Alexandria to benefit from $1.3 million in state economic development grants
City included in two regional projects aimed at boosting small businesses and tech workforce
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday that Alexandria will share in more than $1.3 million in state grants through two regional economic development projects funded by the Growth and Opportunity for Virginia program.
The city is among the localities included in a $1.225 million grant to expand Virginia Commonwealth University’s Small Business Opportunity Center into Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg, and Central Virginia. The project will partner with universities and entrepreneur support organizations to strengthen traded-sector startups and small businesses by increasing access to technical assistance and sector-specific expertise.
Alexandria is also part of a nearly $100,000 grant for NOVA TechWorks, a workforce development initiative that will reskill and upskill the region’s tech workers for high-demand roles 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. It will also advance training in AI-enabled digital health through employer partnership models and integrated support services.
The announcements were part of $6.2 million in GO Virginia grants awarded statewide for 10 projects. The awarded projects will leverage an additional $4 million in investment.
“GO Virginia continues to be a catalyst for innovation and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said in a statement. “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 supported the creation of 1,100 new businesses and 25,000 jobs across 131 localities statewide, according to the governor’s office.