Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board

What Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board does

The Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1998 under the federal Workforce Investment Act and currently operating as Virginia's designated Workforce Area One convener under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Headquartered in Lebanon, Virginia, the organization serves eight counties (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise) and the City of Norton, and is one of 15 workforce boards statewide. It delivers workforce services through a network of Virginia Career Works centers, including a Comprehensive One-Stop Center in Richlands, an Affiliate One-Stop Center in Wise, and Specialized Centers in Lebanon and Clintwood.

The organization's core programmatic foundation consists of WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Programs, supplemented by specialized initiatives including the R.O.P.E.S. Program (Reengagement Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success) for individuals in substance misuse recovery or reentering from the justice system, the Cars to Work Program providing transportation financing to low-income job seekers, Apprenticeship Programs registered through Virginia Works, Incumbent Worker Training, and the Thompson Charitable Foundation-funded S-BEE Initiative for small business support. Underlying technology consists primarily of the statewide Virginia Workforce Connection job-matching platform and Mobile/Roving Computer Labs containing Dell laptops equipped with Microsoft Office Suite that are lent free to businesses and organizations. The organization employs a small team of approximately 15-17 staff including an Executive Director (Rachel Patton), Director of Operations and Finance (Sarah Bundy), center managers, workforce specialists, and program-specific personnel.

The business model is entirely grant-funded rather than revenue-generating through service fees. Workforce services are provided free of charge to both job seekers and businesses. Primary funding derives from federal grants administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (WIOA, WORC5, ETA Community), with secondary funding from private foundations including Thompson Charitable Foundation and Wellsprings Foundation. The organization sells no products commercially and operates as a publicly-funded regional convener coordinating workforce development across Southwest Virginia's predominantly rural Appalachian region.

Name

Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board

Legal name

Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board

Website

https://vcwsouthwest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and federally-designated workforce convener for Virginia's Area One, administering WIOA programs plus specialized initiatives like R.O.P.E.S. and Cars to Work across eight rural Appalachian counties through Virginia Career Works centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Services (5613), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs) (92313), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

State/Provincial Labor, Employment Standards & Workforce Development Administration (BPAIABAN), Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Dislocated Worker & Rapid Response / Reemployment Programs (EDAAAOAF), Workforce Reentry Programs (Justice-Involved) (EDAAAOAG)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Career training programs
• Employment assistance
• Apprenticeship programs
• WIOA programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Lebanon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal WIOA Grant: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program is a $1,204,404 grant (100%) provided through a federal grant from the United States Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration. $0 is provided through other sources including leveraged state and local funds.
2. Federal WORC5 Grant: R.O.P.E.S. Program is a $2,250,000 project with $1,500,000 (67%) provided through a Federal WORC5 grant from the United States Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration and $750,000 (23%) through a Federal ETA Community grant.
3. WIOA Grant (Updated): The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program is a $1,816,109 grant. $1,816,109 (100%) is provided through a Federal grant from the United States Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board administers federal workforce development programs (WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth), specialized programs for individuals with barriers (R.O.P.E.S. for recovery/justice-involved, Cars to Work for transportation), and business services including apprenticeship programs, incumbent worker training, and a free online labor exchange. Service delivery occurs through four Virginia Career Works Centers across the seven-county Southwest Virginia region.

Product overview

The Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board operates a multi-faceted workforce services ecosystem serving Virginia's Workforce Area One. The organization administers the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) programs—including Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs—as its core programmatic foundation. Complementing WIOA are specialized programs such as the R.O.P.E.S. program for individuals recovering from substance misuse or with justice system involvement, and the Cars To Work Program providing vehicle assistance. Service delivery occurs through Virginia Career Works Centers (a comprehensive one-stop in Richlands, affiliate center in Wise, and specialized centers in Lebanon and Clintwood). For employers, the organization provides Business Services including a labor exchange system, apprenticeship programs, incumbent worker training, and the S-BEE Initiative for small business technical assistance. The Mobile/Roving Computer Labs provide free technology access to businesses and organizations. Job seekers access employment resources and job listings through the Hot Jobs service and Virginia Career Works Centers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• R.O.P.E.S. (Reengagement Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success): Program for individuals in substance misuse recovery or reentering the workforce after incarceration, providing pathways to employment success
• Cars To Work Program
• Apprenticeship Program

Products and services

• WIOA Adult Program Employment, education, and training program for adults 18 years or older who face barriers to workforce entry, with priority given to veterans, low-income individuals, and those with basic skills deficiencies.
• WIOA Dislocated Worker Program Program for individuals who have received a layoff notice or are collecting unemployment benefits due to job loss, designed to help them quickly reenter the workforce.
• WIOA Youth Program Program for young adults ages 16-24 facing barriers to employment, focusing on disconnected youth who need support with educational achievement, employment readiness, and community leadership development.
• R.O.P.E.S. (Reengagement Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success) Program Specialized program supporting individuals in substance misuse recovery or those reentering the workforce after justice system involvement, providing pathways to employment through mental health services, counseling, childcare, DMV assistance, and other support services.
• Cars To Work Program Vehicle assistance program providing vehicles to low-income individuals (at or below 150% Federal poverty guideline) to commute to work or training. Participants make down payments and monthly payments toward vehicle ownership with no interest charged.
• Virginia Career Works Centers Network of workforce centers (comprehensive one-stop in Richlands, affiliate centers in Wise, and specialized centers in Lebanon and Clintwood) offering employment services, job listings, training resources, and partner co-location.
• Business Services Comprehensive business support including free online labor exchange, pre-screened candidate referrals, training funding resources, information on grants and tax credits, workforce data, and free workshops for area employers.
• Apprenticeship Programs On-the-job training combining paid work experience with classroom instruction, leading to industry-recognized credentials with approximately 90% employment retention and average salaries around $80,000.
• Incumbent Worker Training Workforce upskilling program under WIOA designed to help employees acquire skills necessary to retain employment and advance within their companies, or to avert potential layoffs.
• Small Business Expansion and Empowerment (S-BEE) Initiative Thompson Charitable Foundation-funded initiative providing technical assistance, training opportunities, and support to small businesses in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties, focusing on marketing, accounting practices, and onboarding processes.
• Mobile/Roving Computer Labs Free lending program providing five Dell laptops equipped with Microsoft Office Suite, wireless printers, routers, and accessories to businesses and organizations for job fairs, onboarding, or workforce training purposes.
• Hot Jobs / Job Openings Weekly job listings provided through Richlands and Wise Virginia Career Works locations, shared via Facebook with regional job openings and hiring events posted throughout the week.

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Appalachian Agency for Senior CitizenscoreOthersWorkforce development partner providing services to seniors in the Appalachian region. Organization focused on community support and senior services.
• Appalachian Business AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness alliance supporting economic development and business growth in the Appalachian region.
• Appalachian Community Action AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity action agency providing comprehensive social services and workforce support.
• Appalachian Council for InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation council focused on fostering economic development and technological advancement in Appalachia.
• Appalachian Substance Abuse CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition addressing substance abuse issues, closely aligned with R.O.P.E.S. program for recovery support.
• Appalachian Sustainable DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization focused on sustainable development practices in the Appalachian region.
• Appalachian VoicesminorOthersNonprofit organization advocating for environmental and social issues in Appalachia.
• Ballad HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare system in the region providing health services that support workforce health and wellness.
• Blue Ridge Workforce Development BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdjacent Virginia workforce development board, WIOA mandated partner for workforce system coordination.
• Bluefield UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution providing training and educational opportunities for workforce development.
• Boys and Girls Club of Central AppalachiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization providing programs that support youth employment readiness.
• Buchanan County Career, Technology, & Higher Learning CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer and technical education center providing workforce training in Buchanan County.
• Buchanan County Chamber of CommercecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness membership organization supporting local commerce and workforce development.
• Buchanan County Industrial Development AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development entity supporting industrial growth and job creation in Buchanan County.
• Clinch Valley Community ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity action agency providing social services and community development support.
• Cumberland Plateau Housing AuthorityminorOthersHousing authority providing affordable housing support that can assist workforce stability.
• Cumberland Plateau Planning District CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional planning commission supporting economic and workforce development coordination.
• Dickenson County Behavioral HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBehavioral health services aligned with R.O.P.E.S. program and substance abuse recovery support.
• Dickenson County Public Schools Career and Technical EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer and technical education programs in public schools supporting youth workforce development.
• Dickenson County Chamber of CommercecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness membership organization supporting local commerce in Dickenson County.
• Virginia Department of Workforce Development and AdvancementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency responsible for registering apprentices and overseeing workforce development programs under Virginia Works.
• Virginia WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState workforce agency that officially registers apprenticeships and sets standards, partners with regional boards for efficient registration processes and customized training.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Appalachian Regional Commission: Federal-state economic development partnership serving Appalachian regions including SWVA. Provides grants and coordination support that overlap with SWVA WDB's regional workforce/economic development mission but does not directly deliver employment services.
• Virginia Workforce Connection: Statewide job-matching platform operated by Virginia that SWVA WDB uses for listings, unemployment information, and veteran resources. Functions as enabling technology/infrastructure rather than a competing service provider.

Broad incumbents

• Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement: State-level agency that oversees and funds Virginia's 15 workforce development boards. Sets apprenticeship standards, registers programs, and channels WIOA funding to regional boards like SWVA WDB — the parent/regulator relationship rather than a direct competitor.
• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit providing employment services, job training, and reentry support across hundreds of local affiliates. Overlaps with SWVA WDB on workforce development and barrier-removal services but operates at far broader scale with retail-funded cross-subsidy.
• ResCare Workforce Services: National for-profit contractor operating WIOA and workforce development programs on behalf of state and local governments. Comparable in delivery of WIOA Adult/Youth/Dislocated Worker services and operates one-stop-style career centers in multiple states.

Direct peers

• Greater Richmond Workforce Development Board: Another Virginia WIOA-designated workforce development board serving a different region of the state. Operates under identical federal framework with one-stop career centers, WIOA Adult/Youth/Dislocated Worker programs, and employer services.
• Blue Ridge Workforce Development Board: Adjacent Virginia WIOA workforce development board operating as a mandated WIOA partner in a nearby region. Directly comparable in structure, federal funding model, one-stop center operations, and WIOA program administration.
• West Piedmont Workforce Development Board: Virginia-area WIOA workforce development board serving a rural region with similar economic challenges to Southwest Virginia. Closely comparable in mission, target populations, and federally funded program mix.
• Northern Virginia Workforce Development Board: Virginia WIOA workforce board serving the Northern Virginia region. Comparable in operating model (one-stop centers, employer services, apprenticeship support) but operates in a substantially different economic environment (urban/high-income vs. rural coal-impacted).

Emerging players

• Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC of America): National nonprofit network providing workforce training, reentry services, and barrier-removal programs to disadvantaged populations. Overlaps with SWVA WDB on serving justice-involved and low-income job seekers but operates as a separate program operator rather than WIOA convener.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SWVAWorks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/swvawdb
• Instagraminstagram.com/swvawdb

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board