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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

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Expanding our im​pact

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?

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Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)

Small Business

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.

networking
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Education support

Current and Prospective Entrepreneurs + Biz Owners

Community, Economic, and Workforce Dev.

Local + State Government

Educators + Students

Registration is required.

register now

Missed a meeting?

Monthly meeting ​recordings are housed in ​a YouTube playlist.

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Online meeting

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.

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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

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Capital

CHAIR:

Michele O’Connor

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Government

CHAIR:

Ariana Shives

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Talent

CHAIR:

Carrie White

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Youth

CHAIR:

Lauren Prinzo

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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!

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Bridging Innovation 2024

By the Numbers

1,000+

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participants engaged

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$400,000

in non-dilutive funding provided

to entrepreneurs

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Thank you to our 2024 Diamond Sponsors.

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See you in

Shepherdstown.

April 28 - May 2, 2025

Contact

Co-Chairs

Amber Ravenscroft

Tara St. Clair

LinkedIn

#YesWV

AMBER RAVENSCROFT

TARA ST. CLAIR