By Lillian Graning
After receiving an application toward the end of 2015, BB&T recently recognized the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) as one of their 2016 Community Development grant recipients. This is only one of many actions BB&T has taken toward its commitment to being a responsible and locally focused corporate partner within the New River Gorge region of West Virginia.
Through this grant, the company committed to funding a technical assistance program through the Hive Network, which was recently established through the NRGRDA’s work to promote entrepreneurialism in the region. The Hive opened the doors to its first location in October 2015 on the campus of West Virginia University (WVU) Beckley in O’Dell Hall. It is here that these funds will be put to use by providing start-ups and established entrepreneurs with access to technical assistance such as accounting support, patent and trademark assistance, marketing strategy, equipment acquisition and other small start-up expenses that are often a barrier to those businesses that haven’t yet established themselves in their market.
“Having served many entrepreneurs in the region, BB&T understands and recognizes the challenges associated with being a start-up,” says Marlo Long, community development specialist for BB&T. “Through this grant, BB&T seeks to help those who need technical assistance but struggle to find access to the resources they need.”
Through this grant funding, BB&T joins a large group of local advocates and supporters of the West Virginia Hive Network, including the Beckley Area Foundation; Benedum Foundation, Frontier, Inc.; Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation; private foundations; New River Community and Technical College; Region I Workforce Development Board; Webster County Economic Development Authority; Wyoming County EDA; the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and WVU Beckley.
About the Author
Lilian Graning is the chief communications officer for the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. She serves on the board of directors for Active Southern West Virginia and is a member of the International Economic Development Council, Generation New River Gorge and Generation West Virginia. Graning is passionate about marketing and improving her community. She volunteers with the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and the New River Conservancy.
