University of Charleston Receives Innovation Funding from U . S . Economic Development Administration
The U . S . Economic Development Administration ( EDA ) has awarded the University of Charleston ( UC ) funding to move forward in conducting a feasibility study for a UC Innovation SuperHub . The UC SuperHub concept co-locates business training with an incubator , accelerator and coworking space in the heart of downtown Charleston at 240 Capitol Street . The SuperHub will act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship , creativity , business growth and economic development for the region .
The business incubator would primarily focus on providing commercial office space and technical assistance to new and budding entrepreneurs . The business accelerator would concentrate on delivering programming and expertise to businesses with a proven business model that are ready to scale . The potential coworking space centers on offering resources such as high-speed internet and conference meeting space to entrepreneurs and innovators who would otherwise not have those assets available .
In addition , the UC SuperHub will provide specialized services to existing businesses that need expanded high-end services such as leadership development , organizational development , business and design training , digital resources and executive coaching . The university will leverage its innovation staff , expert faculty and other intellectual assets to provide exceptional value . The hub is also anticipated to provide artists and other creatives with space to display their work ; develop events such as open mic nights , guest speaker series and student showcase collections ; and participate in community events such as ArtWalk , FestivALL and others to promote new vibrancy in the downtown area .
The feasibility study will be conducted in late 2020 or early 2021 . Partners and supporters of the UC Innovation SuperHub initiative include the City of Charleston , Charleston Area Alliance , West Virginia Regional Intergovernmental Council , Advantage Valley , AMFM Foundation and the Tamarack Foundation .
Morgantown Municipal Airport Begins Construction on Runway Extension Project
Morgantown Municipal Airport recently began construction on a long-awaited runway extension project . For the past five years , city officials have worked to submit the appropriate documentation and receive concurrence on the environmental assessment and benefit / cost analysis from the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) for the extension .
The benefits realized by the runway extension go beyond the city limits . The dirt that is needed for the construction of the runway will come from the future I-68 Commerce Park . Tied together with the runway extension , this will be the most significant economic development project in the history of the city . The project has received support from local businesses , the Monongalia County Commission , Star City , the City of Westover , West Virginia University and the Morgantown Area Partnership , all of which have been instrumental in moving the project forward .
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