We are excited to spotlight the Virginia Economic Development Program, which works in partnership with the Virginia International Trade Alliance. These groups collaborate to provide funding and support by partnering with Virginia institutions of higher education and Virginiabased businesses looking to expand into new international markets. This program was piloted this fall at Pamplin College of Business, in collaboration with four Virginia-based companies. The students work directly with Virginia Tech undergraduate students, who develop marketing strategies for these businesses seeking to expand internationally.

The Virginia Economic Development Program (VEDP) aims to enhance Virginia’s economy, offer support to businesses, and focus on various organizational needs and business development. The Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL) was founded with the goal of connecting Virginia companies with higher education institutions to support international expansion. Recently, Virginia Tech has become a key partner of VITAL in supporting this mission.

The students teamed up to research international markets and create go-to-market strategies. Teams from three different courses (marketing communications, marketing research, and digital/social media content) work together for comprehensive support, with each class contributing a specific aspect to the company. Through this project-based learning, students gain invaluable experience in real-world marketing applications and navigating industry challenges, working directly with diverse clientele. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also enriches students' educational journeys, preparing them for future careers in marketing and business development. Future goals for this program include expanding client engagement and enhancing partnerships with VEDP to better serve Virginia Tech students and the businesses they have worked with.