# Virginia Awards GO Virginia Grants

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced over **$6.2 million** in GO Virginia grants on September 17, 2026, to support strategic projects aimed at enhancing key industries, fostering entrepreneurship, and expanding workforce development across multiple regions of the Commonwealth. These grants fund initiatives in sectors including artificial intelligence, maritime, manufacturing, and agriculture, with specific projects such as the RISE Phase III AI Ready Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Southside Virginia, the Growth Alliance Initiative in Fredericksburg, and the Advancing Maritime Career Pathways in Hampton Roads. This coordinated investment seeks to build resilient talent pipelines and strengthen regional economic competitiveness.

- **Key agencies involved:** Commonwealth of Virginia, GO Virginia, and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) are leading grant administration and regional economic development efforts.
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors in AI, maritime, manufacturing, and workforce training sectors should evaluate opportunities to support or partner on funded projects across Virginia regions including Danville, Martinsville, Fredericksburg, Chesapeake, and Hampton.
- **Actionable insights:** Companies specializing in technology commercialization, accelerator programming, and maritime workforce training can leverage these grants to expand services and regional presence.
- **Contact points:** Procurement inquiries can be directed to the Office of the Governor (press@governor.virginia.gov) and DHCD (PR@dhcd.virginia.gov) for further information on grant opportunities and project participation.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Commonwealth of Virginia
- GO Virginia (GO VA)
- Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

### Key Quotes
> These investments reflect exactly what GO Virginia was created to do 1 bring regions together, strengthen the industries that define our economic future, and create career opportunities for Virginians.
> — Emily O'Quinn, GO Virginia Board Chair

> My Administration is committed to supporting and strengthening the industries that power economic growth in local communities across our Commonwealth.
> — Abigail Spanberger, Governor

### Sources
- [September Releases](https://www.governor.virginia.gov//newsroom/news-releases/2026/september-releases/name-1123626-en.html) - VA