WV Innovation & Entrepreneurship to be on Display at State Capitol Thursday, March 1
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day at the State Capitol will take place on Thursday, March 1, 2018. This year’s event will feature more than 50 exhibits representing entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as the organizations that support them across the state.
TechConnect West Virginia and the TransTech Energy Business Development Program are pleased to host this annual event with support from key partners, including the West Virginia Small Business Development Center.
This day is intended to showcase innovative companies, entrepreneurs, small manufacturers, startup firms, resource providers and agencies that are leaders in innovation and entrepreneurial activities. It also will be a great way to share information and to learn about ideas and initiatives that will increase jobs, create new businesses, and spur economic development.
In West Virginia, small business is BIG business—98 percent of all WV businesses are small, and they employ about half of all workers in the state. In order for these ventures to thrive, we must have a robust ecosystem of support.
The WVSBDC provides expert guidance to help small businesses succeed, with a statewide network of business coaches who hold professional certifications ranging from exporting, innovation, technology and economic development, to finance, management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs who are launching a new venture—or exploring the possibility of doing so—can reach out to the WVSBDC for advice and assistance.
As part of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Day, an awards luncheon will recognize outstanding firms and individuals. The TransTech Energy Business Development Program will recognize winners of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Industrial Energy Efficiency and Smart Advanced Manufacturing.
TechConnect will announce the winners of our Spirit of Innovation Awards, which recognize leadership in innovation and technology-based business development. Three awards will be presented—the 2018 Outstanding Woman in Technology, the Phoenix Award and the Innovative Manufacturer of the Year.
Join us on March 1 and learn about the exciting things that are going on to advance innovation businesses and jobs in West Virginia!