Bland, Smyth and Wythe counties were among the localities picked to receive funds from the state’s Growth Opportunity for Virginia grants aimed at advancing community economic recovery efforts.
In all, more than $7.7 million in Go Grants were handed out.
The funds will support 14 projects focused on economic diversification, work force development, talent pipelines, economic resiliency and business ready sites.
“As Virginia’s economy continues to surge, it’s important that every part of the state shares in that success,” said Gov. Ralph Northam. “These grants support projects that drive local and regional economic growth, spurring innovation and creating jobs in our communities across the Commonwealth.”
Smyth and Washington counties, along with the towns of Abingdon, Glade Spring, Meadowview and Saltville, received a 52,950 grant for the business of agriculture in Southwest Virginia.
Emory & Henry College School of Business will complete a feasibility study of an innovation hub for agriculture initiatives to support ongoing agriculture-related entrepreneurship education.
Bland, Tazewell and Wythe counties, along with the towns of Bluefield, Virginia, and Wytheville, received $68,500 for the Appalachian Council for Innovation Business Continuity and Resiliency.
The Appalachian Council for Innovation, in partnership with the Appalachian Council of Business Leaders, Small Business Development Centers, and others will take a three-tiered approach to provide access to information and resources, along with knowledge of business continuity and resiliency and its importance in business survival during times of crisis. This strategy includes the implementation of community-based educational events, business continuity, resilience assessments, gap analysis, and input from the health care community to help guide businesses moving forward through the COVID-19 crisis, as well as for future disasters.
Floyd and Pulaski counties received $100,000 for a job profiling system that will analyze the work force.
