Koffi Amegadje presenting
his idea for the KAStylus,
a chair for hair stylists to
sit in while they work.
Tapping into Potential
RCBI launched ESFO in 2012, initially
focused on creating prototypes and doing
design work. It has since evolved to
include things like technical training,
quality certifications and agricultural
projects. More than 100 individuals and
companies have received support from
the ESFO program since its inception.
“RCBI recognized that many entre-
preneurial projects stall because of the
lack of technical resources,” says Cope.
“The ESFO program allows innovators
to tap into the knowledge and tools at
RCBI to help move their ideas forward.”
From 2012-2015, RCBI generated $66
million in sales for state manufacturers
and created 318 jobs. According to an
impact study by Marshall University’s
Center for Community Growth and
Development, for every dollar RCBI
allocates in early st age funding, West
Virginia receives $435 in increased output
and $74 in increased earnings.
Since 2012, these funding opportuni-
ties have assisted state manufacturers of
all sizes in a variety of sectors, including
mining, oil and gas extraction, aircraft
manufacturing, construction and agricul-
ture. Some examples of successful busi-
nesses that have received ESFO funding
from RCBI include Martek, Lock-n-Load
Feed Systems, Start a Garden and Carbon
Fiber Composites.
“This clearly demonstrates that when
we provide West Virginians access to
technology and technical expertise to
develop their ideas, they can have a sig-
nificant impact on our state’s economy,”
says Weber. “Innovators simply need the
tools to help them succeed.”
If applicants do not receive an ESFO
award, RCBI provides suggestions on
how to move forward.
“We often refer those applicants to
organizations in our network, which
includes a variety of manufacturers,
Marshall University and funding sources
of all types,” says Cope. “It is a point of
pride that many unsuccessful applicants
to the ESFO program have found other
ways to take advantage of the resources
RCBI has to offer.”
Creating Jobs in Coal Country
While the ESFO program is open to
business owners across West Virginia,
RCBI has launched a more targeted effort
in Southern West Virginia—the Appala-
chian Hatchery Initiative. This program
is supported by a three-year, $430,000
grant that runs through 2019. Aimed
at countering Southern West Virginia’s
“This clearly demonstrates that when we provide
West Virginians access to technology and technical
expertise to develop their ideas, they can have a
significant impact on our state’s economy. Innovators
simply need the tools to help them succeed.”
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE