In an effort to support the success of small, woman and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses in the Commonwealth, Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) is targeting these companies to offer the program’s training, recruiting and funding resources at no cost. To read more, click here.

With 98% of Virginia’s businesses designated as small – having fewer than 250 employees, VJIP recognizes that there is an increasing demand for a qualified, well-trained workforce. This initiative will assist the state’s small businesses in making better hiring and management decisions that lead to increased productivity and growth.

“Within the last few years, VJIP has reduced the eligibility requirements for these programs to make it feasible for small businesses to participate,” said SWaM Program Manager Irby Jones. “Now it is a matter of making sure SWaM businesses are aware of this resource.”

Like other programs of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA), VJIP has developed this service to present organizational and human resource development workshops for qualified applicants to fill a niche not offered by other business service providers.

VJIP offers customized recruiting and training to companies creating new jobs in business sectors including manufacturing, distribution centers, corporate headquarters for companies with multiple facilities, inbound call centers, information technology services and research and development facilities. Companies must create a minimum of five new jobs within the first year, make a minimum of $100,000 in new capital investment and offer an entry-level wage rate of at least $10 per hour. For details and more specific eligibility requirements, contact Irby Jones at (804) 371-0467 or e-mail irby.jones@vdba.virginia.gov. For more information on the Virginia Department of Assistance and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, visit www.vdba.virginia.gov.