GETTING STARTED
GRANT APPLICATION
Step 1
Brainstorm
Gather together friends, neighbors, colleagues and fellow innovators to brainstorm ideas that could generate prosperity in our region. All ideas are welcome and valued.
Step 2
Prioritize
Before you apply, ask yourself the following questions about your project:
-
Does it fit within one of our region's target growth industries?
-
Does it have the potential to bring high-paying jobs to the region?
-
How much money would it take to get the idea going?
-
What kind of return would your community or the state expect to see?
-
Does our region have an already skilled workforce to fill those jobs?
-
Is there training locally to create a skilled workforce?
Step 3
Choose Type of Grant
ENHANCED CAPACITY BUILDING
For feasibility/market studies, pre-development activities and business, workforce or innovation strategies that set you up for success in implementing projects.
PER CAPITA
GRANT
For implementation projects like workforce development, business accelerators, research commercialization endeavors, business site development, and more in Region 7.
STATEWIDE COMPETITIVE
GRANT
Primarily for implementation projects, stronger if involving two or more regions, and designed for projects with the legs to compete for funding at the state level.
If you’re having trouble figuring out the best grant type for you, please contact us. We’re here to help!
Keep in mind these two funding requirements:
-
All projects must have support from two or more localities
-
All GO Virginia funds must be matched by non-state funds (from federal/local governments, foundations or from the private sector
Step 4
Address Key Points
COLLABORATION
The most successful grant applications will show a high level of collaboration with local businesses and organizations.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Before beginning the application process, you should make sure you or your organization is eligible to apply for the grant. For specific eligibility requirements, contact us.
MATCHING FUNDS
All three grant applications require matching dollar requirements. Be sure to explain how you intend to gather your matching funds.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
The grant evaluation team will need to be able to clearly see the data that backs up the potential investment. What will the total investment cost in dollars? What is the expected return in the first year? In five years? In ten years?
35% Economic Impact
30% Regional Collaboration
20% Project Readiness & Capacity
15% Project Sustainability
Step 5
Review Rating System
Gather together friends, neighbors, colleagues and fellow innovators to brainstorm ideas that could generate prosperity in our region. All ideas are welcome and valued.
Step 6
Contact Us
Contact us before submitting to discuss your application and make sure it is right for our program!
Susan Baker
Managing Director
703-403-6983
Ann Hyslop
Managing Director
703-342-9091