Contact: Bob Spieldenner
(804) 225-2628
bobspieldenner@schev.edu

Richmond - The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) has launched a groundbreaking new program to help small businesses start college-student internship programs in the Commonwealth. The program will offer qualifying businesses free recruitment and hiring assistance and pay up to 50% of student intern salaries and subsidies.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Virginia’s economy, but often they don’t have the resources to offer internships to college and university students,” said Peter Blake, director of the State Council of Higher Education. “This program will help them recruit, hire and pay an intern.”

The program connects small businesses (those with fewer than 250 employees) with a staffing agency to develop job descriptions, advertise and market internships, screen candidates, coordinate interviews and onboard candidates.

Small businesses with less than 150 employees also might qualify for matching funds that can pay up to 50% of an intern’s wage, including FICA, and up to 50% of additional workplace subsidies, such as housing, transportation and clothing.

To participate, businesses must be physically located in Virginia, complete online training, offer paid internships and fulfill other requirements. Businesses can learn more by visiting the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership website.

“This program helps small businesses while creating more high-quality internship opportunities for students. Our goal is to offer students extraordinary opportunities and to strengthen Virginia’s workforce by keeping these students in the Commonwealth after graduation,” said Blake.

V-TOP is administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. It is funded by the General Assembly’s Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program.

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