Economic Resources Directory

Key VACC Partners & Resources‍ ‍

Virginia's economic competitiveness is supported by a broad network of public agencies, higher education institutions, regional organizations, and industry partners. The following resources provide programs, research, technical assistance, workforce development, business support, and economic development services across the Commonwealth.

Economic Development & Business Growth‍

• ‍Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) – Business expansion, international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), site selection, and economic development.

• Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) – Innovation, commercialization, venture capital, startups, university research, and emerging technologies.

• GO Virginia – Regional economic development -Industry cluster initiatives.

• Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) – Small business development, SWaM certification, supplier diversity.

• Virginia Tourism Corporation – Tourism and destination marketing.

Workforce & Talent

• Virginia Works – Workforce development, employer services, career pathways, labor market information, apprenticeships, and workforce initiatives. (Virginia Works)

• Virginia Board of Workforce Development – State workforce strategy and policy. (Virginia Employment Commission)

• Virginia Community College System (VCCS) – Workforce training, credentials, skilled trades, and talent development.

• State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) – Higher education planning, research, and policy.

Research, Innovation & Commercialization

• Virginia Tech

• Virginia Tech LINK + LICENSE + LAUNCH

• University of Virginia

• Virginia Commonwealth University

• George Mason University

• Old Dominion University

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD)

• Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance / APEX Accelerator Program

• Virginia Department of General Services

International Trade & Global Commerce

• Virginia Economic Development Partnership – International Trade

• Port of Virginia

• U.S. Commercial Service – Virginia

• Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)

Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

• Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT)

• Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

• Virginia Housing

Industry & Emerging Technology Resources

Organizations supporting Virginia's strategic industries include partnerships and initiatives in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Quantum Technologies

• Cybersecurity

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Aerospace & Defense

• Biotechnology & Life Sciences

• Healthcare

• Energy

• Maritime & Logistics

• Agriculture & Food Processing

• Financial and Banking Services

• Tourism & Hospitality

Many of these initiatives are advanced through collaborations among state and regional economic development organizations, industry associations, private-sector partners, and Virginia's colleges and universities.