Creating Pathways to Growth in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Economic Development (VBED) connects businesses to the talent, training, and resources they need to grow and thrive in the City. Employers gain access to a pipeline of skilled workers, customized workforce training, and strategic partnerships with educational institutions and workforce organizations across Hampton Roads and beyond. We help local businesses attract, develop, and retain top talent, strengthening both their competitiveness and the City’s economic future.
Region at a Glance
Virginia Beach
regionally
service members
Workforce Development
Talent that starts early—and stays strong
Innovation doesn’t wait—and neither do we. Virginia Beach is actively building the talent pipelines and partnerships that keep our growing workforce highly skilled, future-focused, and globally competitive.
Over 50% of the city’s annual budget goes toward public education.
Initiatives and Programs
VBED helps businesses develop their workforce by connecting them to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC)’s On-the-Job and Incumbent Worker Training programs that support new and current employees while offsetting training costs.
Get access to specialized technical upskilling through our partners, tailored hiring events and enhancing workforce capabilities.
VBED partners with local educational institutions to connect Virginia Beach employers with workforce development opportunities. These include short-term, industry-recognized certifications, internship pipelines, and customizable training programs delivered on-site, online, or at training centers, helping businesses build skilled teams and future talent pipelines.
Training Areas
- Project management with CAPM Prep.
- Advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
- Logistics and supply chain management.
- Health care and allied professions.
- Cybersecurity and IT.
- Maritime operations.
- Business management.
- Microsoft Office.
- Data science.
- Public speaking.
- Leadership development.
- CompTIA certifications.
Our nationally recognized early education initiative takes a dual-generation approach to workforce development—nurturing young learners for tomorrow’s economy while helping parents stay engaged in the workforce today.
Registered Apprenticeship Support
VBED supports employers interested in Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs by connecting them to the official RA Coordinator at Virginia Works, who assists throughout the registration and implementation process.
For businesses not registered on the statewide platform, vawc.virginia.gov , VBED offers:
- Assistance in creating company profiles.
- Support in accessing labor market data.
- Guidance on job listings.
- Help leverage available platforms.
ScaleUp USA Federal Business Accelerator
VBED partnered with ScaleUp USA to give local companies affordable access to federal contracting opportunities. For $1,000, for-profit businesses gain entry to an online accelerator, receiving expert training and mentoring to compete in the $10 trillion federal market.
VBED connects employers with Maxbyte’s LEAP program, offering hands-on learning, paid project work, and mentorship with local STEM students and manufacturers. Through a partnership with Maxbyte’s Industry 4.0 program, VBED helps businesses access advanced manufacturing and digital transformation resources, fostering innovation and workforce upskilling.
Workforce Partners
Discover how Virginia Beach connects businesses to top talent, customized training, and veteran support through strategic workforce development partnerships.
Veteran & Military Talent
Each year, nearly 16,000 military personnel transition out of service right here in our region—bringing with them in-demand expertise in advanced logistics, cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare, aviation, and more. This unique pipeline delivers disciplined, adaptable, and highly skilled professionals ready to contribute from day one.
Get connected with the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center to facilitate hiring and access to military talent or build or expand veteran resource groups internally.
VBED guides businesses through the SkillBridge process and facilitates introductions to the Military Education & Workforce Initiatives Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services for added support.
Virginia Beach ranks #3 for best cities to live after service in 2024.
Get in Touch
Please feel free to contact the Business Retention, Expansion and Workforce (BREW) team to discuss your workforce needs.
