Economic Development

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Rural women entrepreneurs may make up a relatively small share of business owners across the United States, but new research from West Virginia University suggests their impact on local economies is far greater than many communities realize. The study, conducted by researchers at West Virginia University and the University of Maine, found that rural women … Read more

BEAVER, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer President and CEO David Sibray has announced the appointment of Davie Chinn as Director of Technology and Lori Noble as Director of Advertising for the West Virginia Explorer publications. The appointments come as the leading tourism news and travel guide expands its efforts to support outdoor recreation, heritage travel, … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thirty-four West Virginia companies have been recognized with the 2026 Governor’s Export Award for expanding into new international markets. Seven were first-time recipients. According to Matt Herridge, Secretary of the W.Va. Department of Commerce, the award is presented to companies that made their first export sale to a new country in the … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Commerce is officially accepting applications for the newly established West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, a major economic development initiative designed to expand access to private investment capital for small businesses. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the launch of the new program, part of his promise to build … Read more