Welcome to Pitch Southern West Virginia, the WV Hive’s annual business idea competition for early-stage businesses in southern West Virginia. Our goal is simple – to lift up entrepreneurs and innovators, spark economic growth, and build stronger, more dynamic business communities.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a promising business idea or a sponsor looking to support innovation, this competition brings together creativity, mentorship, and investment.
Present your idea, gain expert insights, and compete for funding to bring your vision to life!
Connect with emerging talent, support fresh ideas, and make a meaningful impact on the future of business in southern West Virginia.
Pitch Southern West Virginia is growing! What started as a semi-annual event held in Beckley has evolved into an annual event that will be held in different locations throughout our service area and will be bigger and better than ever!
Our goal with this competition is to support entrepreneurs and innovators by providing an opportunity to connect with both human and capital resources and gain exposure for their business or business idea.
Prizes are funded entirely by donations from our generous community sponsors, who believe in the power of innovation and want to see new businesses thrive in our area. Their support makes it possible for competitors to take their ideas to the next level and turn them into successful ventures.
By bringing together creative minds, experienced mentors, and potential supporters, we’re building stronger, more dynamic business communities across our region.
Join us in making a lasting impact—pitch your idea, support innovation, and be part of the future of business in southern West Virginia!
Stay tuned for event details!
Leaders of the West Virginia Hive announced today the winning entrepreneurs who presented their business strategies last evening at the 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition.
Michelle and Derek Miller, owners of Waymaker’s Meadows Farm in Monroe County, are celebrating a significant milestone as winners of the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition, coordinated by the West Virginia Hive Network.
Derek says, “Being chosen to pitch in person was a surprise. We are just starting our business, so it is encouraging to know people can see the future we envision in providing a sustainable food source that is local, healthy, and quality. It was rewarding to get to pitch in person to a supportive audience and offer the wholistic picture of what we are trying to do.”
Michelle adds, “Everyone -- including the other competitors -- were so supportive of each other, and it was such a positive atmosphere. We were pleasantly surprised that we won. You are never sure if the plan you have in your head sounds as good to others as it does to you.”
“Pitch Southern WV has given me both the confidence and resources to pursue an idea I’m truly passionate about. It’s been amazing to see how launching a small business connects with what I’m learning in school. I would also like to thank the ACT Carpentry program for their hard work! I’m excited for what this incredible opportunity will bring and hopeful that it will contribute another family-friendly activity to the community!"
Why Compete?
Pitching in a business idea competition is a great way to:
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, a business idea competition is a fun and rewarding way to take your idea to the next level!
Pitch Southern West Virginia is open to residents and businesses in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties and also to students enrolled in colleges or universities in those counties. Applicants must have new or innovative business ideas and cannot have been in business longer than three years. First and second place winners of 2024 PSWV events are not eligible for the 2025 competition.
Summersville
Beckley
Hinton
Oak Hill
Applications will be accepted for a specified period in July/August 2025. They will be evaluated by a team of reviewers and top applicants will be selected to submit a 90-second video pitch. The videos will be evaluated, and the top five applicants will be invited to pitch in-person in our November competition. Virtual coaching sessions will be offered for the finalists. During the in-person competition, competitors will have five minutes to present their idea followed by a question-and-answer period with the judges. Prize money must be used to further the business idea. Have questions? Check out our FAQs.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsoring a business idea competition is a great way to:
Whether through funding, mentorship, or resources, your sponsorship is a rewarding way to give back and inspire the next generation of business leaders.
Platinum
Sponsor
($3000+)
Gold benefits plus, a speaking opportunity at the event
Gold
Sponsor
($2000+)
Silver benefits and a seat on the judge’s panel.
Silver
Sponsor
($1000+)
Bronze benefits plus a vendor table at the event and a featured spotlight in our promotions.
Bronze
Sponsor
($500+)
Logo placement on event materials and social media mention.
Are you a service provider who could provide valuable resources to an entrepreneur? (Examples: legal services, accounting services, website building, photography, etc.) Pledge a prize package and receive sponsorship benefits of the tier that coincides with its retail value!
Click below to pledge your sponsorship now! You can also contact Diana Woods for more information by email or 304-712-3817.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pitch Southern West Virginia
Complete competition details will be posted when the application period opens in Summer 2025.
No. You do not have to be a WV Hive client to apply, but you do have to live, have a business, or be enrolled in a college or university in the WV Hive’s 13-county service area. (Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo.)
If you have a new idea or are starting a new business that is unrelated to your existing business, yes, you are eligible to pitch the new business or idea.
Yes, but you must have intentions to register the business in WV and you must use any winnings toward that business.
Our judges are volunteers who bring expertise from a broad range of areas including academia, lending institutions and federal and state government agencies as well as successful entrepreneurs and gold and platinum sponsor representatives.
Prizes are funded by our generous community sponsors and may vary from year to year.
Yes. Winners are responsible for their own tax liability and will receive a 1099.
If you competed in a Pitch Southern West Virgina Competition in 2024 and won first or second place, you cannot apply for the 2025 competition. If you did not win first or second place, you can re-apply in 2025.
Yes. Winnings are required to be used to advance the business idea you pitched. Proof may be required.
If you are selected to pitch in person, yes, a 3-10 slide PowerPoint presentation is required.
Yes. We encourage attendance and use Eventbrite for registration. Audience members aged 18 and older will get to vote for their favorite pitch and the entrepreneur with the most votes will receive a cash prize, so bring your friends! We do ask all audience members to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect your information.
If selected to pitch in person, yes, free virtual coaching sessions will be offered.
Applications open July 2025. Stay tunes for more details!
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