Radiating outward from Charlottesville, the University of Virginia’s presence creates a comprehensive, stable economy for the surrounding region and for the entire state.
The office of Economic Development works with a variety of partners to leverage UVA resources in support of economic development priorities across Virginia. Joining forces with public and private partners throughout the Commonwealth, UVA spans multiple sectors to conduct innovative research, educate citizen leaders, and foster collaboration among academia, government, and industry.
Learn more about some of our key partners.
Created by the General Assembly in 1995, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership serves those seeking a prime business location and increased trade opportunities to expand the Commonwealth’s economy.
The Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development (CVPED) is a not-for-profit public/private partnership that serves as the regional economic development organization for Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange. CVPED partners with business, academia, and government to foster job creation and new capital investment in the region.
CVPED partners with Central Virginia Small Business Development Center, Virginia Career Works - Piedmont Region, and GO Virginia to provide five core services for clients: research and analytics; site selection assistance; support for entrepreneurs and existing companies; and workforce development solutions. The Office of Economic Development and CVPED work together to create economic development opportunities that result in a vibrant, prosperous community with unparalleled quality of life.
GO Virginia is a bipartisan, business-led economic development initiative that is changing the way Virginia’s diverse regions collaborate on economic and workforce development activities.
The University works with regional economic development officers to support their GO Virginia proposals and offer additional resources or connections that align with regional priorities.
As the life sciences industry continues to grow across Virginia, UVA plays an active role in advancing the local biotech industry cluster, working with strategic partners like the CvilleBioHub, a self-organizing network offering engagement, resourcing, and education to local biotech companies and research groups.
UVA Wise is a public, four-year residential liberal arts college located in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. It is nationally accredited and has been nationally ranked among top public liberal arts colleges in the United States.
Through our long history with UVA-Wise and strong partnership with the Appalachian Prosperity Project, the Office of Economic Development works to leverage and connect the University’s assets in support of growth and prosperity in Southwest Virginia.
Get in touch with Pace Lochte, assistant vice president for economic development, to learn more about how UVA can join you in advancing economic prosperity in the Commonwealth.