By Tim Ryan

Hampton Roads, get ready to level up! Innovate Hampton Roads is thrilled to share game-changing news: Neighborhood, a trailblazing nonprofit, just secured a $305,000 GO Virginia Region 5 grant to supercharge its Economic Access Initiative (EAI). This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about building a future where our region’s talent thrives in high-demand, high-paying careers like shipbuilding, cybersecurity, data analytics, logistics, and warehousing.

Why does this matter to you, our innovators and entrepreneurs? Because this initiative is a rocket booster for Hampton Roads’ economic engine. The EAI, led by Neighborhood, connects jobseekers with the training, credentials, and support they need to transition from low-wage gigs to skilled, sustainable careers. This means a stronger, more competitive workforce for local businesses—especially in industries driving our region’s growth. As Josh Jones, Neighborhood’s Board Chair, puts it, “We’re not just preparing people for jobs—we’re reshaping what opportunity looks like in our region.”

This grant builds on a prior GO Virginia Planning Grant, aligning with Region 5’s Economic Growth and Diversification Plan. It’s a strategic move to fuel industries that define Hampton Roads’ innovation edge, from the shipyards to tech hubs. For entrepreneurs, this translates to a talent pipeline ready to meet your needs, whether you’re launching a cybersecurity startup or scaling a logistics venture.

The Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the backbone of GO Virginia Region 5, is all in on this mission. Their focus? Driving economic growth through collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This grant is a testament to their work to make our 16-city region a magnet for opportunity.

For our community, the EAI is a bridge to economic mobility. It’s about empowering residents to seize careers that pay well and spark pride. For businesses, it’s a chance to tap into a skilled workforce that keeps Hampton Roads competitive. And for innovators like you, it’s proof that our region is building a bold, inclusive future.
Want to get involved? Visit roundtablehr.org to learn how you can support this momentum. Let’s keep Hampton Roads’ innovation story soaring!

You can download the press release here.

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