Beckley, W.Va. (September 9, 2024) –  The West Virginia Hive announced today the Fall 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition, with more than $5,000 in prizes awarded to the top five participants.

Diana Woods, Collegiate Project Manager at the WV Hive, said the deadline for applications from entrepreneurs is noon Tuesday, October 15. “The stages of the competition are designed to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship within the community,” said Woods. “The competition offers budding entrepreneurs and startups the chance to showcase their groundbreaking ideas.”

The top five applicants will pitch in person at 5:30 p.m. November 14 at the Life Sciences Building, on the West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) Campus in Beckley, W.Va.

The competition is open to residents and businesses located in the following counties: Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan, and Mingo. Students enrolled at WVU Tech are also eligible to participate.

Awards:

• 1st Place: $2,500
• 2nd Place: $1,000
• Three Honorable Mentions: $500 each

Additionally, the finalist who receives the most votes from the audience will be awarded $250 for the “Audience Favorite” prize of $250.

Finalists chosen to pitch will be notified on October 25, 2024. Those interested in participating should submit their proposals through wvhive.com/business-idea-competition/.

For more information, including competition guidelines and how to apply, as well as a link to register to attend the event, please visit wvhive.com/business-idea-competition/ or contact Woods at dwoods@nrgrda.org or 304-712-3817.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Beth Epperson @ bepperson@nrgrda.org or 304-460-4483.

WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. Its 13-county service area includes Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Nicholas, Webster, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe, Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Logan, and Mingo counties. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com