West Virginia Partners Unite to Ensure State’s Small Businesses Are Counted in Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey

Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (WVEE), the WV Department of Economic Development, the WV Office of Entrepreneurship, and the WV Small Business Development Center are joining forces to encourage small business owners across the state to take part in the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey. The partnership is collaborating with the Federal Reserve to conduct the survey, part of a nationwide effort to better understand the financial challenges and needs of America’s small businesses.

“West Virginia’s small businesses know better than anyone what it takes to start, grow, and sustain a business here, and this survey is a direct way for their experiences to be heard.”

— Amber Ravenscroft, Director of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. “This partnership helps us reach business owners in every corner of the state and turn their answers into data that helps all of us serve them better.”

The annual survey, open now through November 13, 2026, invites owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses to share their recent experiences with business conditions, financing, and their outlook for the future. The 12-minute confidential survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch.

By coordinating outreach across four statewide organizations, the partners aim to make sure West Virginia’s entrepreneurs — from Main Street storefronts to rural startups — are well represented in data that shapes how small businesses are understood and served nationwide.

The Small Business Credit Survey is conducted annually by all twelve Federal Reserve Banks in conjunction with more than 100 not-for-profit partners. The resulting data inform federal government agencies, community development financial institutions, traditional lenders, and policymakers. Past survey findings have been cited in congressional testimony, used to design lending programs, and have helped shape small business support services.

If West Virginia businesses submit enough responses, the partnership will receive a customized report summarizing unique state responses — insight the partners plan to use to strengthen programs, guide resources, and better advocate for the state’s small business community.

The survey is open to for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees across all industries. Responses are completely confidential, and participants do not need to provide personal identifying information.

For more information about the Small Business Credit Survey, visit FedSmallBusiness.org.

About the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is a statewide network connecting entrepreneurs, support organizations, capital sources, and civic institutions to strengthen and grow West Virginia’s startup and small business landscape. Learn more at wveshipecosystem.org.

About the West Virginia Department of Economic Development

The West Virginia Division of Economic Development works to promote economic growth and opportunity throughout the Mountain State by helping businesses start, locate, expand and succeed in West Virginia. The Division provides businesses with assistance related to site selection, workforce development, incentives, infrastructure, permitting, international trade and other economic development resources. Working in partnership with businesses, communities and economic development organizations, the Division supports investment, job creation, business growth and a stronger West Virginia economy. Learn more at westvirginia.gov.

About the West Virginia Office of Entrepreneurship

The West Virginia Office of Entrepreneurship, housed within the Office of the West Virginia Secretary of State, serves as a liaison for the state’s entrepreneurs by filling the gap between government requirements and the private sector needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. By cutting red tape, resolving regulatory barriers, and connecting business owners with vital resources and agencies, the office ensures efficient support without duplicating existing state services. Learn more at sos.wv.gov/wvoe.

About the West Virginia Small Business Development Center

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting entrepreneurs to coaching, training, and resources. Learn more at wvsbdc.com.