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In November 2019, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $500,000 to TechConnect WV in support of its TechWrx West Virginia program. That investment, coupled with a $125,000 matching commitment, is making it possible to address gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in 40 of West Virginia’s 55 counties.

Specifically, TechWrx West Virginia offers a suite of services that are designed to:

• encourage more entrepreneurs to launch companies
• build a more robust entrepreneurial culture
• increase capacity and expertise to assist entrepreneurs
• raise awareness of investment advantages in Opportunity Zones

So far, the program has helped more than 30 entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing small businesses. That support has included initial market research, creating and refining a business plan, prototype design and testing, preparing to pitch investors, and developing proposals for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards.

TechWrx West Virginia’s expert support is provided by TechConnect WV’s partners in program:

• The Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART)
• Chemical Alliance Zone (CAZ)
• INNOVA Commercialization Group

“The technical and business expertise that’s available through CART, CAZ and INNOVA is second to none,” Anne Barth, TechConnectWV’s executive director. “Whether you are an entrepreneur just starting out, an early-stage company that’s ready to take the next step in its growth, or an existing company that’s looking to map out a strategy for the future, there’s top-notch help available to you.”

Information on TechConnectWV’s TechWrx West Virginia program can be found at https://techconnectwv.org/innovation/programs/.

To get connected with the expertise you need and to become a part of TechWrx West Virginia’s community of entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses, fill out TechConnectWV’s intake and assessment survey here.