With this Deep Dive series coming to an end, and a dive into what projects may look like, how do applicants apply for funding?

First, GO Virginia funding seeks to grow jobs that pay higher than the regional median wage ($22/hour or $44,058 annually), and attracts new investment, especially new to Virginia.

Proposed projects should benefit an industry or region as a whole, rather than a single business entity. Projects should emphasize traded sectors and demonstrate an ongoing, region-wide demand for the project or program. Projects also are required to demonstrate strong local match and meaningful local participation and leadership.

GO Virginia allows projects in statewide clusters of:

  • Entrepreneurial Activities
  • Regional Site Development
  • Workforce Development

With a focus on job creation in:

  • Aquaculture / Seafood / Commercial Fishing / Marine Industries
  • Forestry / Wood Products / Paper
  • Manufacturing
  • Logistics / Distribution
  • Information / Data Centers
  • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

That…

  • Create Higher Paying Jobs
  • Collaboration between two or more localities
  • Create Out of State Revenue

Proposed projects should benefit an industry or region as a whole, rather than a single business entity. Projects should emphasize traded sectors and demonstrate an ongoing, region-wide demand for the project or program. Projects also are required to demonstrate strong local match and meaningful local participation and leadership.

GO Virginia offers two project types:

  • Enhanced Capacity Building ($100,000 maximum, 1:1 match, no local match requirement)
    • Planning Grants i.e. Feasibility Studies, Pre-Development Activities, Plans, and Capacity Building Activities
  • Implementation (no maximum, 1:1 match, of which 20% or $50,000 (whichever is greater) must be from local governments)

To Apply, schedule a meeting with Jennifer Morgan, morgan@gwregion.org to discuss your idea and next steps.