WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

About the Ecosystem

2024 Growth Strategy

Monthly Meetings

Subcommittees

Bridging Innovation Week

Contact

About the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Here in West Virginia, we are committed to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners reach their goals. In 2019, a collaborative effort was launched by entrepreneurial service organizations (ESOs) with the goal of connecting opportunities for improvement across our state's ecosystem. In less than three years this initiative has grown from an exercise in better communication into something much more meaningful: A vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners take their dreams further by connecting them with opportunities for success.

The mission of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is to connect and identify opportunities to help entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state by fostering collaboration and sharing resources. The ecosystem is open to any and all organizations in West Virginia interested in entrepreneurial development to share best practices and inspire collaborations.

For more information on the

Ecosystem visit WV BusinessLink.

2024 Growth Strategy

Download Report

Expanding our impact

WVEE is at a pivotal point in its growth. A catalyst for entrepreneurship-led economic development, WVEE is positioned to provide thought partnership and convening power to support a broader state strategy to advance entrepreneurship and small business development.

WVEE has worked extensively across its network to gather stakeholder input, identify barriers and gaps in support, and inform future direction. This growth strategy highlights WVEE’s contributions to date and serves as guidance for future priorities and growth opportunities.

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)

Monthly Meetings

The Ecosystem holds monthly meetings virtually the second Tuesday of every month to increase coordination of events, opportunities, and resources around the state. The work brings together key providers to share best practices and inspire collaborations.

Current and Prospective Entrepreneurs + Biz Owners

Community, Economic, and Workforce Dev.

Local + State Government

Educators + Students

Registration is required.

Missed a meeting?

Monthly meeting recordings are housed in a YouTube playlist.

Investment Corner

Looking to start or grow a business in West Virginia?

Entrepreneurs and small business owners may apply to pitch their business idea and current needs to the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Pitches will be heard live during the WVEE Monthly Meeting, held the second Tuesday of each month from 2-2:45pm EST.

Eligibility:

Must be 18 years or older.

Business must be located in West Virginia.

Must be registered for the WVEE monthly meetings.

Energizing Entrepreneurship:

Join the Subcommittee Initiative

Our subcommittees drive focused initiatives within our entrepreneurship ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation in key areas. By convening experts and stakeholders, we aim to catalyze growth, support startups, and address challenges in our entrepreneurial community.

Arts

CHAIR:

Domenica Queen

Capital

CHAIR:

Michele O’Connor

Government

CHAIR:

Ariana Shives

Talent

CHAIR:

Carrie White

Youth

CHAIR:

Lauren Prinzo

About Bridging Innovation Week

Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by providing connection and education to business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving organizations (ESOs) throughout West Virginia.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this is the place to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the Mountain State!

Keep scrolling to learn more about BIW 2024's Impact!