More state funding for economic development projects is coming to Alexandria and several other localities across Virginia.
The city is slated to share some $1.3 million for programs supporting small businesses and the technology workforce. The projects “advance Virginia’s economic competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and strategic industry growth,” the office of outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced today (Tuesday).
Some $1.2 million will go toward the expansion of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Small Business Opportunity Center in several localities, including Alexandria. The center aims to “strengthen the growth of traded-sector startups and small businesses” by offering technical assistance and expertise in partnership with universities and entrepreneurial organizations.
The center will also expand in Fairfax and Arlington counties, as well as Charles City, Chesterfield, Henrico, Prince George’s and Stafford counties, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond.
In Alexandria, Fairfax and Arlington, another $99,993 will go toward NOVA TechWorks, an initiative meant to “reskill and upskill the region’s tech workforce for high-demand roles in clusters tied to federal contracting and emerging technologies.”
“The project responds to shifting hiring practices, workforce disruption caused by federal spending changes, and the rise of skills-based hiring,” according to Youngkin’s office. “NOVA TechWorks will also support the region’s growing life sciences activity by advancing training in AI-enabled digital health through coordinated employer partnership models and integrated support services.”
The grants are part of a larger, $6.2 million Growth and Opportunity for Virginia package that supports a total of 10 projects. Focus areas include aviation maintenance, industrial trades, technology sectors, “regional innovation ecosystems and long-term strategic planning to position regions for transformational industry opportunities.”
“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said in a statement. “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.”
Since 2022, GO Virginia has assisted in the creation of 1,100 new businesses, the expansion of another 1,100 businesses and 25,000 new jobs, in addition to retaining 12,500 jobs and providing job training to 45,000 Virginians, according to Youngkin’s office.
