GO Virginia delivered some late holiday gifts this week, with five- and six-figure economic development grants going to technology and life sciences projects in Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office announced $6.2 million in Growth and Opportunity grants to 10 projects statewide. The money will “advance Virginia’s economic competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and strategic industry growth,” according to the news release.
GO Virginia Region 2’s Botetourt, Montgomery, Pulaski and Roanoke counties and the city of Roanoke will receive $648,000 for Project Rise, meant to strengthen startups. Commercialization assistance, a membership hub, access to experts and advanced tech tools will center support for fledgling businesses, “helping build a stronger pipeline of scalable startups across the region,” the news release read.
Another $250,000 will go to the Blue Ridge Innovation Corridor Vision 2050 project, with collaboration from Franklin, Botetourt, Montgomery, Henry and Pittsylvania counties and Martinsville and Danville, in regions 2 and 3. The plan is to develop a regional strategy to guide long-term economic growth via “strategic recommendations” related to fields including 3D manufacturing, life sciences and biotechnology, IT and emerging tech. Vision 2050 aims to position the localities for investment, competitiveness and growth, according to the release.
Also in Region 2, Pulaski, Montgomery and Roanoke counties’ VTTI Workforce Pathways Plan for ACE Technology was awarded $99,999. This workforce development project will focus on Automated-Connected-Electrified, or ACE, jobs related to electric and automated vehicles.
GO Virginia approved $96,700 for a Vector Space Robotics Program feasibility study in Lynchburg and Bedford County, both part of Region 2. The study will “chart a path that strengthens the region’s technical talent pipeline,” according to the news release.
The statewide economic development initiative, established in 2016, encourages collaboration among governments, industries, higher education institutions and workforce participants.
“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said in the news release. “Virginia is stronger than ever, but we have to keep going. By investing $6.2 million in these projects, we are strengthening Virginia’s workforce, advancing key strategic industries, and keeping Virginia competitive for years to come.”
One other Southside project received money, as well. Halifax, Mecklenburg and Pittsylvania counties and Danville, all of Region 3, got $92,000 to support the Danville Aviation Training Facility at Danville Regional Airport. The money will go toward aviation maintenance education, as well, with Danville Community College, Averett University and Danville City Public Schools taking part.
