New $15.3M GO Virginia Funding Aims to Strengthen Economy Statewide

Virginia leaders announced a major investment aimed at growing the state’s economy, creating new jobs, and helping thousands of residents gain skills for in-demand careers.

Governor Abigail Spanberger revealed more than $15.3 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia, or GO Virginia, grants. The funding will support projects across the Commonwealth focused on workforce training, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and emerging technologies. State officials say the effort could help train more than 6,000 people and create over 600 new jobs.

“GO Virginia investments are a win for families, a win for local communities, and a win both for the businesses who call Virginia home,” Spanberger said in the announcement.

The funding will also bring in an additional $9.5 million from local, private, and institutional partners, increasing the overall impact. Leaders say the goal is to prepare workers for industries that are growing quickly and need skilled employees.

Several projects will focus on advanced manufacturing, one of Virginia’s key industries. These efforts include expanding training programs, building new learning spaces, and helping businesses grow. Other projects will support aerospace and unmanned systems, with plans to train more than 1,300 people for careers in aviation and related fields.

The plan also puts a strong focus on life sciences, a fast-growing sector that includes medical research and biotechnology. Programs will connect students with hands-on training, internships, and job opportunities. At the same time, new efforts in artificial intelligence will help people in rural and underserved areas learn high-tech skills.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said the investments show a clear commitment to the state’s future. “These thoughtful investments demonstrate Virginia’s commitment to growing a skilled workforce and strengthening the industries that drive our economy,” she said.

In Hampton Roads, several projects will focus on strengthening defense-related businesses and building new training centers for advanced air mobility. Other regions will see investments in career and technical education, including programs designed to help high school students prepare for jobs in fields like data centers, logistics, and information technology.

Some funding will also go toward developing industrial sites and supporting small business growth. Leaders say these efforts will make Virginia more competitive when attracting new companies and investments.

Since launching in 2017, GO Virginia has supported more than 1,000 new businesses and helped create about 24,000 jobs across the state. Officials say this latest round of funding builds on that progress and aims to strengthen regional economies for years to come.

State leaders say the projects are designed to work together, combining education, industry, and local partnerships. The goal is to create long-term economic growth while giving Virginians the tools they need to succeed in a changing job market.

To learn more about GO Virginia, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova.

Shenandoah University Buzzins Commercial Kitchen and Culinary Hub | $100,000

Region 8: Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren; City of Winchester

This project will develop a comprehensive plan for a commercial kitchen and culinary hub to support entrepreneurship and growth in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Shenandoah University will design facility layouts, establish a sustainable business model, and create a workforce and entrepreneurship training curriculum through its HIVE program. The initiative builds on prior regional planning efforts and positions the region to support small business development, value-added agriculture, and industry expansion.