GO Virginia Region 2
Projects By The Numbers Through FY18-FY22
Workforce and Entrepreneurship Initiatives in a Regional Makerspace
Vector Space, a community makerspace in Downtown Lynchburg, is working to implement expanded programming centered around workforce development and entrepreneurship support for underserved populations. Vector Space is currently partnering with HireLynchburg and Virginia Career Works on a 12-week Women in Machining Program.
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The Central Virginia Community College CTE Academy
The Central Virginia Community College CTE Academy will deliver necessary workforce training for individuals in Central Virginia Community College’s service region. An estimated 1120 students will complete a credential or certificate from the Central Virginia Regional CTE Academy. Programming will concentrate on the four targeted priority industry sectors: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Information Technology, and the automation segment of the food and beverage sector.
Project Eagle+
Project Eagle is growing Region 2’s life sciences and health sector by bringing marquee programming into a dedicated shared lab facility to serve the needs of smaller emerging startups and existing regional biotech companies. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center is partnering with the biotech accelerator team from Johnson & Johnson Innovations JLABS to provide a rich set of lab facilities and services. This project has broad support across Region 2 including stakeholders from The City of Roanoke and Montgomery County.
Blockchain Ecosystem Catalyst (BEC)
The Blockchain Ecosystem Catalyst (BEC) is a collaboration of Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science, Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, and Continuing and Professional Education with partners including the Virginia Tech Foundation and Valleys Innovation Council. The project aims to address current talent needs for mid-career professionals and lay the groundwork for Blockchain certifications through seminars, short courses, and training events.
Regional Acceleration and Mentorship Program (RAMP)
RAMP is a 12-week accelerator program that supports technology-based startups through seed money and mentorship. RAMP has seen great success connecting startups with mentors. To date, 27 mentors have been engaged in the project and seven mentors have been matched. Businesses in Pulaski, Blacksburg, and Roanoke are participating.
Center for Energy Research and Education Industry Lab (CERE)
CERE offers students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia opportunities to observe and assist with research in the fields of science and engineering. Labs are now operational and used by industry leaders, faculty, and researchers. As a result, six new jobs have been created by partner entities.
Enhancing the Region through New Technology for Unmanned Systems (Drone Zone)
The project offers high school students drone-centered learning and training opportunities through dual enrollment. Nearly two dozen students, including 17 from Rockbridge High School, have participated in the program with two other high schools expected to participate in the program in Spring 2020.
Ignite
Ignite through The United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) will expand their efforts in GO Virginia Region 1 to GO Virginia Region 2 with a goal to facilitate regional collaboration between schools and employers to equip and retain the next generation of the local workforce. Through a collaborative effort between K-12 and industry, the program will focus on creating industry experience opportunities and enhanced occupational awareness.
Wood Haven Road Water and Sewer Infrastructure Enhancement
The Wood Haven project seeks to attract new businesses to the region through site preparedness by improving site readiness and marketability. Prior to receiving funds, the site was unable to be developed and did not attract businesses to the area. Through the project, water and sewer utility connections to the site will be made ready for use, and these improvements will propel the site to a Tier 4 readiness standard through the Virginia Businesses Ready Sites Program.
Stopping the Brain Drain Strategy Development
Data collected from the study gives local businesses valuable insight into the preferences of new graduates and young professionals entering the job market. The project encourages leaders from Lynchburg, the New River Valley, and the Roanoke-Alleghany region to work collaboratively to share information and support future internship program opportunities in the region.
Region 2's Strategic Areas
News and Announcements
June 23, 2023 by 5 p.m: Deadline to submit applications for GO Virginia Region 2 Grants
July 24, 2023: GO Virginia Region 2 Council Meeting, 2-4 PM, Roanoke, VA
October 19, 2023: GO Virginia Region 2 Council Meeting, 2-4 PM, Roanoke, VA
Funding available through Region 2 Grant programs: (as of April 28, 2023):
$727,997 for Region 2 grants
Up to $150,100 for Enhanced Capacity Building grants
View the GO Virginia Region 2 2023 Calendar.