Wise, Virginia Local Business Exchange

An advanced manufacturing workforce development initiative in southwest Virginia could receive $24.8 million in federal funding to expand technical training and help regional manufacturers develop new products.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration announced October 26, 2026, that it intends to provide the funding to the Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials coalition, also known as AM2.

The proposed investment will support manufacturing certification programs and equipment intended to improve industrial production processes.

Federal officials say the initiative is expected to train approximately 2,000 workers.

New Manufacturing Certification Program Planned

One component of the initiative involves establishing an advanced manufacturing certification program.

Certification programs can help workers demonstrate knowledge and technical skills associated with specialized manufacturing occupations.

The planned training is intended to address workforce needs in industries using advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.

The announcement does not identify the individual certifications that will be offered.

Specific training providers, enrollment requirements, course schedules, and tuition arrangements have also not been published.

Prospective participants should wait for additional program information before assuming they qualify for training.

The 2,000-worker figure represents a project goal rather than the number of people already enrolled or trained.

Equipment Will Support Manufacturing Innovation

The project also includes acquiring equipment designed to help manufacturers improve production processes.

According to the federal announcement, the initiative will provide testing and development capabilities that allow manufacturers to design, prototype, and prepare new products for commercial production.

Prototyping allows businesses to evaluate product designs before committing to larger manufacturing runs.

Testing equipment can also help manufacturers identify production problems and improve product consistency.

These resources may be especially useful for smaller manufacturers that cannot independently justify the cost of specialized testing equipment.

However, the announcement does not establish whether equipment will be available to all regional businesses.

Access arrangements and participation requirements have not yet been released.

Nearly $195 Million in Total Commitments

Federal officials described the proposed $24.8 million award as part of a broader initiative supported by approximately $195 million in total commitments.

The combined commitments are intended to support workforce development and advanced manufacturing capabilities across southern and southwest Virginia.

The federal announcement does not provide a complete breakdown of participating organizations or individual financial commitments.

It also does not specify when all proposed investments will occur.

The figures should therefore be understood as announced commitments rather than completed expenditures.

Economic Recovery After Hurricane Helene

The initiative is being considered through the EDA’s disaster recovery funding program.

The proposed investment responds to the effects of Hurricane Helene, which affected parts of Virginia in 2024.

The program is designed to help disaster-impacted communities rebuild economic capacity while developing industries that can support future employment.

In this case, the proposed strategy emphasizes manufacturing technology and workforce skills.

Opportunities for Businesses and Workers

Manufacturers in southwest Virginia may eventually have opportunities to participate in technical training, product development, or testing activities.

Workers interested in manufacturing careers may also benefit from new certification programs.

However, the October 26 announcement does not establish an open enrollment period, identify participating employers, or guarantee employment following training.

The next milestones will include final award decisions, confirmation of project partners, equipment procurement, and publication of training schedules.

For southwest Virginia, the proposed investment represents a significant effort to expand technical manufacturing capabilities while supporting regional economic recovery.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Loudoun County, Virginia, have a new opportunity to apply for federal community development funding.

Loudoun County announced October 23, 2026, that applications are open for its Community Development Block Grant program.

The program supports qualifying projects involving housing, public services, and other community development needs.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2026.

The county will also hold a virtual information session October 28 to help prospective applicants understand the requirements.

Two Categories of Projects Are Eligible

Loudoun County is accepting applications for two types of Community Development Block Grant projects.

The first category supports public services that primarily benefit residents with low or moderate incomes.

Qualifying activities must address eligible community needs and satisfy federal program requirements.

The second category supports certain non-public-service projects involving the acquisition or rehabilitation of real property.

These projects must provide housing for qualifying low- and moderate-income individuals.

For the housing-related category, the county identifies households earning no more than 80% of area median income as part of the eligibility framework.

Individual projects must also satisfy applicable federal requirements.

Which Organizations Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include qualifying governmental entities and established nonprofit organizations.

Government applicants may include Loudoun County and the incorporated towns of Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill.

Nonprofit applicants must have federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

They must also demonstrate a substantial connection to Loudoun County through their service populations or the services they provide.

Organizations must maintain a physical presence in the county or be located within reasonable proximity.

Nonprofit applicants must have operated for at least two years by the application date.

The program is not an unrestricted small-business grant.

Individual for-profit businesses are not identified among the eligible applicant categories.

Projects Must Address Local Needs

Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities will benefit Loudoun County residents or take place within the county.

Projects must also satisfy applicable federal community development objectives.

The county identifies several priority areas, including housing, homelessness, community development, special needs, and economic development.

Proposals must align with the county’s planning priorities and applicable federal requirements.

Organizations should review the complete application documents before determining whether a proposed project qualifies.

The October 23 announcement does not specify a universal maximum grant amount for individual applicants.

Funding availability and award decisions will depend on the county’s established application and review process.

Information Session Scheduled for October 28

Loudoun County will hold a virtual information session Wednesday, October 28, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Prospective applicants can request participation information through the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

The session provides an opportunity to ask questions about eligibility, application requirements, and project categories.

A separate public hearing addressing housing and community development needs is scheduled for November 10.

That hearing will take place from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., with both in-person and virtual participation options.

Applications Close November 20

Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. November 20.

The county requires both electronic and hard-copy submissions.

Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Interested organizations can obtain application materials through Loudoun County’s official Community Development Block Grant program.

For qualifying nonprofits and government entities, the current application period provides an opportunity to pursue funding for projects addressing local housing and community needs.

The October 28 information session offers an opportunity to review the program before the November deadline.

Entrepreneurs and small-business owners in Roanoke, Virginia, will have an opportunity to explore business development resources, connect with local organizations, and learn strategies for starting or growing a company during a free event scheduled for October 29, 2026.

The City of Roanoke announced its upcoming Mayor’s Business Summit on October 21.

The event will take place at Virginia Western Community College and is open to prospective entrepreneurs, newly established businesses, and existing small-business owners.

Online registration remains available through noon October 28.

Free Event Focuses on Business Development

The Mayor’s Business Summit is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event will be held in Whitman Auditorium at Virginia Western Community College, located at 3099 Colonial Avenue SW in Roanoke.

Participation is free.

Attendees will have access to educational programming, panel discussions, and a business resource fair.

The city says the event is designed to help participants obtain information and practical strategies relevant to business ownership.

A continental breakfast and lunch will also be provided at no charge.

Entrepreneurs Can Connect With Business Resources

Starting a business involves decisions about financing, operations, marketing, and long-term planning.

For entrepreneurs who are still developing their ideas, identifying appropriate support organizations can be an important early step.

The summit will bring together resources intended to assist individuals at different stages of business development.

Established business owners may also benefit from learning about available services and making connections with organizations that support entrepreneurship.

The event is being organized by the City of Roanoke in partnership with Virginia Western Community College and the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Small Business Development Center.

Small Business Development Centers provide educational resources and business consulting services to entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

The summit creates an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the assistance available in the region.

Marketing and Business Strategy Included

The event will feature a keynote presentation by Bruce Bryan of 5Points Creative, a Roanoke-based marketing and advertising firm.

Marketing is an important consideration for businesses attempting to attract customers, communicate their services, and establish a recognizable presence in their communities.

The keynote will be accompanied by panel discussions and opportunities to connect with business resource providers.

The city’s announcement does not provide a complete list of individual panel topics or participating organizations.

Attendees should consult the official event information for any additional programming updates.

An Opportunity for New and Established Businesses

The summit is intended to serve individuals considering entrepreneurship as well as business owners who are already operating.

Prospective entrepreneurs may be interested in understanding the resources available before formally launching a business.

Owners of established businesses may find value in networking, discussing business challenges, and identifying organizations that provide technical assistance.

The event also creates an opportunity for local business owners to meet others involved in Roanoke’s entrepreneurial community.

Although the summit is designed to support business development, attendance does not guarantee financing, grants, customers, or other commercial opportunities.

Its primary purpose is education and connecting participants with resources.

Registration Deadline Is October 28

Online registration is available through noon Wednesday, October 28.

Individuals who do not register online can register in person beginning at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.

The summit begins at 8:30 a.m. October 29 and concludes at 2 p.m.

Interested participants can access registration information through the City of Roanoke’s official event announcement.

For small-business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Roanoke and surrounding communities, the summit offers a free opportunity to explore business resources and make ...