(March, 2023) Colonial Beach, VA - The Town of Colonial Beach today announced that the town was a recipient of a Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grant awarded by Governor Glenn Youngkin that supports and invests in the growth of select industries across the Commonwealth. The Governor announced this week that more than $8.1 million in Go Virginia grants will go towards 17 projects focused on creating talent pipelines and accelerating economic growth.
The Town of Colonial Beach was part of the list Northern Neck region of locations slated to receive GO Virginia funding towards a Young Entrepreneurs Program that will assist students with business design ideas, mentorship opportunities in targeted industry sectors and will create collaboration between government, schools, businesses, youth organizations and existing entrepreneurs. The funding will support the growth of strategic industry sectors and develop talent to meeting industry needs and foster entrepreneurial activity. In addition to Colonial Beach, King George and Gloucester are collaborating on this pilot project. Funding will be available for high schools in the respected areas to be used for field trips, educational software, curriculum development, or supplies.
“This funding brings opportunities for our local youth to grow here at home in the Northern Neck,” said Robin Schick, Mayor of Colonial Beach. “Colonial Beach recognizes the need for long-term investment in our community and we appreciate the collaborative efforts of the GO Virginia state-wide program.”
“We are pleased that Governor Youngkin and his administration see the value in investing in the Town of Colonial Beach,” said India Adams Jacobs, Town Manager of Colonial Beach. “We are even more proud of the strategic regional partnerships forged with the Counties of King George and Gloucester to strengthen talent pipelines in our communities.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for our Colonial Beach High School students to learn more about entrepreneurship and its benefits,” said Kelly Evko, Colonial Beach Economic Development Manager.
Since the program’s inception in 2017, GO Virginia has funded 258 projects and awarded approximately $107 million support regional economic development efforts. As of 2022, Go Virginia has created over 26,000 new jobs, trained 13,000 students in high-demand fields, created 2,700 work-based learning opportunities, including internships and apprenticeships, and awarded 3,600 workforce credentials.
About Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach, located at the northern tip of Virginia's Northern Neck, is one of the few remaining small seaport towns on the Potomac River. The town enjoys a unique location nestled between the Potomac River on the east and the waters of Monroe Bay on the West. Its sandy beaches and marinas on Monroe Bay have attracted water sporting enthusiasts for over a century. Fishing, sailing, boating, swimming and crabbing are just a few of the water activities enjoyed here making it a great place to visit. Colonial Beach is also a very historical area to visit housing Washington's Birthplace and also Westmoreland County is the birthplace of James Monroe. The small river town was in its heyday during the 40's & 50's and there's a renaissance happening for this beloved and charming, waterfront town. www.colonialbeach.gov
