A $400,000 GO Virginia grant will support an initiative aimed at expanding entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence capabilities across 15 localities in Southside Virginia, including Henry and Patrick counties and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced the grant Thursday as part of more than $6.2 million in GO Virginia awards for five projects across the state. The projects are backed by nearly $23 million in additional matching and private capital, according to the governor’s office.
The Region 3 project, RISE Phase III: AI Ready Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, will focus on advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and agriculture. The initiative will help businesses identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence, implement AI-enabled innovations and commercialize new products.
RISE Phase III will provide business navigation, AI assessments, technical assistance and commercialization support across 15 localities in Southside Virginia.
The Region 3 area includes Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward counties, as well as the cities of Danville and Martinsville.
“My Administration is committed to supporting and strengthening the industries that power economic growth in local communities across our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “These strategic investments reflect that focus: fostering innovation and building durable pathways to good jobs that support long-term economic security for Virginia families.”
The other four projects announced Thursday include investments in entrepreneurship and innovation, maritime workforce development, quantum technology and manufacturing training in other regions of Virginia.
