Projects selected for funding fit within NRG Working Group infrastructure priorities, which are utilities, public health and quality of place, transportation, development priorities and environmental justice.
Selected proposals include the Raleigh County Airport Rail Access Initiative, Meadow River Recreational Corridor Master Plan, New River Train: Planning for Fayette County’ s Public Indoor Training and Recreation Facility, Forest Hill Water Access and Infrastructure Enhancement Project, Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Camp Summers Multipurpose Building and Site Development Project, Summersville Lake Trail System Feasibility Study, Site Suitability Plan for Longacre Section of Smithers WV, Hawks Nest Rail-Trail Network Mountain Bike Study and Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center Economic Impact Study.
Belcher says projects receiving technical assistance must be implemented in at least one county in the New River Gorge region— Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas and Summers. While this round of funding was limited and highly competitive, NRGRDA hopes to secure additional funding to support planning for future projects.
SparkWV and IgniteWV Continuum
SparkWV and IgniteWV are offering unique opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. SparkWV, launched in 2023, introduces middle and high school students to entrepreneurship through experiential learning, mentorship and hands-on activities. The program guides students through ideation, business planning and capital raising. SparkWV has grown significantly, engaging 129 students in 87 business ideas in 2024 and awarding over $ 20,000 in funding.
As SparkWV students graduate, they enter IgniteWV, designed for entrepreneurs ages 18 and older who are ready to start or scale their businesses. IgniteWV provides mentorship, networking, funding and strategic advice to help early-stage businesses grow into sustainable ventures. In 2024, IgniteWV awarded $ 200,000 in nondilated funding to support entrepreneurs across a range of industries.
The 2025 SparkWV finalists showcased ideas ranging from app-based pet care to innovations in medical equipment. Similarly, IgniteWV’ s 2025 finalists are developing cuttingedge solutions in industries like tech, consumer products and wellness, including AI-driven education tools and sustainable outdoor gear.
Together, SparkWV and IgniteWV are shaping a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in West Virginia, offering students and emerging business owners the resources they need to succeed.
UC Announces Jim Linsenmeyer as New Executive Director of Innovation
The University of Charleston( UC) announces Jim Linsenmeyer as its executive director of innovation.
Linsenmeyer joins UC from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, where he served as region manager in Shepherdstown. There, he helped secure major projects such as the $ 640 million CMC Steel West Virginia micro mill, $ 60 million
Jim Linsenmeyer.
Treplar food packaging plant and $ 59 million HandCraft Services commercial laundry facility.
“ UC has a proud tradition of innovation and growth,” UC President Marty Roth says.“ We are excited to bring in a leader of Jim Linsenmeyer’ s caliber as we continue expanding opportunities for our students, local businesses and the broader community. His expertise and energy will be instrumental as we continue developing cutting-edge programs that make a real impact. We are thrilled to welcome him to the UC family.”
Previously, he was entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of Baltimore and Morgan State University, advising entrepreneurs in the ideation, startup and expansion phases. Before his work in economic development, Linsenmeyer also spent 40 years owning and operating beer and wine wholesale businesses in West Virginia.
As executive director of innovation, Linsenmeyer will oversee all innovation initiatives, programs and operations at the UC Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center and the UC Downtown Innovation Hub. He will lead the Downtown Innovation Hub, develop and deliver programs and design workshops for small and medium-sized businesses and UC students. Additionally, he will manage innovation-related grants and donor activities. •
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