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Economic Development

Tourism and economic development in West Virginia play a vital role in driving growth and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mountain State. Known for its breathtaking mountains, outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, and welcoming small towns, West Virginia attracts visitors year-round, boosting local businesses, restaurants, and lodging. This thriving tourism industry fuels economic development by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and encouraging investment in infrastructure and community revitalization. By promoting its natural beauty, rich heritage, and expanding industries, West Virginia continues to strengthen its economy and offer new opportunities for both residents and visitors.

The program creates incentives for private investment funds and financial institutions to direct capital into qualified small business growth.
Economic Development

Applications open for West Virginia First small business growth program

by Bianca Bosworth

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

The Frontier-to-Statehood Preservation Fund will provide up to 10 grants of as much as $100,000 each for the rehabilitation of certified historic structures dating to 1871 or earlier.
Economic Development

Grants of up to $100,000 available in W.Va. for pre-1872 preservation projects

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemoration, officials at the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia have announced a new grant program to support the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings tied to the state’s early history. The Frontier-to-Statehood Preservation Fund, funded through the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant … Read more

"Ascend Heroes" will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in West Virginia.
Economic Development

West Virginia launches “Ascend Heroes” initiative to attract veterans

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has launched an initiative to attract veterans to the state. According to state officials, “Ascend Heroes” will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in the state. Created in partnership with the state government, the Wing-2-Wing Foundation, and West Virginia University, the Ascend West … Read more

Outdoor Economy Photo: Jay Young (IronArchMedia.com)
Economic Development

Inaugural W.Va. Outdoor Economy Summit to unite leaders around $2.1 billion growth

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s outdoors are more than a scenic backdrop. They’re a strategic economic asset. That message will take center stage February 17–18, 2026, when leaders from across the state and region convene for the inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. Presented by the Charleston Convention … Read more

The study represents the most comprehensive economic impact assessment ever conducted for the university and its affiliated health system. (WVU Photo)
Economic Development

Study finds WVU and its health system account for 17% of West Virginia’s economy

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University and the WVU Health System together generate $14.3 billion in annual economic impact in West Virginia, accounting for approximately 17% of the state’s gross domestic product, according to a newly released independent study. The analysis, conducted by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach, found the combined operations at the university … Read more

Economic Development

Is it more cost-effective to restore or rebuild in West Virginia downtowns?

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As communities across West Virginia consider options for aging buildings, one key question keeps coming up: Is it more cost-effective to demolish and rebuild or to restore what’s already there? According to real estate development consultant David Sibray, more often than not, it’s cheaper to restore than to rebuild, especially in the … Read more

Outdoor economy in West Virginia: In West Virginia, where natural assets are abundant but traditional industries have declined, outdoor recreation offers a development model that is place-based, scalable, and difficult to outsource.
Economic Development

West Virginia hosts outdoor economy summit as communities rethink economics

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For many West Virginia communities, outdoor recreation is no longer a quality-of-life extra. It’s the new economic infrastructure that’s attracting private investment, supporting small businesses, and helping retain and attract a workforce. That shift in thinking is the driving force behind the inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, which will bring civic … Read more

Communities once defined by vacant upper floors and underused downtown buildings are seeing renewed interest in housing from remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Economic Development

Webinar examines housing stairway safety in growing West Virginia small towns

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As remote work reshapes where Americans choose to live, small-town housing in West Virginia has emerged as a central issue in the state’s economic revival. Communities once defined by vacant upper floors and underused downtown buildings are seeing renewed interest from remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Translating that momentum into lasting … Read more