active State Grant

Virginia Enterprise Zone Job Creation Grant (JCG)

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

$500–$800 per new job/yr, 5 yrs

Visit official program ↗ Get early access to matching

The short version

$500–$800/job/yr for 5 yrs in VA Enterprise Zones

Virginia's Enterprise Zone Job Creation Grant pays $500–$800 per net new full-time position annually for up to 5 years for businesses located within one of Virginia's active Enterprise Zones. The minimum threshold is just 4 net new permanent jobs, and grants run for five consecutive years per qualifying cohort — providing real, recurring cash for small manufacturers, tech firms, and service companies in designated zones.

Funding type: Grant
Level: State
Amount range: $2,000 – $1,400,000
Realistic amount: Small businesses creating 10–30 new jobs typically receive $5,000–$24,000/year, or $25,000–$120,000 over the full 5-year…
Deadline: Annual — apply between January and April 1 of the year following the year qualifying jobs were created
Status: active
States: VA
Payment model: reimbursement

Who qualifies

Business must be physically located within an active Virginia Enterprise Zone
Must create at least 4 net new permanent full-time positions above the base calendar year
New positions must pay at least 150% of Virginia's current minimum wage (or 125% for High Unemployment Areas and SWAM-certified businesses)
Employer must offer health insurance covering at least 50% of the employee's premium
Maximum claimable positions: 350 per year
Grant spans 5 consecutive years — employment thresholds must be maintained annually

Hard requirements

Must be incorporated
Location restriction: Active Virginia Enterprise Zone
Requires creating at least 4 new jobs

What it covers

Eligible expenses

Grant funds are unrestricted cash — no limitations on use once received

Ineligible expenses

Seasonal or temporary positions
Leased or contracted employees (must be direct employees)
Positions in food and beverage, retail, or personal services
Government or nonprofit employees
Positions earning below 150% of state minimum wage

How to apply

1

Confirm your address is in an active Enterprise Zone

Use DHCD's Enterprise Zone mapping tool to verify your Virginia business address falls within one of the state's active Enterprise Zone boundaries. Contact DHCD if you are unsure.

~1 hrs
2

Track net new full-time jobs created in Year 1

During Year 1 (the first calendar year you are claiming), hire at least 4 net new permanent full-time employees at or above the minimum wage threshold. Maintain detailed payroll records for each qualifying position.

~2 hrs
3

Prepare JCG Worksheet and CPA Attestation (January–March of Year 2)

Complete the DHCD Job Creation Grant Worksheet listing each qualifying position, wage rate, and health insurance offering. Have a CPA attest to the accuracy of the payroll information.

~8 hrs
4

File electronic application by April 1

Submit the completed application, JCG Worksheet, and CPA Attestation through the DHCD Enterprise Zone System by April 1. DHCD reviews applications May–June and disburses approved grants in June.

~3 hrs

Insider tip

SWAM-certified businesses (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) qualify at a lower 125% minimum wage threshold — a meaningful advantage for businesses hiring in competitive labor markets.

Deadline & timing

Year 1: Company achieves employment threshold. Year 2, January–March: Submit JCG Worksheet and CPA Attestation. Year 2 by April 1: File electronic application through Enterprise Zone System. DHCD reviews May–June; funds disbursed June. Applications filed after April 1 are not considered for that year.

Programs that stack well

Related programs

Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.