utilize a model by which Virginia Tech CECE will contract with a diverse group of implementation partners to convene industry
2 Talent Pathways Initiative Economic and Community Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $250,000 $125,029
coalitions, complete quantitative and qualitative situational analysis, complete gap analysis, develop an inventory of in need and existing skills
Engagement
and training opportunities, develop an asset map, and identify strategies and supporting highest-impact pathway projects for the future.
To build the regional Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (Go-TEC) program for careers in IT and advanced
manufacturing. Go-TEC is a partnership between six higher-education centers and the K-12 school systems in their service areas, beginning with
Danville Community
3 GO-TEC (phase 1) Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/13/2018 $648,000 $674,437 Danville and Pittsylvania schools as the pilot sites. Go-TEC will build give students hands-on exposure to in-demand career pathways starting in
College (DCC)
middle school. Areas of focus are precision machining, welding, information technology and cybersecurity, robotics, automation, and
mechatronics, and advanced materials.
To explore the concept of a modern multi-use facility with technology outreach programs in the region, to be known as the Southern Virginia
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Innovation Hub. MBC will establish site plans, as well as an implementation plan with projected outcomes and metrics for benchmarking success,
3 SOVA Innovation Hub Planning Grant Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 10/9/2018 $80,000 $80,000
Communities while validating these plans with partners, stakeholders, businesses, educators and students. The region hopes to secure Microsoft’s continued
investment through the TechSpark program by demonstrating the potential for this facility to become a signature project for the program.
To expand GO-TEC phase 1 to be used for personnel, instructor training, program outreach, equipment and build-out of 4 middle-school career
Danville Community connection labs, and program materials focusing in the areas of precision machining, welding, IT/cybersecurity,
3 GO-TEC (phase 2) Statewide Competitive Workforce Development 3/12/2019 $4,896,528 $4,915,962
College robotics/mechatronics/automation, and advanced materials. This scaled down version of $1,320,787 will be required to be validated before the
remaining $3,575,741 will be released to expand to another 10 middle-school career connection labs.
Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) and Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will collaborate to develop a
Entrepreneurship Innovation & Mid-Atlantic Broadband
3 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/10/2019 $100,000 $50,000 comprehensive strategy and framework for a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem for the region. These two partners will identify and map traded-
Investment Strategy Communities
sector businesses and entrepreneurship resources available within the region to support entrepreneurial ecosystem activities.
Institute of Advanced To increase students’ participation in work‐based learning experiences and maximize participation from employers in listing work‐based learning
3 IALR Common Platform Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/15/2020 $90,140 $121,960
Learning and Research experiences such as job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships and support development of career pathways in strategic sectors
To help with a short-term pilot project to test the efficacy of unmanned system delivery in a small urban environment in order to: 1) develop the
Operation Last-Mile: Critical Drone ability for unmanned system delivery of items (medical equipment/supplies) related to COVID-19 pandemic to locations that could be cut off due
3 Virginia Growth Alliance Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 4/15/2020 $75,000 $75,218
Delivery Testing to quarantine, and 2) to demonstrate that the particular site can be utilized by unmanned systems companies on a more routine basis to help
attract companies to the site.
Southern Virginia Regional
To provide immediate and impactful support to businesses through the multiple recovery periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, bridge supply chain
3 Bridge to Recovery Alliance and Virginia Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/23/2020 $925,000 $478,250
needs of companies with service providers and ultimately, jumpstart the region’s economic rebound.
Growth Alliance
Broadband Middle Mile Expansion for Mid-Atlantic Broadband Site Development and To drive collaborative, cross-regional economic development through the the eventual development of 206 miles of Broadband. This portion of
3 Regional Per Capita 7/15/2020 $100,000 $904,000
Economic Growth Communities Infrastructure the project will include engineering and design of the fiber infrastructure.
SOVA Innovation Hub To launch a two-year process of implementation of programs that align with the Region 3 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Strategy
3 SIH LOCED EII R3 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 3/16/2021 $449,000 $280,000
Corporation and prioritizes three of the EII strategies: Entrepreneurship training; Youth Entrepreneurship; and Capital Access.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Institute of Advanced To lead the ExperienceWorks initiative, a systems apporach that leverages GO Virginia Region 3 investments to connect students and young
3 ExperienceWorks Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/23/2021 $515,628 $523,358
Learning and Research adults to high-skill high-wage employment opportunities through a myriad of work-based learning opportunities.
Strengthening Southern Virginia's
Institute of Advanced Learning Site Development and
3 Economy by Expanding the Inventory of Regional Per Capita 9/23/2021 $1,534,900 $767,450 To increase the number of shovel-ready sites in order to attract companies to invest capital and create jobs in the region.
and Research Infrastructure
Shovel Ready Sites
To develop a strategy and roadmap for supporting industry growth and workforce development for Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) in
Strategy and Roadmap for Growing the Region 3. The strategy and roadmap will include an analysis of this emerging and dynamic agribusiness sector, including industry and economic
Institute of Advanced
3 Controlled Environmental Agriculture Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 11/19/2021 $77,803 $38,543 growth potential, identifying and validating needed facilities and infrastructure, workforce development issues and opportunities, and applied
Learning and Research
(CEA) Sector research assets.
Project SEED - Innovation Hub at Longwood University Real To connect the community to local and regional resources for business and social entrepreneurship development by establishing an Innovation
3 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/15/2021 $674,304 $3,087,154
Midtown Square Estate Foundation Hub in Downtown Farmville.
To create a pipeline of internship and employment opportunities for students of the VCF member institutions in the advanced pharmaceutical
3 Gupton Initiative Virginia College Fund Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/18/2022 $99,200 $59,000 manufacturing cluster in central Virginia and further demonstrate the potential for employment in advanced manufacturing sectors across the
Commonwealth.
VGA Refresh/Restart: A Strategy for
Virginia's Growth Alliance
3 Regional Economic Development Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/4/2022 $100,000 $51,000 To build and strengthen the capacity of the regional economic development organization in the eastern subregion of GO Virginia Region 3.
(VGA)
In Southern Virginia
To extend middle mile open-access fiber optic infrastructure to critical business and industrial parks in Regions 3 and 4 that will increase the
MBC Middle Mile Fiber Expansion Mid-Atlantic Broadband Site Development and
3 Statewide Competitive 3/10/2022 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 marketability, reduce the future infrastructure extension costs, and provide a robust and diverse fiber connection that will enable private sector
Project Communities Infrastructure
telecom carriers to reach these economic development sites.
Through a series of regional discussions, the communities of the CRC footprint desire a strategic set of goals, priorities, focus and support to
Commonwealth Regional Site Development and
3 CRC REDO Strategy and Business Plan Regional Per Capita 8/18/2022 $65,000 $44,500 better reflect changes in the economic development landscape and to launch a Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) in an
Council Infrastructure
effective and sustainable manner through the development of a business plan.
GO TEC Virginia is a partnership between IALR, GO Virginia Regions 1, 3, 4, and 5, three In-Region Coordinating Entities (IRCE), employers,
economic developers, K12 Divisions, and higher education institutions. GO TEC Virginia will be executed by IALR and the three IRCEs, with efforts
Institute of Advanced informed and endorsed by a 16-member multi-region Board of Directors. Through the IRCEs, each region will establish a GO TEC Advisory Board,
3 GO TEC Virginia 2025 Statewide Competitive Workforce Development 12/13/2022 $3,474,821 $2,426,079
Learning and Research composed of 21 members. GO TEC Virginia 2025 includes the development of three GO TEC Training Labs – one each in Region 1, Region 4 and
Region 5 – to serve as a focal point for regional economic developers, working with existing and prospective businesses, to showcase the GO TEC
talent pathways and hands-on technology integration that create a pipeline of skilled workers.
To increase dual enrollment opportunities in welding and expand the pool of qualified workers. As part of the GO TEC pathway and in alignment
Patrick and Henry with the GO TEC 2025 Statewide Competitive project recently approved, P&HCC proposes to offer dual enrollment welding classes for students in
3 P&HCC - Expanding GO TEC Pathways Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/14/2023 $118,545 $129,261
Community College Henry County Public Schools and Martinsville City Public Schools. P&HCC seeks to expand current training opportunities in welding to include high
school dual enrollment opportunities to grow the pipeline of trained welders.
To increase dual enrollment opportunities for high school students and expand the pool of qualified workers in the mechatronics industry. SVCC
Southside Virginia
3 SVCC Expanding GO TEC Pathways Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/14/2023 $139,732 $223,208 plans to increase dual enrollment options in the Mechatronics field for students in Buckingham, Cumberland, and Prince Edward schools. The
Community College
instructor that will be supported by this grant will teach mechatronics classes to students in each high school.
To increase the number of shovel ready sites in GO Virginia Region 3. Virginia’s Growth Alliance Site Development Project will work to elevate
seven sites on the VEDP Virginia Business Ready Sites scale. Among those sites are two sites that will be elevated to Tier 5 via due diligence (I-85
Virginia's Growth Alliance Site Mecklenburg County Site Development and
3 Regional Per Capita 6/14/2023 $335,050 $167,525 Industrial Park and Brunswick County Industrial Park), two sites that will be elevated to Tier 4 via due diligence (Heartland Industrial Park and
Development Project (Virginia's Growth Alliance) Infrastructure
Lunenburg Commerce Center), two sites that will be elevated to Tier 3 via due diligence (K-V Industrial Site and Lunenburg-Victoria Industrial Site)
and one site that will maintain its soon to expire Tier 4 status via updated due diligence (FASTA Site).
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To have a skill‐ready and health‐ready workforce that advances Southern Virginia’s economy. The Region 3 Council selected the Southern Virginia
Southern Virginia
TPI Planning 2023: SoVa Partnership for Partnership for Health Science Careers (SOVAPHSC) to serve as the Talent Pathways Planning Initiative industry cluster talent coordinating entity.
3 Partnership for Health Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $133,000 $67,500
Health Science Careers This proposal recognizes the competitive disadvantage faced by Southern Virginia when recruiting and retaining traded sector business
Science Careers
investment because of their low healthcare outcomes, diminishing access to healthcare providers, and the availability of healthcare workers.
To provide ready access to capital for innovators and entrepreneurs through targeted resource navigation, technical assistance, and outreach
and storytelling. The RISE Build‐to‐Scale Initiative is the next phase of the SOVA RISE Collaboration, which began with the Region 3’s
SOVA Innovation Hub
3 RISE Build-To-Scale Initiative Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/12/2023 $600,000 $350,000 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Strategy in 2019. This proposal will scaleup and expand the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Region 3 and will
Corporation
include the following activities over the next two years: 1) Launch the RISE Community Navigator Program, 2) Expand the RISE Entrepreneurship
Training Pipeline, and 3) Extend Outreach and Storytelling.
Commonwealth Center for To address the growing need for middle- and high-skilled advanced manufacturing workers through the implementation of two pilot training
4 CCAM Pilot Program Advanced Manufacturing Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/13/2018 $430,000 $626,023 programs which will be housed at the to-be-constructed CCAM Apprenticeship Academy. The pilot programs include a Mechatronics Workforce
(CCAM) Training Program and a Transitioning Military Program for Industrial Maintenance Mechanics.
To expand the recently piloted Virginia Start-Up Spring Break and Pre-Accelerator programs through VCU. Lighthouse Labs will pilot the
Virginia Biotechnology
Lighthouse U program, which will feature a series of events and training opportunities to prepare students to launch their own businesses after
4 Lighthouse U Research Park dba Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 8/14/2018 $1,000,000 $1,298,563
graduation. As part of the collaboration, Lighthouse Labs will introduce a new summer cohort program for recent graduates of Virginia
Lighthouse Labs
universities that participated in Lighthouse U.
To advance the 1,600-acre certified mega-site to a Tier 4, by completing the engineering plans to upgrade the Greensville County Water and
MAMaC Regional Industrial Site Development and
4 MaMaC Mega-Site Competitive Statewide Competitive 8/14/2018 $2,217,500 $3,262,175 Sewer Authority’s Water Treatment Plant, constructing the gravity fed sewer system to the site and constructing the wetlands mitigation bank
Facility Authority (RIFA) Infrastructure
that will be necessary to accommodate future development on the site.
Southeastern Institute of To develop the CampusRVA initiative, which will serve as a marketplace, both online and off-line, for internships and job openings to facilitate the
4 CampusRVA Research (SIR) and Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 8/14/2018 $100,000 $105,000 matching of employers with potential employees. Based on the successful CampusPhilly model, CampusRVA will promote the capital region as an
ChamberRVA attractive place to live, work and play, supporting the region’s goal of retaining Virginia’s recent college graduates.
Virginia's Gateway Region Site Virginia's Growth Region Site Development and To evaluate a portfolio of 89 sites and work with an engineering firm to characterize each site according to the Virginia Business Ready Site
4 Regional Per Capita 3/12/2019 $100,000 $119,757
Readiness (VGR) Infrastructure Program (VBSP) and to develop a plan for advancing site to Tier 4 characterization with cost estimates.
To implement two efforts designed to advance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Region 4. One effort will create, administer, and maintain a
4 Activation Capital Activation Capital Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/24/2019 $100,000 $100,000 learning platform for a resource guide to help serve the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The other effort will create a Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) assistance program to assist with grant writing and administration for potential applicants.
To develop a ready-to-implement plan for the Advanced Manufacturing Academy (AMA) with John Tyler Community College (Tyler). The plan will
Commonwealth Center for
1) increase high school to community college dual enrollment programs, 2) replicate Region 3’s GO‐TEC initiatives, 3) work to deliver more
4 CCAM Business Plan Advanced Manufacturing Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/24/2019 $50,000 $50,500
opportunities with CCAM’s university members, and 4) outline the financial and human resources assets required to support delivery of
(CCAM)
advanced manufacturing educational services.
A follow-on implementation grant request to a previously funded GO Virginia project. This project is designed to help area employers fill high-
paying jobs with talent developed locally by 1) promoting the Richmond region as a good place for young professionals, 2) providing resources to
4 CampusRVA Phase 2 ChamberRVA Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/9/2019 $500,000 $500,000
move and assimilate to the region, and 3) developing a job-matching platform. The program will be operated by Chamber RVA who runs a
number of related programs including YRichmond, an internship onboarding program and HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Engage).
To create a business plan to develop key partnerships and establish an Applied Associates Degree in Aeronautics with a stackable credential in
Richard Bland College Aeronautics Richard Bland College of
4 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/9/2019 $50,000 $50,000 small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The certificate program will give students the necessary training and experience to sit for their Remote
Program William & Mary
Pilot License and be equipped to fill high demand jobs in the region in logistics and IT clusters.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To increase the capacity and output of the tech talent pipeline throughout the region. Alongside numerous partners throughout the Greater
Richmond area and the Virginia Gateway Region, VCU’s College of Engineering will create a comprehensive plan to better align the region’s
Developing Region 4's Tech Talent Virginia Commmonwealth existing tech talent educational programs and help expand Region 4’s tech talent pipeline to address needs now and in the future. Activities will
4 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/17/2020 $100,000 $100,000
Pipeline University include: 1) cataloging and mapping the Region’s existing digital economy workforce activities, 2) identifying specific opportunities to improve
alignment and close gaps, 3) developing proposals for expanded partnerships between industries, the region’s school systems, community
colleges and universities and 4) creating strategies to facilitate innovation across the Tech Talent Pipeline.
To develop a pharmaceutical engineering cluster that will drive commercialization, new business, and job growth. VCU College of Engineering
Virginia Commmonwealth
VCU Pharmaceutical and Chemical proposes to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to support the commercialization of a new pharmaceutical manufacturing technology and
4 University College of Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/17/2020 $100,000 $100,000
Engineering Commercialization develop a pharmaceutical engineering cluster in Region 4. The strategic plan will include a market analysis, workforce needs assessment,
Engineering
communications strategy, and recommendations for commercialization applications.
Demand+Supply=Success: Virtual Reynolds Community
To get those who are unemployed due to COVID-19 back to work and improve the connection between job seekers and businesses who have
4 Connections for Businesses and College Educational Regional ERR Workforce Development 5/28/2020 $80,600 $150,000
open jobs.
Jobseekers Foundation
To support small businesses with reopening and recovery phases of COVID-19 with an emphasis on employee safety and building consumer
4 ForwardRVA ChamberRVA Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 5/28/2020 $100,000 $240,000
confidence.
To create new businesses and jobs through the support of aspiring entrepreneurs, including those who are currently out of work due to COVID-
4 Idea Factory StartupVA Regional ERR Startup Ecosystem 6/4/2020 $50,000 $25,000
19.
To identify “common pain points” for Virginia manufacturers, to implement solution‐based training programs into college and dual enrollment
Old Dominion University -
degrees using Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality and simulation to target 5,000 students, and engage manufacturers in using their content
Virginia Modeling, Analysis
4 Virginia Virtual Workforce Statewide Competitive Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 instruction and Virginia Virtual Workforce to design and develop state-of the art training. This project builds on the previously funded COVA MAP
and Simulation Center
project ($1,532,500 awarded Oct 2019) which focused on maritime and shipbuilding and used the interactive training framework developed by
(ODU-VMASC)
ODU (FAST).
To fill a gap in the Greater Richmond region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and provide key resources to small businesses to help grow and sustain
4 Capital Region SBDC Launch Virginia Community Capital Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 9/28/2020 $30,500 $102,551 their operations during the COVID-19 crisis. to establish the Greater Richmond Small Business Development Center (GRVA SBDC) to serve the
Greater Richmond area.
Engineering Interns + Manufacturers= Virginia State University To support manufacturers as a response to economic downturn due to COVID-19 and create internships to develop engineering and
4 Regional ERR Workforce Development 10/29/2020 $39,200 $19,600
Success Squared (S2) (VSU) manufacturing talent pipeline.
VA Bio-Connect will support the formation of four new BioHubs and connect all regional BioHubs across the state to share best practices, elevate
4 Virginia Bio-Connect Virginia Biotech Association Statewide Competitive Cluster Scale-Up 12/7/2020 $1,599,653 $1,599,653
workforce development, share resources, and provide mentorship.
to establish a Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Virginia chapter and launch a FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician
4 FAME CCAM Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/16/2021 $613,000 $309,046 (AMT) program, which includes earning an associate degree, hand-on work experience with an employer, and a reinforcement of skills needed
for a manufacturing career.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To support and upskill un/underemployed workers with free COVID-related and skills training to help businesses succeed by ensuring employees
Virginia Restaurant and Hotel
are well trained and able to address COVID-related issues, while allowing the sectors to rebound more quickly and to further develop an industry-
4 Workforce COVID Recovery and VRLTA Regional ERR Workforce Development 3/16/2021 $132,500 $80,000
specific job board to match out-of-work employees to employers.
Upskilling Program
Site Development and
4 Sussex County Water Study Virginia's Gateway Region Regional Per Capita 4/15/2021 $96,000 $49,000 To support the marketability of the Sussex County mega site and overcome the barrier of lacking water capacity to serve the mega site.
Infrastructure
Site Development and To elevate 15 sites totaling 1,652 acres in Region 4 to Tier 4 on the VEDP Site Characterization scale by completing all due diligence work
4 VGR Sites Virginia's Gateway Region Regional Per Capita 6/15/2021 $1,634,407 $988,417
Infrastructure associated with the sites.
VSU Minority Small Business Launch Virginia State University To increase the number of scalable minority enterprises that contribute to Region 4's economy by creating a Minority Small Business Launch
4 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/15/2021 $453,000 $228,500
Center (VSU) Center that provides a comprehensive suite of entrepreneurship-facilitating and supportive services.
To provide an additional 9 months of support to alumni of the pre-seed accelerator program for early stage companies with high growth
4 Lighthouse Labs Alumni Program Lighthouse Labs Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/23/2021 $429,000 $234,510
potential.
To accelerate the growth of the emerging Pharmaceutical Manufacturing cluster for Region 4 and to become an international leader in advanced
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Cluster
4 Activation Capital Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 9/23/2021 $1,400,000 $702,480 pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D, thus grow high-paying jobs, recruitment and expansion of companies and investment in high tech
Scaleup
tradeable sector activity.
4 New Kent County/RCC Welding Program New Kent County Regional ERR Workforce Development 9/23/2021 $300,000 $150,000 To train and develop a pipeline of welders, meeting a critical and growing need in the area.
Growing the Pipeline: Expanding Early
4 StartupVA Regional ERR Startup Ecosystem 12/15/2021 $250,000 $125,000 To support the entrepreneurial rise created by the pandemic to cultivate and expand the pool of early-stage startups in Region 4.
State Entrepreneurial Support
Building a Pharmaceutical John Tyler Community To meet the emerging advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing sector’s workforce demands and grow a diverse regional pipeline of skilled
4 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/10/2022 $482,330 $246,160
Manufacturing Talent Pipeline College advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing technicians.
4 Activation Capital REI for Region 4 Activation Capital Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 4/21/2022 $300,000 $150,000 To develop a strategy for defining and implementing recommendations to further grow the Region 4 entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To create jobs and award credentials for skilled laboratory technicians by creating a fully-equipped learning laboratory at the Reynolds
Advancing a Regional Skilled Ecosystem Reynolds Community
4 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/13/2023 $253,500 $167,000 Downtown Campus and developing and launching a laboratory technician major in the Associate of Science degree pathways, and work with
(ARISE) for Life Sciences College
industry partners to bring in entry-level employees.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To create work-based learning opportunities and jobs in targeted industries across Region 4 by creating Career Connection labs as a part of the
Commonwealth Center for GO TEC hub-and-spoke model to allow middle schoolers to explore career pathways. Complementing the GO TEC 2025 statewide competitive
GO TEC Region4 Career Connections
4 Advanced Manufacturing Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/13/2023 $1,150,571 $619,561 grant award in which CCAM was selected to serve as the In Region Coordinating Entity (IRCE), Region 4 is applying for funding to establish five
Labs
(CCAM) Career Connections labs in participating middle schools to engage middle school students in STEM career pathways experiences using the GO TEC
model.
Old Dominion University - To develop a highly advanced collaboration hub at Old Dominion University’s Tri‐Cities Campus. The Virginia Cyber Alliance will consist of online
Virginia Cyber Alliance (Prev. known as Virginia Modeling, Analysis platforms, industry partnerships, a virtual demonstration environment for cybersecurity analysis modules and a work-based learning initiative for
5 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/12/2017 $642,713 $750,100
HR Cyber CoLab) Year 1 and Simulation Center transitioning military and recent graduates to intern with firms that specialize in cybersecurity, data analytics and unmanned systems and
(ODU-VMASC) aerospace.
Old Dominion University -
To create a regional and statewide program curriculum and co-lab facility to train approximately 8,500 current and future workers to work in the
Virginia Modeling, Analysis
5 Virginia Digital Shipbuilding Year 1 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/12/2017 $647,540 $1,877,000 new digital manufacturing environment. The project will support Hampton Roads’ existing advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding clusters,
and Simulation Center
with impacts to the supply-chain throughout the Commonwealth.
(ODU-VMASC)
To establish the administrative structure to provide seed‐stage investments to Virginia’s most compelling innovation‐based, high‐growth
5 757 Seed Fund 757 Seed Fund Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 2/13/2018 $140,000 $256,000 companies. The creation of a new seed fund to complement the work of the 757 Angels will help build the critical mass of quality, investable
companies necessary to establish an innovation economy in the Hampton Roads region.
To facilitate the initial steps needed to establish a regional unmanned systems facility on state-owned surplus land in York County. The new
Virginia Peninsula Chamber Site Development and facility will provide an open area and infrastructure for use by public institutions, private companies and individuals to develop, test and
5 Kings Creek Commerce Center Regional Per Capita 2/13/2018 $150,000 $150,000
Foundation Infrastructure demonstrate unmanned systems. The goal of this first phase would be to establish a new RIFA governance structure for cost and revenue sharing
and to prepare architecture and engineering plans for development of site infrastructure.
Old Dominion University -
To create a regional and statewide program curriculum and co-lab facility to train approximately 8,500 current and future workers to work in the
Virginia Modeling, Analysis
5 Virginia Digital Shipbuilding: Year 2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/11/2018 $647,540 $1,877,000 new digital manufacturing environment. The project will support Hampton Roads’ existing advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding clusters,
and Simulation Center
with impacts to the supply-chain throughout the Commonwealth.
(ODU-VMASC)
Old Dominion University - To develop a highly advanced collaboration hub at Old Dominion University’s Tri‐Cities Campus. The Virginia Cyber Alliance will consist of online
Virginia Modeling, Analysis platforms, industry partnerships, a virtual demonstration environment for cybersecurity analysis modules and a work-based learning initiative for
5 Virginia Cyber Alliance Year 2 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/11/2018 $642,713 $750,100
and Simulation Center transitioning military and recent graduates to intern with firms that specialize in cybersecurity, data analytics and unmanned systems and
(ODU-VMASC) aerospace.
To expand efforts to connect the most promising startup and early stage companies to smart growth capital, and to sustain and expand the
5 757 Angel Network 757 Angels Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 3/12/2019 $240,000 $479,000 organizational capacity through the hire of a program director. 757 Angels is the first centralized source of angel seed stage capital in Hampton
Roads, with 120 members and $40M deployed in Virginia companies to date.
To conduct a two-phased approach to 1) complete the Eastern Shore Main Force Sewer Transmission Line study and 2) evaluate 25+ acre sites
Accomack-Northampton
Accomack-Northampton Sewer and Site Development and with the AAPDC footprint. The sewer line study will help the Eastern Shore increase it sewer capacity and enable it to meet the minimum
5 Planning District Regional Per Capita 3/12/2019 $65,000 $65,000
Sites Study Infrastructure infrastructure requirements to become eligible for the Virginia Business Ready Site Program (VBRSP). AAPDC will inventory and identify sites to
Commission (ANPDC)
be characterized through an engineering firm.
To partner with the Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation and the Greater Peninsula Workforce Board to enable the systematic collaboration,
Hampton Roads Coalition for Talent Hampton Roads Workforce involvement, and investment of the major partners in talent development. Will allow for a new senior-level position to establish implementation
5 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/12/2019 $99,705 $100,000
Development Council and communication plans, and to convene senior business leaders and regional workforce providers to identify and address regional needs in
real time.
The Eastern Shore Foundation will develop a pilot program to help create a model for a rural entrepreneurial ecosystem along the Eastern Shore.
5 The GIG Eastern Shore Foundation Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/10/2019 $85,117 $115,728 The project will provide a “Hot Desk” coworker startup business space and a Maker Space that will provide training/certifications in
woodworking, metalworking, welding, 3D CAD modeling, and 3D printing at a facility in the Town of Exmore.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Old Dominion University - To engage industry partners and prospective students, identify workforce gaps, and develop an innovative and new framework (smart mobile
Coastal Virginia Maritime Advancement Virginia Modeling, Analysis devices) for delivering cutting-edge curriculum to support the maritime industry. They will work with the existing network of maritime program
5 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/9/2019 $1,532,500 $1,636,500
Programs (COVA MAP) and Simulation Center providers and focus on gaps identified through prior research, with a focus on emergent technologies. The overall goal of the initiative is to
(ODU-VMASC) position Hampton Roads as a global leader in the maritime industry and increase the number of skilled workers.
757 Accelerate, in partnership with 757 Angels and E&M Consulting, will convene key stakeholders to conduct a gap analysis, develop best
5 REI: 757 757 Accelerate Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/9/2019 $266,667 $133,333 practices, and incorporate existing Situational Analysis and TEConomy recommendations to develop a comprehensive plan for the Region 5
entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition, they will create a long-term financial plan for the prioritized implementation activities for Region 5.
To develop a Campus757 business plan and an online and offline platform to connect local job seekers with regional employers, using the
previously funded CampusRVA project as a model for Region 5. This will help identify region wide gaps in the workforce and develop plans with
Hampton Roads Workforce
5 Campus757 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/17/2020 $95,838 $96,500 partners to close those gaps. The Hampton Roads Workforce Council will develop a Campus757 business plan and an online and offline platform
Council
to connect local job seekers with regional employers, using the previous funded CampusRVA project as a model for Region 5. This will help
identify region wide gaps in the workforce and develop plans with partners to close those gaps.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Hydro Drone
To lay the foundation to how coastal Virginia can generate an accurate database to inform marine based economic development opportunities
5 Near Shore Shallow Water Eastern Shore Foundation Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 5/12/2020 $99,300 $92,680
and educational and training needs for the region.
Bayrhymetric Survey Program
To form 10 Action Framework Committees to 1) formulate and share information that helps restore fully business operations; 2) identify the
757 Recovery and Resilience Action
5 Hampton Roads Alliance Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/3/2020 $100,000 $100,000 future challenges and opportunities for their respective industries; and 3) create a concise plan that will help accelerate the region’s long‐term
Framework
rebound. All committee work will be shared and metrics will be tracked through the 757recovery.com online platform.
Offshore Wind Supply Chain Hub Hampton Roads Economic
5 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 6/23/2020 $529,788 $290,840 To build an Offshore Wind (OSW) supply chain by targeting and attracting suppliers to relocate to the region.
Development Program Development Alliance
To update their industry cluster analysis last completed in 2016. As a region that heavily relies on the hospitality and tourism industry, the region
Greater Williamsburg Target Industry Greater Williamsburg
5 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 7/31/2020 $36,375 $18,244 has been hit hard by the COVID-19 epidemic with double-digit unemployment levels. Updating the industry cluster analysis will allow the region
Sector Analysis Partnership
to develop an implementable business development strategy and marketing plan
Hampton Roads Economic Hampton Roads Planning Site Development and To advance a portfolio of three existing sites along the Virginia Business Readiness Scale to a Tier IV. The due diligence work will advance a total
5 Regional Per Capita 9/22/2020 $1,122,240 $8,056,960
Development Sites Readiness Program District Commission Infrastructure of 495 acres to a Tier IV, located in Isle of Wright, Newport News, and Virginia Beach.
To generate a targeted talent pipeline for the maritime industry in Hampton Roads. HRWC’s approach includes the following elements: extensive
Hampton Roads Workforce Council Hampton Roads Workforce employer engagement, aligning higher education curriculum and mandatory job requirements, on the job and incumbent worker training,
5 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $663,696 $332,000
Talent Pipeline Implmentation Project Council regional apprenticeships, military/veteran outreach, college student engagement and graduate retention, talent portal development, soft skills
development, a workforce development alliance among local community colleges and out of market talent recruitment.
To address the strong training demand by investing in virtual at four locations – Tidewater Community College, Thomas Nelson Community
College, Paul D Camp Community College, and the Apprentice School to assist those currently unemployed and backfill the workers removed in
the high-risk categories forced to take a leave of absence in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. The addition to these virtual and simulated
Virginia Virtual Maritime Trades Virginia Ship Repair
5 Regional ERR Workforce Development 10/19/2020 $100,000 $200,000 components to existing trades training program will address the current need by allowing greater social distancing among trainees and minimize
Training (VVMTT) Foundation
touch points on manufacturing equipment or training mockup structures. The simulations will put students in realistic jobs settings where they
can have work scenarios replicated in a safe environment without the risk of injury, damage to equipment, loss of materials, or exposure to the
pandemic.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To develop a feasibility analysis and action plan for a Regional Robotics Innovation Hub based in Hampton Roads to accelerate and interconnect
technology innovation in robotics, machine learning, advanced manufacturing, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in Hampton Roads in order
5 Regional Robotics Innovation Hub Study Hampton Roads Alliance Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 10/19/2020 $73,000 $38,000
to advance autonomous systems research and development, manufacturing, digital shipbuilding and repair, distribution and logistics, water
technologies, modeling and simulation, and other target industries.
To profile the megaregion’s collective talent pool and determine the current gaps that need to be filled and identify major trends will that will
5 RVA-757 Connects RVA-757 Connects Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 11/19/2020 $90,000 $45,000
impact the future.
Marines Trades Program Expansion Tidewater Community To increase capacity and meet the current demand for TCC’s Marine Trades Training program related to the welding and marine coating training
5 Regional ERR Workforce Development 11/20/2020 $99,137 $49,569
(MTPE) College so that students can be trained within COVID-19 safety guidelines for safe social distancing.
To support staffing for up to six months to ensure the continuation of 757 Accelerate and Startup Studios programming and the maintenance of
5 757 Collab Bridge 757 Acclerate Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/18/2020 $32,000 $120,024
capacity built in Region 5.
The Startup Stability Program (SSP) will provide co-working spaces rental assistance and mentor services at the Bloom in Portsmouth and
Percolator Space in Norfolk within Region 5’s identified targeted clusters. All applicants will be vetted by a selection committee comprised of
Portsmouth Development individuals from Black BRAND, Percolator, Bloom, and select members from the PDF’s Board of Directors. SSP will provide companies with the
5 Startup Stability Program Regional ERR Startup Ecosystem 3/16/2021 $197,000 $235,295
Foundation ability to obtain immediate and free office space and supportive services to increase revenue, begin gradually paying into their rent, and
eventually scale into successful businesses. Key activities will include marketing and recruitment of 15 startups at Bloom and 15 startups at the
Percolator, education and training provided by mentors, and rental assistance.
To develop and deliver a cost-effective, cloud-based compliance system to help Virginia's DoD contractors achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model
Old Dominion University
5 Cybersecurity Job Creation System Statewide Competitive Workforce Development 6/15/2021 $1,450,000 $1,450,000 Certification (CMMC) accreditation and develop a NIST 800-171/CMMC education program to be delivered by Old Dominion University and
Research Foundation
Eastern Shore Community College, and as part of the 4-VA affiliated universities and participating community colleges.
To increase the percentage of college students in Hampton Roads who stay in the region and connect with full time employment and internships.
Hampton Roads Workforce
5 Campus757 Implementation Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/15/2021 $500,000 $250,000 It will also help businesses address identified workforce shortages by connecting them to the supply of talent produced by the region's colleges
Council
and universities.
To continue building momentum and developing new, innovation and entrepreneurship programming, capacity, and services to early-stage
companies by bringing together an accelerator, private capital, collaborative space, and community outreach programs – four tools critical to
757 Accelerate dba 757 fostering entrepreneurial activity. 757 Collab is a collaborative funding vehicle that will provide coordination services for three critical
5 757 Collab Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/15/2021 $2,415,573 $1,390,286
Collab entrepreneurial support resources: 757 Angels, 757 Accelerate, and 757 Startup Studios. 757 Collab furthers the mission of 757 Angels and 757
Accelerate by streamlining processes, personnel, and services. Housing each of these functions under one roof will create efficiencies and
opportunities for greater density of entrepreneurial activity, increase collaboration and education, and deeper corporate engagement.
To ensure a strong connection between STEM learning opportunities available in the region’s high schools and the region’s workforce needs in
Setting Pathways that Activate Real-
5 Portsmouth Public Schools Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 8/5/2021 $100,000 $55,000 advanced manufacturing. Strengthening this connection will enable high school juniors and seniors to prepare for immediate entry into the
World Knowledge (SPARK)
workforce upon graduation.
To evaluate projected growth of the region and analyze the energy infrastructure to support this level of growth. Hampton Roads has been and
will likely remain a net energy importer. From a land use perspective, the region is better suited to focus on industrial development. The
Hampton Roads Regional Energy
5 Hampton Roads Alliance Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 8/5/2021 $84,000 $42,000 development of an energy strategy will also help Southwest Virginia in its mission to diversify its economy and create new investment
Master Plan
opportunities. The Hampton Roads Alliance plans to explore collaborating with InvestSWVA and the Energy DELTA Lab in the development of a
mutually beneficial, bi-regional partnership.
To prepare unemployed and under-employed residents of South Norfolk, who have been disproportionally impacted by the pandemic, with the
skills to be gainfully employed in a career that provides a sustainable living wage. As a result of the COVID pandemic, resident of South Norfolk
have been impacted disproportionately from resident of other neighborhoods in the City of Chesapeake when it comes to unemployment and
Career and Community Development
5 Neighborhood Regional ERR Workforce Development 8/15/2021 $85,222 $42,611 underemployment, housing and food insecurity, and poverty. Neighborhood’s Career & Development Program proposes to expand by relocating
Expansion Program
from a 620 sf building to a larger 2,400 sf facility to meet the workforce demand, while remaining safely socially distanced. Neighborhood
provides 6‐month program that runs twice a year to provide “leaders” in the community with soft skills, personal development, community
engagement, and jobs skills training in high demand jobs of shipbuilding and ship repair, and cybersecurity and information technology.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
The study will examine how a network nodes and routes/corridors utilizing air, ground, and water through unmanned systems could expedite the
Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UxS) Old Dominion University
5 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 10/28/2021 $100,000 $74,500 transport of goods, services, and travelers between currently underutilized entry points, and leverage Upper Chesapeake Bay routes. It would
Route/Corridor Network Study Research Foundation
also assess operational and technical requirements, and evaluate communications infrastructure capabilities.
SIR will develop a strategic growth plan that coordinates, directs and accelerates the digital infrastructure community and stakeholders in making
the I‐64 Innovation Corridor a Global Internet Hub. The initiative’s approach will be to first recruit the I‐64 Innovation Corridor a Global Internet
I-64 Innovation Corridor Internet Hub Southern Institute for
5 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 5/5/2022 $100,000 $50,000 Hub Growth Plan steering committee to meet monthly to develop the plan and which will encompass Region 4 and 5 participating localities, RVA-
Growth Plan Initiative Research (SIR)
757 connects, private sector energy and digital infrastructure companies (including owners of offshore cables and data integration centers),
economic development organizations and chambers of commerce.
MEET will extend and expand the workforce development begun through the previously GO Virginia-funded project, COVA MAP, which created
online courses for Outside Machinists and Deck Electricians. Like COVA MAP, courses created through MEET by ODU will be designed for both
online delivery and in-class participation. Through partnerships between ODU, Tidewater Community College (TCC), New College Institute, and
Maritime Entry-to-Employment Old Dominion University
5 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/14/2022 $1,090,527 $563,565 Q.E.D Systems (QED), MEET will provide a deliberate, coordinated training pipeline from an individual’s entry into the maritime training world, all
Training (MEET) Research Foundation
the way to the achievement of trade qualifications and/or certificates and readiness for employment. Students will complete the basic course
either online or in-person, then begin to develop necessary skills and understanding with interactive games and simulations. Since first
submission, the project has expanded to support workforce needs in the telecommunications industry, specifically broadband.
To leverage funds to complete due diligence work recommended by earlier studies, including the Enhanced Site Characterization project recently
Hampton Roads Economic Hampton Roads Planning Site Development and performed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP, 2019), for two sites in Region 5, helping to accelerate their development to
5 Regional Per Capita 6/14/2022 $3,751,545 $10,476,310
Development Sites Readiness: Phase II District Commission Infrastructure Tier 4 and complete a new site characterization study for a third site. This effort will assist in promoting the availability of shovel-ready sites to
prospective businesses, which would in turn help to create higher paying jobs in Hampton Roads.
To scale-up the clean energy industry in Hampton Roads through the use of green hydrogen production while addressing critical energy
challenges in the region and reducing cost. The proposal has identified three main objectives in helping advance a green hydrogen industry lab in
Demonstration Site for Clean Energy
5 Virginia Tech Foundation Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 3/14/2023 $1,497,452 $1,200,423 the City of Newport News to help drive energy across Hampton Roads: 1) Initiate 3-5 hydrogen transition projects to drive local industry
Transition to Green Hydrogen (HRH2)
investments, 2) Establish a hydrogen competency/demo center to educate and attract new business to Virginia, and 3) Create advanced
workforce and talent programs to support the clean energy sector.
To define talent pathways for Region 5’s targeted industries. The Region 5 Council selected the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC) to
serve as the Talent Pathways Planning Initiative industry cluster talent coordinating entity as the regional workforce convening organization that
Region 5 Talent Pathways Initiative Hampton Roads Workforce has a proven track record of providing seamless services among various workforce programs and providing community leadership around
5 Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 3/14/2023 $250,000 $125,000
(TPI) Council workforce issues in GOVA Region 5. Utilizing a methodology that begins with demand planning and an employer collaborative, HRWC will utilize
labor market information and projections verified by the collaborative to form a tailored approach to each of the two identified industry clusters
detailed in the plan.
To create a talent pipeline of students who choose to focus on careers in life sciences. The project will prepare and conduct a pilot introducing
students to the life science field. This will include classroom and laboratory study, along with networking with networking opportunities and a
5 Life Science Virginia LifeNet Health Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 8/22/2023 $40,000 $22,885
focus on development of soft skills. Henrico County Public Schools and Virginia Beach Public Schools have each agreed to partner with the project
by hosting a pilot for a semester.
To ensure the aviation industry can meet the region’s demands. : In partnership with the Norfolk Airport Authority, Peninsula Airport
Hampton Roads Regional Aviation, Commission, and the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy, the Hampton Roads Alliance will conduct an assessment to help position
5 Hampton Roads Alliance Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 7/11/2023 $100,000 $50,000
Aerospace, and Unmanned Systems Region 5’s aviation, aerospace, unmanned systems industry. This study will assess current conditions for the region’s aviation industry, project
future demands, and provide recommendations on how the the region can meet these demands.
Site Development and To initiate the development of a 20,000-square-foot flexible office space in the town of Montross. The new facility will be one of the only office
6 Flex Space Due Diligence Westmoreland County Regional Per Capita 2/13/2018 $50,000 $50,000
Infrastructure spaces of its size and quality available to businesses in the Northern Neck.
To design and implement a sustainable business model for the Pamunkey Tribe to deliver high-speed broadband to underserved areas of the
Site Development and Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. MPA will work closely with the Pamunkey Tribe to develop a business plan and create a new legal
6 Pamunkey Net Business Plan Middle Peninsula Alliance Regional Per Capita 2/13/2018 $50,000 $83,000
Infrastructure enterprise to be owned by the tribe. MPA will also review existing studies on the region’s broadband infrastructure to ensure that existing assets
and service areas are considered for future infrastructure development plans.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To convene a group of regional stakeholders and national resiliency experts to identify best practices for future resilience activities for a
Virginia Sea Grant Resiliency Ecosystem Virginia Institute of multi‐regional water management economy. VASG will also convene workgroups to identify key gaps in the Virginia economic development
6 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/12/2018 $49,996 $49,996
Development Maritime Science (VIMS) ecosystem surrounding water technologies and coastal resiliency, and to develop an operational framework for the operation of comprehensive,
multi-sector network of resilience stakeholders.
To establish a new 4,000-square-foot welding training facility to offer welding training courses through Rappahannock Community College (RCC)
6 Welding Training Program Westmoreland County Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/12/2018 $130,000 $130,500 and other training programs as needed. RCC will begin offering daytime welding courses and expanding evening courses which are currently at
capacity as offered at the Northern Neck Technical Center. RCC will train at least 40 welders in four areas of basic and specialty welding.
To establish a cybersecurity preparatory program to train Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP). UMW will help businesses
University of Mary
6 Cybersecurity Certification Program Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/12/2019 $110,000 $110,000 in the region fill current openings that are difficult to fill due to the inadequate supply of certified professionals. In partnerships with GCC and
Washington (UMW)
RCC, UMW will implement a 40-hour certification program, as well as a structured pre-study curriculum.
To understand the market demand for a technology-based entrepreneurial development program and accelerator in the Fredericksburg region
Fredericksburg Region Cyber & Smart
Stafford County Economic around the cyber/IT environment. Stafford County EDA in partnership with King George and Fredericksburg will implement a test program that
6 Tech Entrepreneurial Development Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 4/17/2020 $75,000 $97,500
Development Authority will allow access to the market and build a business model for a sustained program using the successful RIOT framework, to help explore the
Program
potential market for hosting a technology-based accelerator focusing on tech and cyber opportunities.
To help identify gaps in training and deliver to employers what they need to grow and expand their businesses within the Rappahannock
Northern Neck Workforce Training Northern Neck Planning Community College (RCC) service area. The Northern Neck Planning District Commission with partnerships from RCC and the Bay Consortium
6 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/17/2020 $62,500 $62,500
Feasibility & Site Selection District Commission Workforce Development Board will develop a blueprint of what is needed by local companies and other workforce needs, designate levels of
prioritization of implementation, cost estimates, and actionable steps to improve the quality and quantity of workforce training in the region.
Commercial Kitchen at Longwood Hull Northern Neck Planning To study the feasibility of a commercial kitchen at the Longwood Hull Springs site to serve producers and culinary students in the Northern Neck
6 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 5/11/2020 $50,000 $50,000
Springs Study District Commission of Virginia.
Fredericksburg Regional Industrial Sites Fredericksburg Regional Site Development and
6 Regional Per Capita 5/11/2020 $14,665 $7,335 To better position localities in the Fredericksburg region to collaborate on site development.
Authority Alliance Infrastructure
Fredericksburg Regional Industry Cluster Fredericksburg Regional To provide the Fredericksburg region (a sub-region of Region 6) with a better understanding of the types of industries, enabling and focusing the
6 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 5/11/2020 $30,000 $15,000
Analysis Alliance sub‐region’s economic and workforce development efforts.
Middle Peninsula
Middle Peninsula Seafood & Agriculture To place the MPPDC/MPCBPAA in the position of both becoming a temporary “market maker” to facilitate electronic commerce between those
6 Chesapeake Bay Public Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 5/11/2020 $77,000 $38,500
E-Marketplace Development who want to purchase “local” and those who can sell “local”.
Access Authority
To complete a telehealth assessment on the potential of including a telehealth wing in the proposed King and Queen Telework Business
6 Telehealth Needs Assessment King and Queen County Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/19/2020 $50,000 $25,000
Incubator Center that is being built.
Westmoreland Workforce Training To provide funding to the WWTC to allow the center to resume operations in the fall, as it will otherwise not be able to remain open to provide
6 Westmoreland County Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/25/2020 $36,000 $18,000
Center Extension training to a critical workforce in the region.
To provide a continuous supply of qualified individuals entering engineering, information technology, computer science, and cyber related
professions in the Fredericksburg region. The initiative is two-pronged, creating a new Engineering Technology-Mechatronics 2-year certificate
Germanna Community College Tech Germanna Community program and a Computer Science and Cyber Pathway. Activities will include outfitting classrooms and labs with equipment, training and certifying
6 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $634,938 $398,000
Talent Pipeline College high school teachers, developing a web portal with real-time labor market data, financial aid information, and an internship/jobs board,
executing an outreach/promotions campaign and creating a Tech Talent Advisory Group consisting of local tech companies and educational
professionals.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
The approach: 1) Builds resilience entrepreneurship through RISE’s proven business plan competition and accelerator services, including a
Launching a Coastal Resilience and Virginia Institute of product performance validation in Region 6’s network of real world R&D test sites (i.e. Resilience Innovation Center) as an expansion of the
6 Statewide Competitive Cluster Scale-Up 12/7/2020 $2,937,163 $3,696,411
Adaptation Economy Maritime Science (VIMS) Hampton Roads resilience living laboratory; and 2) Forms a multi‐stakeholder, business–focused Region 5‐6 Consortium to engage the broader
business community in education about the risks and economic impacts of seal level rise, and builds capacity for adoption of resilient practices.
To expand entrepreneurial support programs in the Rappahannock Region (Rapp-Region). These programs include the proven RIoT Accelerator
Stafford County Economic
6 RIoT Accelerator Program Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/15/2021 $215,000 $204,500 Program (RAP) and additional community-focused programming across the Rapp-Region, housed in the technology-based Virginia Smart
Development Authority
Community Testbed in Stafford.
Wireless Research Center
6 Riot Pre-Accelerator Program Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/15/2021 $96,804 $80,000 To launch three 6-week pre-accelerator program to help idea-state entrepreneurs launch new businesses.
dba RIoT
The Fredericksburg Chamber in partnership with five school divisions, Rappahannock Goodwill Career Works, Germanna Community College, and
the University of Mary Washington will host an Internship Expo in April 2022 and five hiring workshops throughout the year. Part of the expo will
Federicksburg Regional
6 Internship Expo & Hiring Workshop Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/14/2022 $36,000 $37,254 include business seminars on how to successfully host interns. Students in attendance will be selected by their school’s CTE or internship
Chamber of Commerce
coordinator where students will be encouraged to visit booths of interest to dop off their resumes, make connections with business leaders, and
schedule interviews. Between 40 and 60 local businesses are expected to be in attendance.
Rappahannock Community To promote jobs in the aquaculture industry cluster by expanding high school students' understanding of what jobs are available in the
6 Promoting Careers in Aquaculture College Educational Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/14/2022 $100,000 $52,000 aquaculture industry cluster, expanding educational opportunities that meet employers’ needs, and support internship opportunities that help
Foundation young people gain experience and awareness.
Rappahannok And Germanna
Rappahannock Community To address critical healthcare shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, RCC and Germanna Community College will partner to develop and deliver
6 Community Colleges Patient Care Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/14/2022 $306,252 $177,057
College a non-credit Patient Care Technician program.
Technician
To develop a career investigation and readiness curriculum for grades 6, 7, and 8 called “Pathways to Success” – all middle‐schoolers are
Stafford County Public required to complete a career investigations course in Virginia selected from either a state-approved list or from a developed course content
6 Pathways to Success Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 11/21/2022 $100,000 $50,000
Schools approved and provided by the school division. The program will provide teacher training modules and deliver the training for up to 50 educators
from SCPS and other regional school district partners.
To create and fill work-based learning opportunities and connect talent with jobs across Region 6. Following the previously awarded GO Virginia
Fredericksburg Regional Enhanced Capacity Building grant that awarded funds to Fredericksburg Chamber in partnership with five school divisions, Germanna Community
6 Workforce Now Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/14/2023 $230,000 $150,000
Chamber of Commerce College, Rappahannock Goodwill Career Works, and the University of Mary Washington to host an internship expo, this project will help address
workforce shortages and increase work-based learning opportunities.
To define talent pathways for Region 6’s targeted industries. The Region 6 Council selected the Bay Area Workforce Development Board
(BCWDB) to serve as the Talent Pathways Planning Initiative industry cluster talent coordinating entity as the regional workforce convening
Region 6 Talent Pathways Initiative Bay Area Workforce
6 Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 12/13/2022 $250,000 $125,000 organization that has a proven track record of providing seamless services among various workforce programs and providing community
(TPI) Planning Development Board
leadership around workforce issues in GOVA Region 6. Using a sub-regional approach, the BCWDC and Region 6 council will develop a plan to
create robust talent pipelines specific to the region’s industry clusters.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To create businesses, internships, and mentorships across Region 6 through a pitch competition for students to present business design ideas
King George County
and document the pilot- building experiences in a Resource Guide that can be offered to any other schools or youth- oriented programs. The
6 Young Entrepreneurs Program Economic Development Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 11/16/2022 $98,000 $90,272
project aims to create collaboration between government, schools, business, civic/youth organizations, and existing entrepreneurs. The Resource
and Tourism Department
Guide will be tailored to opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in Region 6.
To create a supply of qualified individuals entering the information technology, computer science, and cyber related professions. Stafford County
Public Schools, in partnership with G3 Community Services, the University of Mary Washington, and a regional coalition of school divisions, is
Stafford County Public
6 Innovation Pathways Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/14/2023 $978,449 $563,962 applying for funding to offer IT certifications (CompTIA certifications including IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, and Security+ series) to students
Schools
across the region through outside of school programming and summer camps to build student awareness of STEM and cybersecurity
opportunities. The project will also train teachers with the same CompTIA certifications to build training capacity.
The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) is applying fo r $100,000 in GO Virginia funds to conduct due diligence professional
West Point Airport Industrial Site Middle Peninsula Planning Site Development and services necessary to raise the VEDP Business Ready Sites tier level of t he Middle Peninsula Airport property from a Tier 2 to a Tier 3. The site
6 Regional Per Capita 1/23/2023 $100,000 $65,000
Evaluation District Commission Infrastructure has potential to support businesses in the following sectors:aquaculture/seafood/commercial fishing/marine industries, forest products,
manufacturing (those not requiring municipal water and sewer), professional services and resiliency related businesses.
To conduct feasibility work to determine if opportunities exist in rural localities in Region 6 beyond “Rappahannock region” to expand the existing
Testbed and connect entrepreneurs and companies to solve local issues that may be improved using smart technology. The project will host a
Expanding Smart Community Tech Stafford County Economic
6 Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 4/24/2023 $96,250 $71,340 series of local community “discovery” and “project shaping meetings” with local leaders to identify environmental management, water,
Entrepreneurship Across Region 6 Development Authority
stormwater, public safety, traffic, and other community issues. Testbed staff and RioT staff will then identify possible technology solutions and
identify technical solution entrepreneurs or providers that could address these issues using the Testbed and smart technology.
To develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem strategy to define and implement recommendations to further grow the Region 6 ecosystem. The
Rivers Region
Region 6 Regional Entrepreneurship project aims to build capacity for the Rivers Region Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Council by hiring an executive director to carry out the duties of
6 Entrepreneurial Ecoystem Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/12/2023 $300,000 $150,000
Initiative (REI) the organization, engage with stakeholders, create recommendations and priorities, and create an REI Strategy and Report and Actional
Council
Strategies Plan documents.
To provide immediate support to ready-to-be-trained individuals and to newly located or newly established firms in Northern Virginia that are
7 Alexandria-Arlington Workforce Arlington County Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/12/2017 $201,897 $255,049 not supported by federal WIOA/SNAPNET funding. This initiative is a combination of career pathway assistance incumbent working training,
upskilling, on-the-job training and credentialing activities aimed to support the computer services industry.
To create a state-of-the-art, 9,000-square-foot Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) at the NOVA Manassas Campus, to leverage NOVA SySTEMic and
Northern Virginia
7 NOVA Fab Lab Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/12/2017 $250,000 $1,829,000 inspire interest and encourage future generations to pursue careers in engineering technologies. NOVA will align its engineering technology
Community College (NVCC)
program to meet the needs of private-industry partners, such as Micron Technology and BAE Systems.
To build upon the Region’s existing computer services and cybersecurity clusters to create a workforce system that effectively attracts, prepares
Northern Virginia and retains qualified candidates to fill high-demand technology jobs in high-paying occupations, such as programming and software
7 Tech Talent Pipeline Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/12/2017 $487,500 $603,425
Community College (NVCC) development, networking and cybersecurity, and data and data warehousing. Target populations include tech workers who lack the high demand
credentials, transitioning military veterans, college students, recent graduates and high school seniors with desired aptitudes.
To expand the previously awarded Tech Talent Pipeline Initiative, which aims to create a workforce system to effectively attract, prepare and
retain qualified candidates to fill high-demand cybersecurity and IT jobs. NOVA will develop and implement a new apprenticeship program,
Northern Virginia
7 Tech Talent Pipeline Apprenticeships Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 8/14/2018 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 matching 400 apprentices to employers as an alternative career pathway to traditional two- or four-year degrees. GO Virginia funds will be used
Community College (NVCC)
to expand staffing for NOVA Workforce, conduct Tech Talent Pipeline outreach and develop and implement the apprenticeship curriculum and
models.
The Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) is proposing to create and implement an immersive and integrated computer science curriculum in
Loudoun Education grades 6-12 in Loudoun County and partnered with Chesapeake City Public Schools in Region 5. The two participating school systems will offer
7 Virginia K-12 Computer Science Pipeline Statewide Competitive Workforce Development 12/9/2019 $2,424,537 $3,106,015
Foundation students an opportunity to learn computer science and computational thinking as part of the 6-12 core curriculum, culminating in capstone
courses and experiential learning opportunities including internships at the high school level.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To partner with the Northern Virginia EDA to create a “one stop shop” Back to Work Covid‐19 resources website that aggregates data from all
organizations engaged in business continuity, business recovery, worker training and retraining, and to promote, disseminate and communicate
content that specifically addresses business solutions, including access to government programs, via a webinar series.
Northern Virginia Chamber
7 Back to Work Website and Info Program Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 4/28/2020 $100,000 $50,000
of Commerce
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Fairfax County EDA, will create a three-video series for entrepreneurs
under the Back to Work Covid 19: Back to Innovation brand. The videos will be available online at the Back to Work Covid-19 Resource Website
and will be free to the public.
Steps to Safely Reopen the Economy:
Launch of New Rapid COVID-19 To develop and scale‐up methods to facilitate safe return to work. The program’s goals include directly expanding diagnostic testing, evaluating
7 Diagnostic Testing, Contact Tracing, and George Mason University Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/2/2020 $100,000 $50,000 the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare providers, a population at risk of PTSD, and employing rapid contact tracing
Stress Assessment of Northern Virginia capabilities to encourage safe return-to-work strategies, a critical step to reopen the economy.
Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
GMU will lead (1) undertake a comprehensive review of the skills of targeted displaced workers, (2) undertake a comprehensive review of the
required upskilling required for employment in technology and healthcare companies, breaking down the analysis into three categories of
7 Hospitality to Tech Workers Roadmap George Mason University Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 7/27/2020 $90,000 $68,100 companies, (i) government contractors and commercial businesses providing technology solutions and consulting services, (ii) technology
product-based businesses and (iii) non technology businesses that need some employees to have technology skills, (3) review gathered data to
identify overlapping areas of opportunity and (4) develop a roadmap for one or more training programs to address the identified skills gaps.
Pivoting Technology Businesses for the To pivot existing businesses models to adapt to new customer demands and market opportunities and support growth in emerging tech
7 George Mason University Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 7/27/2020 $100,000 $55,250
Post COVID-19 Economy companies.
To engage and prepare students for careers in the Biomedical, Lab Sciences and Pharmaceutical industries. GWU’s Virginia Science and
Technology Campus in partnership with Alexandria and Arlington Public School Systems will create a mobile Immersive Learning Center that will
Governor's Health Sciences Community George Washington
7 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/22/2020 $700,000 $1,143,000 provide state of the art technology, simulation and virtual hands-on activities combined with work-based learning to create three entry points to
Medi-Corps Program University
join the region’s workforce (high school industry certification; stackable credentials with associates degree; and stackable credentials with
Bachelor degrees).
To develop a 30,000 square feet Level 2 wet laboratory. Prince William will enter into a performance agreement with DHCD to assure the
Prince William Economic
7 Northern Virginia Biosciences Center Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 9/22/2020 $500,000 $755,000 property is constructed, marketed, and remains in use as a Level 2 wet lab. The equipment will convey to the property owner at the end of the
Development Authority
performance period.
George Mason University -
Virginia Small Business Development The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will expand its services for small businesses by providing matching funds required to
7 Virginia Small Business Statewide ERR Cluster Scale-Up 9/22/2020 $1,000,000 $600,000
Center (SBDC) Recovery Effort access the full funding available from the Small Business Administration (SBA), which has a 1:1 match requirement with 50 percent cash.
Development Center
To expand capital investment opportunity, accelerate the growth of high-tech startups through expansion of their business acceleration program,
7 NOVA Smart Region Initiative Smart City Works, Inc. Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 3/16/2021 $1,287,580 $1,572,750
and create pathways to commercialization through efforts to help smart-tech companies validate product-fit of their innovation.
Women’s Society of
7 Virginia Cyber Skills Academy Regional ERR Workforce Development 3/16/2021 $699,995 $678,785 To assist COVID-impacted workers to obtain skill certifications (reskill or upskill) to enable them to move into high-demand cyber security roles.
Cyberjutsu
Refraction, Inc. in partnership with George Mason University will launch Accelerate 2022, a high profile, multi-day pitch competition and
7 Accelerate 2022 Refraction, Inc. Regional ERR Startup Ecosystem 3/17/2021 $100,000 $50,000
showcase to bring investors from across the U.S. to fund Northern Virginia startups and high-growth companies.
The Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance will undergo a strategic planning process to determine the best approaches to
7 Innovation Forward Loudoun County EDA Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/17/2021 $100,000 $50,000
organization and management, budgeting and funding, staffing, policy development, business development activities, and brand development.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
This project will expand the network of ICAP mentors by creating 4 new full-time positions to provide services to support start-ups and early
George Mason University
7 Expansion of ICAP Mentor Network Statewide ERR Startup Ecosystem 6/15/2021 $882,794 $441,415 stage companies to access funding, develop strategic plans, acquire talent, access SBIR grants or angel/venture investments and launch new
Virginia SBDC
products.
The DEEP-IET approach seeks to target successful student outcomes with touch points at multiple points along the STEM talent pipeline including
enhanced programming for precollege and community college students including block scheduling, summer bridge programs, and internships
NOVA Dual Enrollment Expansion
Northern Virginia and a credentialing program to prepare regional high school teachers to teach credit-bearing dual enrollment (DE) courses in IET, developing a
7 Program for Information and Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/15/2021 $1,106,777 $558,632
Community College (NOVA) faster and more cost‐effective path to employment. The DEEP‐IET is also proposing to develop a veteran’s outreach program to transition
Engineering Technology (DEEP IET)
veterans and military-connected NOVA Community College students to IET programs.
To develop a plan to expand the Innovation Center, add new tools and equipment, and support programs for member companies that will
contribute to their success and growth. This research project will gather empirical information about the Future Kings program. Future Kings are
7 Innovation Center Roadmap NOVA Labs, Inc. Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/15/2021 $100,000 $52,000
a workforce development program that targets Black and Latino boys who are in grades 6 to 12. The program has been in operation for over 10
years. The program has been successfully developing the type of technology workers who are a priority for the region.
To increase the number of economically disadvantaged college students in technology jobs in Region 7 while addressing the Region 7 technology
7 Tech Set Marymount College Regional ERR Workforce Development 9/23/2021 $425,000 $230,000
companies' identified need for entry-level workers.
The Future Kings STEM Pipeline Project Future Kings will lead a study to determine the feasibility of implementing the Future Kings program outside of the limited location of the
7 Future Kings Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 11/22/2021 $97,000 $76,000
Focused on Black and Latino Boys Woodbridge campus of Northern Virginia Community College and expanding to Region 7.
To convene and collaborate entrepreneurial ecosystem players to develop a strategy and identify a coordinator for the region’s entrepreneurial
7 Convene and Collaborate - Region 7 REI George Mason University Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/15/2021 $193,751 $132,690
ecosystem.
To catalyze growth of Virginia’s nanotech sector by providing hands‐on workforce training and supporting the launch and growth of high‐tech
7 Nano-IMAGINE George Mason University Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/14/2022 $2,500,000 $1,250,000
nanotechnology startups.
The project will analyze data to understand the impact of FDI in Region 7. The project will help the region understand the role international
Quantitative Metrics to Determine Northern Virgia Regional
7 Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 8/18/2022 $30,000 $15,000 business plays in its economy. By identifying the impact of FDI, the region will be able to identify strategies to diversity economic development
Effects on Foreign Investment Commission
and move the region to less dependency on the federal government.
ACCELERATE is a year-long process of engaging tech entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners. It culminates in an investor conference
and student/high growth startup competition that showcases Virginia as a powerhouse for innovation and business opportunity. The conference
7 Accelerate Investor Conferences George Mason University Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 9/13/2022 $532,269 $311,500 convenes angel and venture investors from Region 7 and across the US to learn, network, and connect with a rich pipeline of local, tech-focused,
high-growth companies. The competition targets entrepreneurs with early through mid-seed stage businesses with the potential to have an
immediate, positive, and significant impact on our local economy, as well as student concepts with longer-term business viability.
To support the region gain recognition as a hub for cybersecurity, attract talent to meaningful careers in cybersecurity, and attract investors to
build and retain cybersecurity businesses locally. The project will create a 2023-2027 strategic plan that focuses organization leadership and
7 Cyber Guild Cyber Guild Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 10/20/2022 $100,000 $50,000
resources on programs that will most advance the mission, determine robust metrics to show value and inform future work, and establish the
core resources and staff to deliver successful implementation.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
The project team led by GMU’s Center for Health Workforce and Institute for Biohealth Innovation in partnership with Phoenix Advantage,
Project Collective Impact: Life Science George Mason University providing contract services, will conduct a workforce gap analysis in the life sciences industry by assessing employer needs, employment trends,
7 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 11/16/2022 $100,000 $50,013
Workforce Preparedness (GMU) workforce supply, and demand projections. Findings will support the design of a program that enables the region to augment and strengthen life
science workforce development using an “employer‐led” workforce preparedness model.
To connect, market, and create a talent pipeline for the emerging nanotechnology industry in Virginia. VNNI will first seek to connect institutions
of higher education across the Commonwealth that have existing nanotechnology facilities. These “nodes” will be connected to the main hub
Virginia Tech Continuing
VNNI - Virginia Nanotechnology located at Virginia Tech by an advanced cloud-based system. This project seeks to ensure coordination among these facilities at several
7 and Professional Education Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 3/14/2023 $3,300,000 $1,675,000
Networked Infrastructure institutions of higher education through a cloud-based infrastructure management system, centralized policies and MOUs, and multimedia
(CPE)
training modules. The VNNI system will also help to create a coordinated pipeline of talent for the semiconductor industry through three
certificate programs, which will all fall under the new Fast Track to Semiconductor Careers (FTSC) program.
To define talent pathways for Region 7’s targeted industries of Computer Software, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies . The Region 7
Center for Regional Council selected the Arlington-based nonprofit Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC), working in collaboration with the George
7 Region 7 Talent Pathways Initiative Economic Competitiveness Talent Pathway Initiative Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $250,000 $125,000 Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, to serve as the Talent Pathways Planning Initiative Industry cluster talent coordinating entity.
(CREC) CREC will work with Region 7 council leadership to identify a Research Advisory Group consisting of businesses, local stakeholder groups, and
subject matter experts from educational institutions to guide the project.
To address the demand for welders throughout the Shenandoah Valley by expanding the training capacity through additional training equipment,
8 RAAMP Welding Training Byers Technical Institute Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 2/13/2018 $100,000 $100,000
instructors and course offerings. RAAMP will train 20 additional welders in each 40-week cohort.
To initiate a new cybersecurity workforce development program focused on producing new industry credentials (CompTIA Security+) that will
BRCC Cyber Security Workforce Blue Ridge Community attract cybersecurity jobs to the Shenandoah Valley. BRCC will arrange internship opportunities with regional employers and establish an
8 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/12/2018 $200,000 $200,000
Development College (BRCC) advisory council of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) who will review and approve the development of the program, curriculum and on-
the-job training opportunities.
Shenandoah Valley Talent Solutions Frederick County Economic To develop a Talent Solutions Strategy to address: 1) high school and college graduate retention 2) development of a workforce to meet the
8 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 12/11/2018 $64,800 $68,400
Strategy Development Development Authority needs of regional businesses, and 3) attraction of new workforce participation from outside of the Region and State.
To assess the feasibility of creating the Hub-Lab, a student-entrepreneur makerspace, to teach creative and collaborative ways to use innovative
Staunton Innovation equipment and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, and electronics. This study will 1) assess the need for this initiative 2)
8 Staunton Tech-Lab Feasibility Study Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/11/2018 $23,000 $23,000
League determine the equipment and relevant curriculum for the initiative, 3) assess the practicality of bricks-and-mortar and mobile lab spaces, and 4)
identify funding sources to support build out of the Hub-Lab.
To renovate the former Kohn Kerr Elementary School into an advanced facility for career and technical education (CTE) programs offered through
8 Shihadeh Innovation Center Winchester Public Schools Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 3/12/2019 $540,000 $540,000 a Professional Skills Academy, a Health Sciences Academy, and an Information Technology Academy to support an expanded Work-Based
Learning program to connect students to regional businesses in the targeted clusters.
To study the impacts and opportunities of the industrial hemp industry for all of the Shenandoah Valley, including the assets and industry
8 Industrial Hemp Initiative Phase 1 James Madison University Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/17/2020 $53,630 $53,630 resources within the region in order to identify and verify business and cluster scale-up opportunities across Region 8 in agriculture,
manufacturing, and biomedical/biotechnical sectors
To utilize the expertise and resources of the National Center for Economic Gardening (National Center). Founded by Chris Gibbons in Littleton,
Shenandoah Valley Colorado, the National Center has a long history of providing economic gardening services to traded-sector companies on behalf of states,
8 Scale-Up the Valley Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/17/2020 $50,000 $50,000
Partnership regions and localities. In fact, Virginia has been a client and user of the National Center’s resources through a limited program offered by the
Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
To provide long-term scale up food manufacturing opportunities to new and existing businesses. The Central Shenandoah Planning District
Central Shenandoah Commission is proposing to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a certified, commercial, shared-use Agricultural Enterprise
Agriculture Enterprise Center Feasibility
8 Planning District Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 4/17/2020 $85,000 $85,000 Center in order to identify what components will be the most successful and beneficial to the region. Initial uses being considered include a
Study
Commission kitchen space for testing and manufacturing food products, a resource space for training and special events, and space for packaging and
distribution.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
Staunton Creative To deliver a three prong approach to kick start a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that will deliver dedicated staff, partnerships with regional
8 Startup Shenandoah Valley Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/23/2020 $628,953 $315,210
Community Fund assets, workspaces, connections to mentorship, and access to capital to companies with a high potential for growth and success.
To help the region’s small businesses recover revenue lost due the economic effects of COVID‐19 and provide assurance to locals and visitors
8 Reopening SAW Augusta County Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 7/25/2020 $50,000 $25,000
that SAW is a safe and welcoming location.
To help the region’s small businesses mitigate the economic impact of COVID‐19 in the near term, as well as prepare them for successful longer‐
Frederick County Economic term outcomes. This will be done by assembling Small Business Resiliency Teams (SBRT), a consortium of service providers to work directly with
8 SBDC Small Business Resiliency Teams Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 7/31/2020 $81,813 $44,413
Development Authority participating businesses to identify the most appropriate type of assistance to address their needs in implementing the recommendations for
SBRT clients.
To: (i) develop a scalable and repeatable process of supporting and building cooperative relationships between farmers, other local producers,
and distributors impacted by the Coronavirus by introducing a platform to facilitate supply chain logistics which enables a network of farmer-
8 LOCAL-I Common Grain Alliance Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 12/17/2020 $60,600 $30,300 cooperatives and distributorships, (ii) introduce farmer efficiency technology to streamline food sales, cold or dry storage access, and
distribution, and (iii) leverage the established web applications of Local Food Network (LFN) and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s (VCE) Market
Maker and Buy Fresh Buy Local in order to provide an online marketplace to increase sales from wholesale buyers and direct consumers.
Shenandoah Valley Site Development and To elevate six sites totaling 1,112 acres in Region 8 to the next Tier on the VEDP Site Characterization scale by completing all due diligence work
8 Shenandoah Valley Sites Enhancement Regional Per Capita 3/16/2021 $821,000 $1,223,664
Partnership Infrastructure associated with the sites.
Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Valley Aviation Technology Site Development and
8 Regional Airport Regional Per Capita 6/29/2021 $100,000 $50,000 To complete water/sewer design and engineering to support subsequent phases of the Aviation Technology Park.
Park Site Infrastructure
Commission
The Advancement To create a multi-use facility featuring a business incubator and classrooms, ag and food tech labs, a small-scale manufacturing space, a
8 Agricultural Innovation Center Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/15/2021 $550,000 $275,000
Foundation processing and product development space, and a commercial kitchen to expand agricultural and tech industries across the Shenandoah Valley.
To enable Business Resiliency Navigators to work with the small business community and assist in the specific areas of e-commerce, finance, and
Shenandoah Valley Small Business Laurel Ridge Community
8 Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 4/20/2022 $100,000 $50,500 operational systems. This program will help participating businesses stay on-track and fully focused on successful growth strategies and actions
Resiliency Teams (SBRT) Round 2 College
by providing existing resources and skills, as well as defined focus and technical expertise.
Laurel Ridge Community College will partner with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) to offer their advanced manufacturing
sector focused career pathway training program. NC3 has partnered with major national advanced manufacturing employers such as 3M, Trane,
Accelerating Advanced Manufacturing Laurel Ridge Community
8 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/14/2022 $530,000 $266,687 Dremel, Snap-On Tools, and Lincoln Electric to create an industry driven portable and stackable certification system that spans three levels of
Workforce College
manufacturing competency-based training which can be utilized for new job applicants and emerging employees, incumbent workers who need
to advance their skills, and apprenticeships for manufacturing production positions and industrial maintenance technicians.
To address critical healthcare shortages exacerbated by the pandemic, Shenandoah University and Valley Health System will partner to develop
and deliver a model that will: Systematically Increase the number of nurse preceptors, increase the number of clincal hours achieved in the
8 NextGen Nurses Shenandoah University Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/14/2022 $496,000 $343,455
university simulation lab, increase the number of newly trained nurse graduates who are retained in the region, increase the number of new
nursing enrollments, and increase the number of new nurses hired by Valley Health
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To advance an industrial site within an existing airport park from Tier 2 to Tier 4 along the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) scale.
Shenandoah Valley
Site Development and The Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Commission, which comprises five surrounding localities, is working towards making fundamental site
8 SHD Technology Park Regional Airport Regional Per Capita 12/13/2022 $993,300 $1,368,637
Infrastructure improvements to the Aviation Technology Park. These improvements will construct a water line and gravity sewer line that will strategically
Commission (SHD)
redirect existing utilities at the site to the perimeter, allowing SHD to build out the Park, and construct several new hangars.
To address a gap in the Region 8 entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a regional incubator program serving early-stage startups. The
Shenandoah Community Capacitor Incubator Program aims to fill a substantial gap of the greater Shenandoah Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing early-stage
8 Capacitor Incubator Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/13/2023 $395,067 $201,402
Capital Fund startups with an array of services including customized validation stage development, commercialization programming, physical working
locations hubs, and deep connections to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem facilitated through dedicated ecosystem builders and mentors.
To increase the pool of qualified candidates in the Transportation and Logistics and Light Manufacturing industry clusters. The project will add
GO2 Work in Manufacturing and Shenanadoah Valley Center new career education and technical programs for Industrial Maintenance and Aviation Technology and will address critical needs to upgrade
8 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 9/12/2023 $884,500 $442,250
Transportation in the Valley for Advanced Learning equipment to modern standards and technologies for training high school and adult apprenticeship students in Precision Machining, Welding,
Auto, and Diesel Technology.
To redevelop the former George Washington Carver High School into the state-of-the-art GWC Piedmont Technical Education Center to train
GWC P-Tech Welding and Machining
9 Culpeper County Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 4/10/2018 $244,300 $431,625 machinists and welders. New Pathways Tech Inc. will operate the facility in partnership with Germanna Community College and the American
Center
Institute of Welding to train machinists and welders for the region’s advanced manufacturing industry.
To create a professional training program in wine and cider making, craft brewing and distilling to support the scale-up of the growing food and
Piedmont Virginia beverage manufacturing industry for the region and the commonwealth. PVCC will equip two training facilities for the training programs, and
9 Adult Beverage Jobs & Exports Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/12/2018 $249,472 $251,800
Community College (PVCC) establish the necessary agribusiness curriculum and career pathway from post-secondary instruction to employment. The new curriculum will be
shared with Germanna Community College (GCC) and deployed to students and businesses in GCC’s service region.
To build capacity for the Central Virginia Cybersecurity Partnership, a collaborative talent development solution for the cybersecurity industry in
Central Virginia Cybersecurity Piedmont Virginia Region Nine. PVCC will coordinate with GCC and Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) to establish a shared cybersecurity program by aligning
9 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 6/12/2018 $100,000 $136,400
Partnership Community College (PVCC) each community college with area of instructional expertise and accreditation from the National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber
Defense. The project will result in common cybersecurity curricula and a credentialing pathway between the partners for areas of specialization.
To advance a portfolio of eight sites targeted for light manufacturing to at least a Tier 3, according to the VBRSP classification system. CVPED
Central Virginia Partnership Site Development and
9 Central Virginia Site Readiness Regional Per Capita 6/12/2018 $58,675 $58,675 engaged a consultant to conduct site characterization and initial due diligence activities for the site nominated by each of the participating
for Economic Development Infrastructure
localities.
To assess the current and projected regional capacity for the biotech industry and create a strategic plan for driving innovation and growth for
9 CvilleBioHub Planning Grant CvilleBioHub Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 8/14/2018 $83,540 $92,540 this cluster. In addition, CvilleBioHub will also plan for organizational sustainability and growth by investigating new revenue models and forming
additional institutional partnerships.
University of Virginia School
To fill an existing gap in the local ecosystem by providing the dedicated staff, workspace, programming, mentorship, and grant funding to support
of Business Batten Institute
9 Catalyst Accelerator Program Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 3/12/2019 $475,200 $476,000 up to 20 high-potential companies. The Catalyst will offer a portfolio of programming and network events, as well as internships and project-
for Entrepreneurship and
based learning opportunities for UVA students.
Innovation
To complete the Phase II due diligence work for an approximately 700 acre new regional business park and advance the development status to a
Regional Business Park - Phase 2 Site Site Development and
9 Louisa County Regional Per Capita 6/24/2019 $600,850 $2,802,150 Tier 3 site on the Virginia Business Ready Site Program (VBSRP). This phase of due diligence includes topographic and boundary surveys, traffic
Readiness (Tier 3) Infrastructure
impact assessment, preliminary engineering reports (PER), geotechnical survey, cultural resource summary, and completion of the master plan.
To contract with a consultant to develop a pilot Youth Entrepreneurship Program in three schools and a best practices resource deliverable. The
Youth Entrepreneurship Program program is designed to introduce, expose and pique interest in the concept of entrepreneurship to high-school-aged youth and help youth
9 Fauquier County Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 6/24/2019 $83,500 $83,500
Resource explore careers as entrepreneurs. The goals of the program are to develop a pipeline of future business owners in high-growth, targeted sectors
and to encourage these new businesses to locate and focus their job growth in the rural part of Region 9.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Region Project Name Subgrantee Type Strategy Date of Award $ Award Committed Match Project Purpose
To lead the growth and expansion of the biotechnology innovation cluster within the region. This initiative will serve the needs of existing
9 Biotech Innovation Cluster Growth CvilleBioHub Regional Per Capita Cluster Scale-Up 12/9/2019 $548,000 $604,740
companies through programming, the planning and design of a wet lab space, workforce training and candidate matching opportunities.
To help strengthen communication within the talent development system by proactively reaching out to businesses to determine their workforce
Business-Driven Workforce Recovery Central Virginia Partnership
9 Regional Per Capita Workforce Development 5/8/2020 $99,500 $50,000 needs and corresponding opportunities. This work also will also support development of regional sector-based strategies to implement talent
Initiative for Economic Development
solutions for each of the target industries as identified in the Region 9 Growth Plan Update, released in 2019.
Virginia Career Works - To connect dislocated workers not served by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) federal program to employment
9 Project Reconnect Regional ERR Workforce Development 5/29/2020 $99,500 $50,000
Piedmont opportunities with regional employers.
Thomas Jefferson Planning This project focuses on feasible web-based industry support solutions to improve e-commerce with a focus on improving dining reservation
9 Crafting a New Normal Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/5/2020 $44,000 $22,000
District Commission systems that allows for limited outside service and a platform adaptable to COVID-19 restrictions.
Charlottesville Regional To better understand and help address immediate regional business needs to re-open and/or rebuild capacity in the aftermath of the COVID-19
9 Project Rebound Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 6/5/2020 $80,000 $100,000
Chamber economic response.
Regional Business and Professional Charlottesville Business To use Start Up Space technology to develop a cloud-based platform (native mobile app, responsive website, utility/interaction platform as
9 Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 11/20/2020 $76,500 $38,450
"Connector Platform" Innovation Council service) that will help businesses accelerate recovery from and after the pandemic.
Charlottesville Regional To increase the density of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, including access to entrepreneurial assistance. This will lead to an
9 Venture Central Regional Per Capita Startup Ecosystem 12/7/2020 $300,000 $210,000
Chamber increased five-year survival rate for entrepreneurs and lead to increased job growth and inclusive economic vitality in the region.
To help existing businesses and new ventures address growth challenges and improve economic resiliency by addressing digital presence and e-
Community Investment
9 SBDC Digital Business Resiliency Regional ERR Cluster Scale-Up 3/16/2021 $131,220 $65,800 commerce gaps, as well as expand the SBDC’s capacity to serve the region’s business development needs. The proposal emphasizes services to
Collaborative
rural localities and under-resourced communities.
To address newly identified service equity gaps in specific localities to ensure regional recovery from the economic impact of the COVID-19
The Future of Workforce Development Central Virginia Partnership
9 Regional ERR Workforce Development 6/15/2021 $148,689 $74,250 pandemic. The project will capitalize on the lessons learned while serving the workforce needs throughout GO Virginia Region 9 over the last ten
Outreach for Economic Development
months through Project Reconnect.
Funded projects as of 9/30/2023.
Unobligated Balances
Region FY18 Per Capita FY19 Per Capita FY20 Per Capita FY21 Per Capita FY22 Per Capita FY23 Per Capita FY24 Per Capita FY20 ERR FY23 TPI Planning Totals
1 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 613,821.99 $ 1,000,000.00 $ - $ 250,000.00 $ 1,863,821.99
2 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 275,389.88 $ 1,520,102.00 $ - $ - $ 1,795,491.88
3 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 220,070.33 $ 1,000,000.00 $ - $ 117,000.00 $ 1,337,070.33
4 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 163,030.00 $ 2,552,285.00 $ 2,576,474.00 $ - $ 250,000.00 $ 5,541,789.00
5 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 237,070.94 $ 3,403,581.00 $ - $ - $ 3,640,651.94
6 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 55,868.16 $ 1,048,808.00 $ - $ - $ 1,104,676.16
7 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 3,392,006.00 $ 4,972,611.00 $ - $ - $ 8,364,617.00
8 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 30,634.00 $ 197,113.00 $ - $ 250,000.00 $ 477,747.00
9 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 469,235.97 $ 1,000,000.00 $ - $ 250,000.00 $ 1,719,235.97
Statewide
Competitive $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 4,540,505.31 $ 10,174,334.00 $ 10,146,811.00 $ - $ - $ 24,861,650.31
$ - $ - $ - $ - $ 4,703,535.31 $ 18,020,716.27 $ 26,865,500.00 $ - $ 1,367,000.00 $ 50,956,751.58
Obligated funds and current budget updated as of 9/30/23
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