Economic Development

Office of Economic Development Annual Report 2022

The Office of Economic Development (OED) is pleased to provide this update on our activities from 2022 as we continue to strive to fulfill our mission as a catalyst for the economy.

OED Newsletter 

Stay on top of the latest information  brought to you by the staff of OED:


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GO Cook is now accepting applications for the current session.  The training is free for eligible City of Charlottesville residents.  Read all the details and sign up for GO Cook Boot Camp.   


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OED Announces GO Hire Grant Application 

The  City of  Charlottesville's Office of Economic Development (OED) is excited to offer the GO Hire Grant to qualifying City businesses! The workforce-based grant is designed to assist City businesses that are growing and enhancing their workforce.  Businesses can take advantage of two different grants with the GO Hire program: the New Employee Wage Subsidy or the Existing Worker Retraining Grant.

The New Employee Wage Subsidy will be provided when a City resident is hired to fill a new position or a vacant, existing position.  There will be no restrictions on industry, but the employer must be paying a self-sufficient wage, as defined by the current City of Charlottesville living wage (currently $15.00/hour).

The Existing Worker Retraining Grant provides reimbursement grants to City businesses who train and/or re-train their employees.  The training must target improving business efficiencies and provide an opportunity that will lead to additional skills for the company's workforce.  Employers can self-identify specific training or consult with OED staff to create customized training, based on the businesses' needs.  Preference will be given to training that provides an immediate increase in wages for the employee.  

Applications will be evaluated by information provided within this application.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to include as much detail as possible to assist staff during the application review process.  All employers enrolled in the GO Hire program agree to communicate with the OED on a quarterly basis for pre-determined quantitative and qualitative metrics for a period of 1 year.  Currently, the maximum fiscal year award is $5,000 per business.

All interested businesses must conduct a pre-application meeting with OED staff to discuss program guidelines.  To learn more or schedule a meeting, please contact George Sandridge, Business Development Manager, at (434) 970-3717 or via email at sandridgeg@charlottesville.gov. 

Project Rebound

Project Rebound, a local economic recovery initiative for our area, recently released "A Blueprint for Economic Resiliency and Reinvention in Greater Charlottesville Region". The report, produced by KPMG LLP, maps out economic recovery action steps for the business community.  The recommended actions are based on data from stakeholder meetings and follow-up interviews with more than 300 local participants. The project was led by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce with support from the City, County and University economic development efforts. Click to see the full Blueprint report.

Disaster Preparedness for Small Businesses

Anticipating business interferences, crises and debacles is an essential part of maintaining a business.  Engaging the business community in Risk Reduction for Business Resilience whether it be a hurricane, tornado or outbreak like COVID-19, is imperative.  Studies show that more than 40% of small businesses close permanently after a disaster.  Among those that reopen, another 25% fail within a year.  The Disaster Preparedness for Small Business guide extensively illustrates and highlights the best tips and resources to guide entrepreneurs in their business recovery and continuity plan.

Additional Information

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The Office of Economic Development is the catalyst for public and private initiatives that create employment opportunities and a vibrant and sustainable economy.

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