State funding was announced last week for programs two organizations will use for economic development in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
The business-boosting Mary Ball Washington Regional Council announced the awarding of $607,857 to two projects selected by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, which oversees the implementation of GO Virginia.
GO Virginia is a state-led initiative focused on creating private sector jobs in high-paying, high-growth industries by facilitating collaboration among each region’s government, education and business leaders. The “GO” stands for “growth” and “opportunity.”
The Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula make up GO Virginia Region 6, and the two projects picked focus on the region’s targeted industries.
One project, awarded $307,857, concentrates on workforce development. It’s led by the Warsaw-based Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board and will serve all 15 localities in Region 6.
It will build new capacity, enhance career awareness, and define career pathways within the information technology, aquaculture, and manufacturing industry clusters.
“We feel like this project will take a significant step in bridging the gap between the private sector, talent in the region and our educational institutions,” Jackie Davis, executive director of the workforce development board, said in a press release about the funding. “Approval of the project signifies an investment in what will be a long-term, employer-led and data-driven approach to workforce development in the region.”
The project includes finding ways to use on-the-job-training and work-based learning to support employment and utilization of stackable credentials to support upward job mobility.
The GO Virginia award is matched with $160,891 in local and federal funds, bringing the total project budget to $468,747.
The second award, for $300,000, was given to the Fredericksburg-based Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce for the Expanding Business Ecosystems Business Accelerator.
Participating localities include Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania and Stafford counties. The accelerator will focus on the agriculture, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, and professional services industry clusters.
The project will launch a 10-week program for six cohorts over two years, serving 120 businesses across Region 6. Each cohort will focus on specific industries or demographic groups that require tailored support, such as minority-owned businesses, tech startups or manufacturing companies.
“This grant is a transformational investment in the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce’s mission to support and empower small businesses,” said Ernisha Hall, the chamber’s president and CEO. “With this funding, we can significantly expand the reach and impact of our business accelerator program, fostering innovation and driving economic growth within our community. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and are committed to using these resources to uplift entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.”
The match provided for the project totals $160,000 and comes from the chamber, participating localities and private sources. An additional $75,715 provides for a total project budget of $535,715.
