West Virginia ’ s Entrepreneurship Resources
COMPILED BY PAIGE KOCOUREK
Over 1 million new businesses will be started in the U . S . by the end of 2021 . Of these , over half will end up failing within 10 years . A few reasons for failure include a lack of capital , insufficient management , vague business planning or fiscal irresponsibility . Many of these failure-fueling issues can be averted through proper education , support and planning . Countless resources are available for startups to help them create a strong foundation to begin their venture , giving them a better opportunity for success .
Innovation centers , launch labs , venture capitalists and makerspaces have one thing in common : a mission to help small businesses become established and prosper . These entrepreneurial resources are an invaluable asset to individuals and groups working toward launching their businesses because they provide the necessary tools pivotal for development . They help dreams become a reality . Establishments like launch labs and makerspaces give people an opportunity to have the space and resources they need to let creative juices flow and foster innovation .
West Virginia is no stranger to the idea of small businesses . Entrepreneurship is at the heart of many lives here in the Mountain State , from local farms to bakeries featuring state-famed pepperoni rolls . The creation and preservation
of these businesses are vital for West Virginia ’ s economic development and prosperity .
Many startup owners may not be aware of all the entrepreneurship resources West Virginia has to offer . This is why West Virginia Executive , in partnership with West Virginia Business Link , New River Gorge Regional Development Authority — the umbrella organization that oversees the West Virginia Hive and Country Roads Angel Network — and the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust Board , created a comprehensive map showcasing the vast resources West Virginia entrepreneurs have at their fingertips in the great Mountain State . As a result , entrepreneurs can move forward with the knowledge and support they need to continue their ventures . The goal is to connect local business startups with the tools they need to grow their companies . •
Editor ’ s Note : This map was compiled with help from West Virginia BusinessLink . If you know of additional entrepreneurial resources located in West Virginia , help us update the list by contacting pkk @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE