Beckley, W.Va. (Oct. 2, 2023) – Leaders of the West Virginia Hive and West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) Launch Lab announced today the entrepreneurs who will be presenting their business strategies at the October 12, 2023 Southern West Virginia Business Idea Pitch Competition on the campus of WVU Tech.
Initial entries received in the community and student categories were judged, and the in-person presentation line-up includes:
Community
Students
Diana Woods, director of the WVU Tech Launch Lab, said the top prize award for community submitted business entries is $2,250 for first place. Prizes of $1,000 and $500 will be awarded to the second and third place winners of the community business competition with a special prize of $1,000 to the first-place winner of the student competition. There will also be a technical assistance package added to the community and student divisions in the amount of $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $750 for third place awards. The technical assistance funds will be used to contract vendors to provide important startup business services including marketing and accounting services or training, and website development.
Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive and deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, said a panel of judges will select the winners. Entries were open to residents and businesses located in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties and WVU Tech students, faculty and staff. Businesses being pitched are required to be new start-ups or in operation for less than three years.
The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 12. The link to register to attend the pitch competition is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pitch-southern-wv-business-idea-competition-tickets-696280442547?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Woods said a new element with this installment is the “audience favorite” award. She said those in attendance will vote for their favorite business idea pitch, and the entrepreneur who receives the most votes will win $250.
Funds for the awards have been contributed by private sponsors, including United Bank (gold sponsor), New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (gold sponsor) and Stephens Auto and WV Auto Buyers (silver sponsor). All sponsorship funds are provided to the contestants as winnings.
The West Virginia Hive Network proudly announces the addition of two new regional business advisors – Devon Fitzgerald and Matt Nichols. Both advisors have been actively serving small business clients and startups since joining the team in September, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles.
Bill Woodrum, Senior Program Officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, delivered keynote remarks and 12 awardees were recognized at the West Virginia Hive’s annual Open House and Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Jina Belcher, Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), named Bowles Rice, LLP and Huntington National Bank, as recipients of its 2024 Partner of the Year award.
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