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Richmond converts small business loans to grants
Five years ago, when Sandi Cauley opened her boutique fitness business, Turn Cardio Jam Studio, she did so on her own dime — not wanting to be strapped to loans and investors. But after the pandemic hit, she needed outside help to keep her business afloat. After she had trouble securing a Paycheck Protection Program […]
Workforce development
From customized apprenticeship programs to professional development courses, various organizations in Hampton Roads are working to ensure employers have the right workforce. Below is an overview of workforce development resources. The Apprentice School Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019, The Apprentice School in Newport News has trained 10,800 shipyard workers over its long history. […][...]
Casino is a dicey prospect for some Danvillians
As Danville voters await a November referendum to approve one of the state’s first casinos, some residents are concerned the project would bring crime and traffic to the area. Danville is one of five localities granted approval to build a casino by state lawmakers earlier this year, although developers require the approval of [...]
New maritime collaborative taps executive director
Nancy Grden has been named the first executive director of Hampton Roads Maritime Collaborative for Growth & Innovation, which aims to expand the role maritime plays in the region’s economic development. Grden was most recently the associate vice president of Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation &am[...]
Hitachi AAB Power Grids expanding in Bland County
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will invest $6.2 million to upgrade equipment and increase manufacturing capacity at its operations in Bland County, where it is the county’s largest private-sector employer. The expansion will add 40 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday. “Hitachi ABB Power Grids has made tremendous contributions to Southwest Virginia and the commonwealth for […]
Huntington Ingalls to establish unmanned systems center in Hampton
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that Newport News-based Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the nation’s largest military shipbuilding company, will establish an unmanned systems center in Hampton, which will create more than 250 jobs. “Huntington Ingalls Industries is a national leader in advanced manufacturing, and this investment is a powerful testament to Virginia’s workers and business […][...]
Roanoke regional accelerator receives nearly $1M federal grant
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Monday it has awarded nearly $1 million in grant funding to the Valleys Innovation Council (VIC) for its Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP), which is targeted at helping to grow startup companies in the Roanoke and New River Valley region. “This grant will give us the runway we […]
Va. Beach Economic Development, 1701 Coworking select entrepreneurship program participants
Virginia Beach Economic Development and Virginia Beach-based 1701 Coworking announced Friday it has selected two participants for its three-month Entrepreneur-in Residence (EIR) program. Kate Johnson with Heritage Business Services and freelance educator Meghan Raftery were selected for the program, which provides training in hiring, strategic planning and other business practices. “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive […][...]
Northam expands $70M Rebuild VA program
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday that the $70 million economic recovery program Rebuild VA is expanding its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses to apply for economic relief grants. Under the Rebuild VA program, which launched in August, businesses that received federal CARES Act funding are now eligible to receive up to $10,000 in […]
Va. recovers 68K jobs in August
In August, Virginia employers recovered a total of 68,000 jobs (a 1.8% increase from July), but the commonwealth is still 212,600 jobs shy of where it was last year, according to employment statistics released Friday by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. “Despite the sizable increase in August, total employment remains way below the pre-pandemic […]
Four Va. localities earn Main Street designation
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that the towns of Cape Charles, Onancock, Tappahannock and Tazewell have joined the Virginia Main Street Program, which, through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), provides services to strengthen downtown communities. Designated towns must participate in an application process to receive services including market analysis, marketplace development, capacity […][...]
NOVA, Manassas, Prince William, local groups launch workforce program
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) announced Monday it is partnering with the city of Manassas, Prince William County, Virginia Career Works and the SkillsSource Group to launch the $1.9 million ELEVATE Program to provide free education and workforce services. Funded by federal CARES Act funding, the program will also help businesses to upskill their workforces. […]
