Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Workforce Training and Development Efforts in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to US Ignite, Inc., Washington, D.C., to bolster the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region’s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic through a new workforce training program. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This EDA investment will assist US Ignite’s DC Regional Startup and Workforce Training project, a two-year effort designed to accelerate technology-focused workforce and small business training. This investment will be matched with nearly $400,000 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 260 jobs and generate $250,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration applauds community-led efforts to grow regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will contribute to the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region’s economic recovery by providing technical support and workforce development opportunities for local small businesses and startup companies.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support US Ignite as they work to strengthen the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will fund a new program to scale commercialization efforts and expand access to digital skills and training in the Washington, D.C. area, enhancing the resiliency of local small businesses in rapidly growing technology-based fields.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.