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.

Investments Will Train More Than 6,000 Virginians with the Skills They Need to Find Positions in Growing & High-Demand Industries Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced more than $15.3 million in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grants to support a new portfolio of projects across the Commonwealth focused on workforce development, advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, life sciences, and site development. The projects leverage $9.5 million in local, private, and institutional investments and are projected to deliver substantial economic impact, including training more than 6,000 Virginians, creating more than 600 new jobs, supporting business growth, and strengthening Virginia's position in high-demand industry sectors. "GO Virginia investments are a win for families, a win for local communities, and a win both for the businesses who call Virginia home -- and the companies looking to expand in the Commonwealth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "By equipping Virginians with the skills they need to find jobs in high-demand fields, we can help set them on a course for life-long success and make sure Virginia leads the way in the competitive industries shaping the future." The approved portfolio reflects a comprehensive, industry-aligned strategy to grow Virginia's economy by strengthening workforce pipelines, accelerating business development, and investing in regional assets that drive long-term competitiveness. "These thoughtful investments demonstrate Virginia's commitment to growing a skilled workforce and strengthening the industries that drive our economy," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. "GO Virginia continues to help regions collaborate, innovate, and compete for long-term economic and community growth." In advanced manufacturing, projects will support job creation, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the full ecosystem from workforce development to commercialization. In aerospace and unmanned systems, investments will train more than 1,300 individuals and establish scalable pathways into high-growth aviation careers, reinforcing Virginia's leadership in advanced mobility technology and innovation. The portfolio also strengthens the life sciences, one of the Commonwealth's fastest-growing sectors, by building coordinated talent pipelines that support job placement, internships, and apprenticeships. At the same time, investments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will expand access to high-demand skills, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and prepare more than 2,000 individuals for careers in these technology-driven fields. Additional initiatives are focused on accelerating business growth and strengthening key industry clusters, including defense and logistics. These projects are expected to support business expansion and attraction while building more resilient supply chains across the Commonwealth. Strategic investments in site development and economic infrastructure will further enhance Virginia's ability to compete for large-scale economic opportunities. "Today's investments reflect a clear commitment to addressing current needs and building a foundation for Virginia's future economy," said Emily O'Quinn, Chair of the GO Virginia State Board. "By aligning talent and innovation through regional collaboration, we are ensuring Virginia remains competitive in the industries driving our future." Since its inception in 2017, GO Virginia has strengthened regional economies through strategic collaboration across 131 localities. The program has supported the creation of more than 1,000 new businesses and 24,000 jobs by fostering innovation, workforce development, and industry growth. To learn more about GO Virginia, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/gova. Implementation Grant Applications AM2 Initiative to Grow Advanced Manufacturing | $4,230,160 Regions 2 (Lead) and 3: Counties of Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Botetourt, Campbell, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski and Roanoke; Cities of Covington, Danville, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Radford, Roanoke and Salem; Towns of Bedford, Rocky Mount and Vinton  The AM2 Initiative is a multiregional effort to scale advanced manufacturing through coordinated investments in talent development, innovation infrastructure, and business support. The project will establish an industry consortium; develop training and credentialing programs; and provide resources for prototyping, commercialization and workforce development. By aligning education, industry, and regional strategy, the initiative will strengthen Virginia's manufacturing ecosystem and support business growth across multiple regions. Randolph College Mechanical Engineering Program Expansion | $686,340 Region 2: Counties of Amherst, Appomattox and Campbell; City of Lynchburg Randolph College will expand its mechanical engineering program to address workforce demand in the advanced manufacturing sector. The project includes the development of new laboratories, applied learning spaces and industry-informed curriculum, along with expanded opportunities for dual enrollment, internships and undergraduate research. By aligning training with employer needs, the initiative will strengthen the regional talent pipeline and prepare graduates for high-demand engineering careers. FAA Uncrewed Aerial Systems College Initiative | $788,700 Region 5: Counties of Accomack and Northampton  Eastern Shore Community College will establish a comprehensive workforce training program in unmanned aerial systems that align with regional industry demand and federal partners. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula and provide hands-on training through real-world applications. The initiative will strengthen Virginia's position in advanced aviation and unmanned systems while building a scalable workforce pipeline. Hampton Roads Playbook Implementation: Defense | $746,494 Region 5: Counties of Isle of Wight, James City, New Kent, Southampton and York; Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg This project advances a regional strategy to strengthen defense-related supply chains and support business growth in one of Virginia's most critical industry sectors. The initiative will connect small and mid-sized businesses to major defense contractors, expand global partnerships and position the region for new investment. The project is expected to create new jobs, attract new companies, expand existing businesses and support a more resilient and competitive defense ecosystem. Hampton Roads Mobility Innovation Center (MIC) | $3,061,400 Region 5: Cities of Hampton and Newport News  The Hampton Roads Mobility Innovation Center will establish a state-of-the-art training and testing environment for advanced air mobility and unmanned systems technologies. The project will create Federal Aviation Administration-compliant operating environments to support workforce training, product testing, and innovation in emerging aviation sectors. The center will serve as a regional hub for talent development, business growth, and technological advancement. Hampton Roads Playbook Sites Planning | $296,450 Region 5: Counties of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City and York; Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg  This project will develop a coordinated regional strategy to identify, evaluate and prioritize industrial sites aligned with high-growth sectors including defense, energy, aerospace and logistics. The effort will produce market-ready site profiles and a regional asset map to support future business attraction and investment. Start in Hampton Roads Talent Attraction & Retention Program | $200,000 Region 5: Counties of Isle of Wight, James City, New Kent, Southampton, York; Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg This regional initiative will create a centralized digital platform to attract, connect and retain talent across Hampton Roads' priority industries. The platform will serve as a front door for jobseekers, students and transitioning service members, linking them to career opportunities and regional employers. By strengthening talent attraction and workforce connectivity, the project will support business growth and long-term regional competitiveness. Extended Workforce Pathways with Stafford and Caroline Counties | $965,601 Region 6: Counties of Caroline and Stafford  This project expands career and technical education pathways across two school divisions to prepare students for high-demand industries including data centers, logistics, energy and information technology. The initiative will introduce new programs, align curriculum with industry-recognized credentials and provide opportunities for dual enrollment and direct workforce entry. Through regional collaboration, the project will build a scalable model for workforce development and student success. Life Sciences Innovation & Future Talent (LIFT-VA) | $2,383,000 Region 7: Prince William and Loudoun Counties; City of Manassas LIFT-VA will build a comprehensive life sciences workforce pipeline spanning middle school through graduate education. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory training and employer engagement to prepare students for careers in biosciences and biomedical research. By integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and expanding credentialing opportunities, the initiative will strengthen the region's growing life sciences cluster and support long-term workforce development. AI Mobile Unit for Workforce & Education | $1,079,109 Regions 6 (Lead) and 9: Counties of Fauquier, King George, Nelson, Orange, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania and Stafford The AI Mobile Unit project will expand access to artificial intelligence training and certification across rural and underserved communities through mobile learning labs. The initiative will deliver hands-on instruction to students, educators and workforce participants, while also creating dual enrollment opportunities and industry-recognized credential pathways. This approach ensures broader access to emerging technology skills and strengthens the region's workforce readiness. CNC Machining Program at RCC | $431,575 Region 6: Counties of Gloucester, King and Queen, Lancaster, Middlesex and Northumberland and Town of West Point The CNC Machining Program College will expand workforce training capacity in advanced manufacturing by developing a hands-on program aligned with regional employer demand. The initiative will help address critical workforce gaps and support the growth of manufacturing employers across the region. Clarke County Camp 7 Extended Due Diligence | $250,000 Region 8: Counties of Clarke and Frederick  Clarke County will advance a 40-acre industrial site toward development readiness by completing engineering design, infrastructure planning, and site characterization. The project builds on prior due diligence efforts and positions the site for future investment and job creation. Planning, Feasibility, and Small-Scale Pilot Grant Applications Advancing Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture | $81,002 Regions 6 (Lead) and 5: Counties of Gloucester, Lancaster; Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland  The Advancing Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture project will develop a regional strategy to scale Virginia's aquaculture industry by strengthening innovation, technology adoption, and industry competitiveness. Led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in partnership with higher education institutions and industry stakeholders, the initiative will assess industry needs, identify opportunities for technological advancement and develop a roadmap for a regional aquaculture innovation ecosystem. This effort positions Virginia to enhance its leadership in shellfish production while supporting long-term growth in the seafood and marine economy.  The PIVOT Academy | $50,451 Region 7: Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun  The PIVOT Academy project will design and pilot a regional model to help small businesses transition into state, local, and education contracting markets. Led by George Mason University, the initiative will provide targeted training, industry engagement and procurement readiness support through a structured workshop and stakeholder engagement process. The project will result in a strategic roadmap to expand business access to public sector opportunities and strengthen the region's small business ecosystem. 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.