West Virginia’s Entrepreneurship Resources

Over 1 million new businesses will be started in the U.S. by the end of 2021. Of these, over half will end up failing within 10 years. A few reasons for failure include a lack of capital, insufficient management, vague business planning or fiscal irresponsibility. Many of these failure-fueling issues can be averted through proper education, support and planning. Countless resources are available for startups to help them create a strong foundation to begin their venture, giving them a better opportunity for success.

From Classrooms to Careers

Across West Virginia, a simple idea has taken root. For the Mountain State to become a place where startup companies and innovators thrive, entrepreneurship must be taught at every level of the education system and supported by state and local government and the business community at large.

Education, Entertainment & Economy

Where town and country intersect with bustling city streets and quiet winding backroads, you will find historic Cabell County. Bound by the mighty Ohio River and anchored by Huntington, the second largest city in the Mountain State, Cabell County is rich in history with ties to the Civil War and early Appalachian life.

West Virginia Kids Count

Jennifer Garner, award-winning actress, child advocate and Charleston native, has been named the 2021 West Virginia Kids Count Champion of Children. Garner clings to her West Virginia roots although she now lives with her family in Los Angeles, CA. She began her work with Save the Children, an organization that has worked with the country’s poorest communities since 1932, with a heartfelt plan to impact West Virginia’s children.

Riverhawk Farm

West Virginia University Parkersburg’s (WVUP) Riverhawk Farm is not just growing potatoes—it is growing an agribusiness program while simultaneously creating jobs and inspiring a new mind set about agribusiness in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Fintech

West Virginia is paving the way in a new sector of business and commerce called financial technology, or fintech—an emerging industry that uses technology to streamline activities in finance.
Though the average consumer may not be aware of this new term, fintech is already a part of many daily transactions by making financial services accessible from an app or website. The term includes any technology used in the financial services industry.