About the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Here in West Virginia, we are committed to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners reach their goals. In 2019, a collaborative effort was launched by entrepreneurial service organizations (ESOs) with the goal of connecting opportunities for improvement across our state's ecosystem. In less than three years this initiative has grown from an exercise in better communication into something much more meaningful: A vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners take their dreams further by connecting them with opportunities for success.
The mission of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is to connect and identify opportunities to help entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state by fostering collaboration and sharing resources. The ecosystem is open to any and all organizations in West Virginia interested in entrepreneurial development to share best practices and inspire collaborations.
For more information on the
Ecosystem visit WV BusinessLink.
Who should attend?
Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)
Monthly Meetings
The Ecosystem holds monthly meetings virtually the second Tuesday of every month to increase coordination of events, opportunities, and resources around the state. The work brings together key providers to share best practices and inspire collaborations.
Current and Prospective Entrepreneurs + Biz Owners
Community, Economic, and Workforce Dev.
Local + State Government
Educators + Students
Registration is required.
Missed a meeting?
Monthly meeting recordings are housed in a YouTube playlist.
Energizing Entrepreneurship:
Join the Subcommittee Initiative
Our subcommittees drive focused initiatives within our entrepreneurship ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation in key areas. By convening experts and stakeholders, we aim to catalyze growth, support startups, and address challenges in our entrepreneurial community.
Arts
CHAIR:
Domenica Queen
Capital
CHAIR:
Michele O’Connor
Government
CHAIR:
Ariana Shives
Talent
CHAIR:
Carrie White
Youth
CHAIR:
Lauren Prinzo
About Bridging Innovation Week
Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by providing connection and education to business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving organizations (ESOs) throughout West Virginia.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this is the place to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the Mountain State!
Keep scrolling to learn more about BIW 2024's Impact!
Bridging Innovation 2024
By the Numbers
1,000+
participants engaged
$400,000
in non-dilutive funding provided
to entrepreneurs
Thank you to our 2024 Diamond Sponsors.
See you in
Shepherdstown.
Contact
Co-Chairs
Amber Ravenscroft
Tara St. Clair
#YesWV
AMBER RAVENSCROFT
TARA ST. CLAIR