Virginia is ranked number one in the United States for customized workforce training in the 22nd annual Business Facilities Rankings Report for the fourth consecutive year, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced.
Business Facilities, a leading national publication for economic development professionals, recognized the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program for its success in delivering workforce training to new and expanding companies. Virginia is also ranked among the country’s top five states for business climate. Last month, Business Facilities recognized InternshipsVA — a statewide initiative Governor Spanberger launched to connect students with paid internships in Virginia — with its 2026 Economic Development Organization (EDO) award.
“The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program continues to distinguish the Commonwealth as a leader in workforce development and innovation,” said Spanberger. “By investing in Virginia’s workforce, we are creating new opportunities for Virginians, helping companies thrive, and reinforcing the Commonwealth’s position as one of the best places in the nation to grow a career or build a business. This recognition underscores the lasting impact of this program that elevates workers, supports businesses, and leverages the expertise at Virginia’s top-tier higher education institutions.”
The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is a workforce initiative created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System with funding support from Governor Spanberger’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. The program accelerates new facility startups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.
Since launching in 2019, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has helped support more than 22,000 jobs across Virginia. Governor Spanberger’s commitment to expanding opportunity for the workforce is also reflected in the launch of InternshipsVA in February as one of her first major economic development announcements. InternshipsVA is part of the Spanberger Administration’s larger statewide effort to develop, attract, and retain top talent in Virginia. The program helps Virginia employers create and expand high-quality, paid internships to connect college students with real-world work experience.
