GO Virginia Grants Have Created 27,000 Jobs for Virginians to DateGovernor Abigail Spanberger today announced more than $5.6 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support projects focused on increasing energy reliability, investing in advanced manufacturing, strengthening national security, and creating good-paying job opportunities for Virginians across the Commonwealth.Local governments, employers, higher education institutions, and nonprofit partners have committed more than $2.9 million in matching funds and more than $1.6 million in additional leverage, demonstrating strong regional ownership of economic development strategies, private-sector confidence in Virginia’s competitive position, and deep alignment with statewide economic diversification priorities.“These projects reflect my commitment to building a more resilient and diversified economy that’s prepared for the challenges of today and the opportunities of the decades ahead,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “By opening doors to new career opportunities, supporting high-growth industry clusters, and investing in sites and infrastructure that make Virginia investment-ready, we are building a stronger economic foundation for every region of our Commonwealth. These investments will help make sure that communities of all sizes can compete, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing economy.”The new projects tap into the Commonwealth’s deep bench of skilled workers and its long-standing commitment to developing talent in high-growth industries. By expanding hands-on training environments, strengthening industry-education partnerships, and creating new pathways into advanced manufacturing, energy technology, cybersecurity, aviation, and food production, these initiatives ensure that Virginians can step directly into the jobs that are shaping the state’s economic future. Each investment reinforces a workforce ecosystem that is already adaptable, diverse, and primed for innovation, while opening doors for more residents to gain the skills and credentials that modern employers demand.“What sets Virginia apart is our ability to bring world-class assets, exceptional talent, and industry-leading companies together through coordinated regional strategies,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “These strategic investments drive measurable economic impact and reflect our shared commitment to supercharging Virginia’s entire economy.”Since its inception in 2017, GO Virginia has strengthened regional economies through strategic collaboration across 131 localities. The program’s capacity-building investments have supported the creation of 27,000 jobs, created industry-aligned training opportunities for 58,000 individuals, served more than 27,000 businesses, and helped firms access more than $700 million in capital for business expansion.“The GO Virginia State Board, together with our Regional Council partners, takes seriously the responsibility entrusted to us to steward resources that create real economic opportunity for Virginians. Each project approved today reflects careful planning, regional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making that guides our work. We remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful jobs, strengthen local economies, and position the Commonwealth for long-term resilience,” said GO Virginia Board Chair Emily O’Quinn. “Our shared leadership ensures that investments align with regional priorities while advancing a statewide vision for economic diversification and sustained growth.”The following approved projects are organized by their primary industry focus to illustrate how GO Virginia investments strengthen key sectors of Virginia’s economy.ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, AGRICULTURE, & LOGISTICSGlade Highlands Regional Industrial Park Site Lots 6 & 7 | $61,409Region 1 – Southwest Virginia: Counties of Smyth, WashingtonThe Glade Highlands initiative prepares a strategically located industrial site along I-81 to support advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and logistics companies. By advancing a 24-acre parcel into a pad-ready, investment-ready site, the project strengthens regional competitiveness, expands industrial capacity, and aligns with the region’s targeted industry sectors. ENERGY TECHNOLOGY & CLEAN ENERGY SUPPLY CHAINSStrategic Cluster Advancement for Leading Energy (SCALE) | $154,391Regions 4 – Capital Region & 5 – Hampton Roads: Hanover County, Town of Ashland, and Virginia’s Gateway Region and Hampton Roads Alliance on behalf of their member localitiesSCALE is a two-region cluster initiative designed to expand Virginia’s energy technology ecosystem. Through coordinated outreach, strategy development, and industry engagement, the project supports the growth of grid technologies, advanced power systems, and energy-focused firms. SCALE enhances regional collaboration and strengthens Virginia’s positioning in a rapidly evolving national energy sector. CYBERSECURITY, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIESCybersecurity & AI Lab to Advance Workforce Readiness | $351,537Region 4 – Capital Region: Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Charles City, Surry, Sussex, Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, PetersburgThis initiative expands the pipeline of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence talent by creating a dedicated Cybersecurity and AI training environment at Brightpoint Community College. The project strengthens regional workforce readiness and ensures employers have access to trained, credentialed IT professionals aligned with regional and statewide technology priorities.National Innovation Quarter (NIQ) | $3,933,000Region 7 – Northern Virginia: Arlington County, City of AlexandriaThe National Innovation Quarter establishes a regional innovation district to support dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and national security markets. Through coordinated programming, startup acceleration, and the implementation of regional strategy, NIQ strengthens the technology ecosystem in Northern Virginia. The project advances company formation, talent development, and commercialization in fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, AI, and advanced hardware. TRANSPORTATION, LOGISTICS & AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGYShenandoah Valley Aviation & Logistics Workforce Pipeline | $475,000Region 8 – Shenandoah Valley: Winchester Regional Airport Authority on behalf of its member localities, Winchester City Public Schools, Frederick County Public SchoolsThis initiative builds a comprehensive aviation and logistics workforce pipeline that spans K-12 through higher education. By aligning curriculum and programming to employer needs in aerospace and logistics, the project expands regional workforce capacity and supports long-term talent development in a growing industry sector. FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURINGVenture Central Food & Beverage Accelerator | $262,192Region 9 – Central Virginia: Counties of Albemarle, Madison, Fauquier, Nelson, Orange, City of CharlottesvilleThe Food & Beverage Accelerator supports manufacturers in scaling through cohort-based training, business advising, and industry engagement. Designed to strengthen a traded-sector industry identified in the regional Growth and Diversification Plan, the project helps growth-stage companies improve production, expand markets, and enhance competitiveness across Central Virginia. CROSSSECTOR / MULTI-INDUSTRY PLANNINGMulti Region Commercial Real Estate Market Analysis | $250,000Regions 7 – Northern Virginia, 4 – Capital Region, & 5 – Hampton Roads:Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Cities of Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia BeachThis multiregional planning effort examines office- and innovation-oriented real estate needs across three metropolitan regions. The analysis will provide insight into redevelopment opportunities, business space requirements, and site competitiveness to support targeted industries such as IT, cybersecurity, life sciences, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing.GO Virginia helps communities strengthen their competitive position, diversify their economies, and create quality jobs that benefit Virginians today and into the future. The Commonwealth’s continued commitment to this model ensures that every region has the tools, capacity and support needed to turn strategic vision into measurable, long-term economic opportunity.To learn more about GO Virginia, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.

Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced $2.48 million in strategic investments through the Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund (CCCF), supporting six transformative projects that will expand access to financing for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Virginia. The CCCF drives economic growth in Virginia by empowering mission-driven lenders to serve communities lacking banking options. These investments open doors for small businesses, housing development, and community revitalization, ensuring every region of the Commonwealth can share in Virginia's prosperity. "Virginia's strength lies in the resilience and creativity of our communities. By investing in these organizations, we are providing capital and unlocking opportunity for entrepreneurs, families, and communities across the Commonwealth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "These projects will help ensure that every Virginian can participate in and benefit from our growing economy." Created to close gaps in the financial landscape, CCCF provides grants to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and similar organizations. These grants help offset the risks associated with small loans and micro-lending while fostering innovative financing solutions for entrepreneurs and community developers. "Access to capital is essential for small business growth and community resilience," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "The Commonwealth's Capital for Communities Fund leads to more businesses launched, more jobs created, and more communities thriving."  The six awarded projects are expected to deliver more than $3.8 million in capital to more than 120 borrowers, support 562 businesses with loans or technical assistance, create or retain more than 200 jobs, and accelerate the development of up to 250 new housing units.  "The CCCF builds ecosystems where businesses and housing projects can flourish," said Tamarah Holmes, Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. "By partnering with community-based lenders, we're creating pathways for sustainable growth and ensuring that underserved regions have the tools to prosper for generations to come." For more information on CCCF, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/cccf. Awardees are: Bridging Virginia: Capital Access Hub 2026-2028 | $436,000 Regions 4 & 5: Chesterfield County, City of Colonial Heights, Hanover County, Henrico County, City of Hopewell, City of Newport News, City of Norfolk, City of Petersburg, City of Portsmouth, City of Richmond, City of Virginia Beach Bridging Virginia will use this funding to increase its loan pool and expand post-loan capital support services to its borrowers. During the contract period, Bridging Virginia proposes to deploy $1.2 million to 40 borrowers, supporting 35 businesses and creating 50 jobs.   Community Investment Collaborative (CIC): Scaling Small Business and Microlending in Virginia | $436,000 Regions 3 & 9: Albemarle County, Amelia County, Brunswick County, Buckingham County, Charlotte County, City of Charlottesville, Culpeper County, Cumberland County, City of Danville, City of Emporia, Fauquier County, Fluvanna County, Greene County, Halifax County, Louisa County, Lunenburg County, Madison County, City of Martinsville, Mecklenburg County, Nelson County, Nottoway County, Orange County, Patrick County, Pittsylvania County, Prince Edward County, Rappahannock County CIC will use funds to deploy $696,000 in loans and microgrants to 55 entrepreneurs, supporting 150 businesses and creating 105 jobs. CIC anticipates repayment of CCCF-funded loans will position them to deploy over $11 million in the next 5 years.   ECDC Enterprise Development Group: Microloan Service Expansion in Virginia | $436,000 Regions 6, 7, & 9: Arlington County, City of Alexandria, Town of Clifton, Culpeper County, City of Fairfax, Fairfax County, City of Falls Church, City of Fredericksburg, Town of Front Royal, Town of Haymarket, Town of Herndon, King George County, Loudon County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Prince George County, Prince William County, Town of Vienna ECDC Enterprise Development Group will use funds to deploy $620,000 in loans and support 30 borrowers through loan restructuring, microloans, and sector-specific technical assistance. ECDC will also expand its products into additional service areas, including the Cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park, and Clarke, Spotsylvania, and Warren Counties.   People Incorporated Financial Services: CCCF 2025-2026 | $436,000 Regions 1, 2, 8, & 9: Bedford County, Town of Bedford, Bland County, City of Bristol, Buchanan County, City of Buena Vista, Clarke County, City of Covington, Culpeper County, Dickenson County, Fauquier County, Franklin County, Frederick County, City of Galax, Grayson County, Lee County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Montgomery County, City of Norton, Page County, Patrick County, Prince William County, Pulaski County, City of Radford, Rappahannock County, Roanoke County, City of Roanoke, Russell County, Scott County, Shenandoah County, Smyth County, Tazewell County, Warren County, Washington County, City of Winchester, Wise County, Wythe County People Inc. will launch a rural community builder and entrepreneurs' initiative addressing ownership and appraisal gaps in rural downtowns, specifically Virginia Main Street communities. By pairing $82,500 in grants and $420,000 in loans with technical assistance, they will support 50 businesses, providing 20 loans and creating 10-20 jobs.   Virginia Community Development Fund (VCDF): VCDF CCCF 2026 | $436,000 Regions 1, 4, & 9: City of Charlottesville, Town of Jarratt, Town of Saltville, Smyth County, Sussex County, Wythe County, Town of Wytheville The VCDF will deploy $690,000 in affordable housing developer loans to support three to four housing developments across the state, creating 100-150 units and supporting 30 distressed communities with economic development plans. Funds will also support the continuation of VCDF's training to non-profits on utilizing New Market Tax Credits.   Local Initiatives Support Corporation: LISC Virginia HDTI Working Capital Recoverable Grant Program | $300,000 All regions Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will use funds to expand its Housing Developer Training Institute Working Capital Recoverable Grant pool, which delivers 0% interest loans and technical assistance to affordable housing developers statewide. As a result, LISC will support the expansion of five housing developers and facilitate approximately 100 new affordable housing units.