By Tim Ryan

We’re thrilled to unpack GO Virginia Region 5‘s latest powerhouse move: a planning grant to VersAbility Resources that’s set to supercharge inclusive workforce innovation through the VersAbility TECH (Train, Educate, Certify, Hire) Center. This isn’t just about training—it’s a blueprint for bridging talent shortages in our core industries, unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs like you to tap into a diverse pool of skilled creators and problem-solvers.

Picture this: a sprawling 75,000-square-foot hub in Norfolk, designed from the ground up with universal accessibility, churning out certified pros in welding, logistics, marine coatings, and more. With only 41% of Virginians with disabilities currently employed, VersAbility TECH is flipping the script by dismantling barriers and aligning training with high-demand sectors like shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. This planning grant will deliver an architectural site plan, employer-vetted curricula, an advisory group of industry heavyweights, and a roadmap tied to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s Talent Pathways Initiative (TPI) reports.

As Tom Frantz, Chair of GO Virginia Region 5, puts it: “For a region to be competitive and grow, it must train and retain talent, particularly in its core industries. The VersAbility TECH Center and this program should play an important role in strengthening Hampton Roads, its workforce, and its core industries.” Partners like Huntington Ingalls Industries, Liebherr, and the Port of Virginia are already on board, highlighting chronic skilled trades shortages and committing to curriculum input. VersAbility’s track record speaks volumes—they’ve graduated 24 welders and run weekly forklift trainings, with a March 2025 regional “think tank” rallying broad support.

For you, the innovators and startup founders in our community, this means game-changing access to untapped talent. Imagine scaling your advanced manufacturing venture with welders who’ve mastered cobotic tech from last month’s HAMMER Program (funded by GO Virginia’s $770K injection), or logistics startups pulling from a certified, inclusive workforce ready to tackle offshore wind or uncrewed systems challenges outlined in the Hampton Roads Investment Playbook. VersAbility Resources, a nonprofit powerhouse since its roots in supporting disabilities, employs hundreds in diverse fields across Hampton Roads, the Middle Peninsula, and beyond. Their mission—”where ability meets opportunity”—dovetails perfectly with our region’s push for economic diversification, fostering collaborations that turn federal opportunities into local wins.

Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility, captures the essence: “This project is an investment in people… helping employers meet talent needs while opening doors for individuals of all abilities.” And Casey Roberts, EVP of Strategy and Development (and a GO Virginia Region 5 Council Member), adds: “We want employers to see earned credentials as indicators of workforce readiness—not individual disability. VersAbility TECH taps into the largest untapped talent pool to meet the workforce needs of Hampton Roads and beyond.”

This grant positions VersAbility for a full GO Virginia implementation award, scaling the TECH Center into a regional force that boosts our 1.8 million-strong population’s competitiveness. Building on GO Virginia’s momentum—like the cybersecurity Talent Pathways Analysis and Economic Access Initiative—it’s fueling higher-paying jobs (think median incomes climbing past $45K) and attracting global talent via campaigns like StartInHamptonRoads.

At Innovate Hampton Roads, we’re buzzing because this inclusive edge gives entrepreneurs the diverse teams needed to innovate in maritime tech, clean energy, and beyond. Whether you’re a founder in defense R&D or a maker in advanced air mobility, VersAbility TECH could be your secret weapon for talent acquisition and inclusive growth.Ready to connect? Dive into versability.org for more on their programs, including recent highlights like their partnership with Tidal Wave Auto Spa for Charity Day or motivational spotlights on leaders like Casey Roberts. Check govirginia.org/regions/five/ for Region 5 updates, or roundtablehr.org to join the Executive Roundtable’s collaborative vibe. And hit up startinhamptonroads.com to bring fresh talent to your doorstep. What’s your take on inclusive innovation? Share below—we’re all about amplifying the 757’s entrepreneurial spirit!

You can download the press release here.

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