Resources from the Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (DSBSD):
Visit the Business One Stop center that includes resources for new businesses, growing businesses, relocating to Virginia, and starting your own business: https://bos.sbsd.virginia.gov/
In addition, Scaling4Growth is a FREE six-month program is designed for business owners to learn how to scale their business by assessing their business model and becoming more efficient in areas of human resource, finance, social media, procurement and bank speak.
Small business owners interested in being considered must meet the following requirements: Must be a Virginia-based business; must be in business at least three (3) years; Revenue Between $250,000 and $10,000,000; One other full-time person working in the company besides the majority owner and able to run the company while the owner is away. The majority owner is the participant (51% ownership or more); substitutes may not participate. Must be Certified as a SWaM (Small, Woman-owned, or Minority-owned) by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. The Online Application site for this program remains open year-round.
Also, DSBSD offers frequent in person and virtual events, training, and networking opportunities across the Commonwealth in support of small businesses and business growth. See upcoming events here.
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority offers programs to provide businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities with the financing needed for economic growth and expansion throughout the Commonwealth. To accomplish this goal, we offer loans directly to businesses & non-profits, credit enhancements to banks that are lending to businesses & non-profits, as well as bond financings to benefit for-profit businesses, 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit entities, and to support clean energy and P3 transportation projects. We also help small businesses seeking to attract equity investments by providing an equity incentive grant program. https://sbsd.virginia.gov/virginia-small-business-financing-authority/vsbfa-programs-eligiblity/
May 2, 2025
The American Job Center in Emporia is located at 321 Halifax Street, Emporia, Virginia 23874. Their hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
The other nearest American Job Centers are in South Hill at 118 East Danville Street, South Hill, Virginia 23970 and in Prince George at 4300 Crossings Boulevard, Prince George, Virginia 23875.
If you have experienced job loss in Emporia, we’re here for you. Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s workforce development agency, and our partners are committed to helping every Virginian navigate career transitions and find the best job for them.
Impacted Employee Information and Resource Sessions: When: Tuesday, May 6th Two sessions: 10 am and 1 pm Where: Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College AUDITORIUM 1300 Greensville County Circle Emporia, VA 23847
Upcoming Job Fairs Job Fair Sponsored by Georgia Pacific When: Thursday, May 8th Time: 10 am – 3pm Where: Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College 1300 Greensville County Circle Emporia, VA 23847
Southside Regional Job Fair When: Thursday, May 13th Time: 10 am-2 pm Where: Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College 1300 Greensville County Circle Emporia, VA 23847
You can receive free job search support, resume and cover letter review, and interview prep – as well as accessing training support and other educational opportunities for those who qualify – by visiting any American Job Center across the Commonwealth. You can find locations where Virginia Works’ full suite of services is available here: https://www.virginiaworks.gov/local-offices/
Apply for unemployment & other benefits
Virginia Works’ partner agency, the Virginia Employment Commission, has a variety of tools to make it easier to apply for unemployment insurance. Before you begin, review the benefits eligibility requirements and step-by-step application video on VEC’s website at www.vec.virginia.gov. Have your driver’s license or government-issued ID handy. For assistance, you may also call VEC’s Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363.
Individuals who experience a change in life circumstance outside of Open Enrollment may be eligible for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period to apply for health insurance through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, as well as financial assistance. For more information, visit www.EnrollVA.org.
Virginia Works provides access to a suite of tools and resources to support every jobseeker’s career navigation and job search needs. The Job Seekers’ Toolkit at https://www.virginiaworks.gov/job-seekers/ includes a wealth of labor market information, interview tips and tricks, and a career resource guide.
Discover top employers and industries in your area
Visit www.VirginiaHasJobs.com and explore job openings in Emporia and the broader region by industry; browse top employers and use popular search tools. Also check out the hundreds of thousands of job openings listed in the Virginia Workforce Connection at vawc.virginia.gov
Virginia State Government Career Opportunities: Virginia state government currently has over 4,500 available career opportunities in a broad variety of fields, with locations statewide. Visit www.jobs.virginia.gov to search for a mission-focused opportunity that works for you.
Upskilling and Reskilling: The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offers a variety of credentials along with programs that you may be eligible for that can provide financial assistance, like G3, FastForward, and more. Visit vccs.edu for more information and tools to help determine whether these programs may be right for you.
Update your resume
One of our top tips is to use keywords from the job posting to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems, optimizing for industry terms. In general, highlighting skilled areas is key:
Technical Skills: Specific equipment certifications, specific software proficiency, analysis skills, project management tools.
This is a difficult time for impacted individuals and their families, and for the Emporia/Greensville community. If you or someone you know is having difficulty due to layoffs or for any reason, please reach out to the resources below. Please don’t wait – you and your mental health is important!
Wyche’s Counseling
425 S. Main St
434-336-7837
Legacy Comprehensive Health
412 Ingleside Dr
804-307-595
New Journey
156 Baker St.
434-634-3060
Full Circle Support
412 Ingleside
804-932-6020
Second Chances
327 North Main St.
434-378-6363
Changing Lanes
434-632-0220
JC & Ashley Counseling
412 Ingleside
252-904-2808
Mindalign Counseling
307B Dogwood Ln
434-829-6282
From Start to Finish
407 Halifax St. Suite 3
434-378-9848
Easter Family Services
215 W. Atlantic St
434-594-4568
Guiding Light
420 South Main St.
757-735-5413
A Fresh Start Together
300 North Main St. Franklin VA
757-517-0329
Accessing additional support tailored to Veterans’ needs
Nearly 9% of Virginia’s population are veterans. Thank you for your service! Virginia Works has Veteran Employment Specialists to guide and connect you to the appropriate employment resources both within the Commonwealth and your local community. Email us directly at Veteran.Services@virginiaworks.gov.
Virginia Veterans Network (VVN)
The Virginia Veterans Network (VVN) is a free online hub of resources and services for veterans, service members, and their families. The network provides direct access to resources and services – covering everything from job training and employment to health care and wellness – from trusted veterans service organizations, nonprofits, and state agencies. Click here for more information.
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
If you are a Virginian with a disability, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) can connect you to meaningful careers and job training programs in high-demand, high-growth industries. Working with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, DARS can help you set and achieve career goals and pursue training, app
Up to $1.8 million available for Workforce Development Innovation and Facilitating Career Pivots
RICHMOND— On Friday, March 28th, the Secretary of Labor, G. Bryan Slater, announced two competitive funding opportunities, “Facilitating Career Pivots into High-Demand Occupations” and “Investing in Workforce Development Innovation for the Future of the Commonwealth,” funded via the Governor’s set-aside Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I funds and administered by Virginia Works.
Local Workforce Development Boards, educational institutions, non-profit entities and professional associations are encouraged to apply for up to $150,000 per grant for developing and implementing programs.
The “Facilitating Career Pivots into High-Demand Occupations” grant funds programs and initiatives in job placement in activities including upskilling, reskilling, innovative career transitions, coaching and a range of interactive workforce services. The total funds available under this grant are $900,000.
The “Investing in Workforce Development Innovation for the Future of the Commonwealth” grant is designed, in part, to increase Registered Apprenticeship enrollment and high-demand industries job placements while also cultivating digital skills. The total funds available under this grant are also $900,000.
For both opportunities, the application deadline is 5 pm ET, April 25, 2025. Question and answer sessions will be hosted for interested parties on Tuesday, April 8, from 2-3 pm and Friday, April 22, from 2-3 pm. To sign up for an information session, please email subawardinquiries@virginiaworks.gov.
For more information about partnership requirements and reimbursement details for these grants, or for more information about Virginia Works and our full range of workforce services, please visit http://www.virginiaworks.gov.
Fairfax County, VA – In response to recent federal workforce reductions, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has launched a dedicated recruitment initiative aimed at hiring experienced professionals seeking stable and rewarding career opportunities in public safety.
FCPD is offering a $15,000 hiring bonus for new police officers and has a variety of professional staff positions available. Federal employees and other skilled professionals bring valuable expertise that aligns with the needs of the department, making them strong candidates for a variety of roles.
Why Consider FCPD?
As one of the nation’s most dynamic law enforcement agencies, FCPD serves the largest jurisdiction in Virginia with over 1,500 dedicated professionals. The department provides diverse assignments, cutting-edge technology, and innovative programs, offering a range of career paths in both sworn and professional staff capacities.
Current Openings
Opportunities within FCPD include:
Police Officer – $15,000 Hiring Bonus: Sworn officers can serve in specialized units such as K9, Investigations, Marine Patrol, and more, helping to protect and serve the Fairfax County community.
Professional Staff Positions: Roles are available in crime analysis, parking enforcement, Police Citizen Aides (PCAs), administrative assistants, investigative aides, and more, supporting the department’s critical public safety mission.
For a full list of job openings and application details, visit www.joinfcpd.org.
Comprehensive Benefits
FCPD offers competitive compensation and extensive benefits, including:
Competitive Pay: Among the highest starting salaries in the region.
$15,000 Hiring Bonus for new police officers.
Leave Benefits: Annual and sick leave accrual with increased benefits over time.
Volunteer & Military Leave: Time off for community service and armed forces commitments.
Paid Family Leave: Up to six weeks of paid leave for new parents.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Plans: Pension and savings options for long-term financial security.
For a full overview of Fairfax County’s employee benefits, click here.
Ideal Candidates & Career Growth
Professionals transitioning from federal employment or other structured roles will find that their skills—such as teamwork, problem-solving, and operational efficiency—are highly valued at FCPD. The department provides extensive training tailored to each role, including a top-rated police academy for sworn officers and specialized instruction for civilian employees. Leadership development programs, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement opportunities are also available.
How to Apply
Those interested in pursuing a career with FCPD can explore current openings and begin the application process at www.joinfcpd.org.
For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
Northern Virginia Community College has today announced a new $1M skills training fund, which will be free to local dislocated Federal workers and contractors. NOVA is covering the 1/3 cost for the G3 training share – a remarkably generous outreach effort. Our Virginia Career Works staff will be conducting the initial eligibility screening for this training – where possible and the client is interested, we will also include WIOA Dislocated Worker eligibility and training funds.
This Program is live now and we are moving ahead with outreach. Press release at:
