WVCAP invests $25,000 in Kanawha Co. Health Products Company
Billow Global featured at World Government Summit in Dubai
The West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) approved an investment of $25,000 for Billow Global Inc., a startup producer of health and wellness products in Charleston.
The WVCAP funding is expected to allow BGI to create two jobs.
BGI developed the first premium breast support pillow for women experiencing discomfort resulting
Billow Founder Marnie Rustemeyer
from surgery, including mastectomy, reconstruction and augmentation. The Billow provides support for the breast, back, arm and neck area. The company has also developed a line of non-toxic nail polish and treatments that complement its holistic body wellness focus.
The company was recently selected to participate in the Patient Innovation program, part of the 2016 World Government Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Summit is a forum for networking and knowledge exchange with a focus on harnessing innovation and technology to solve challenges.
BGI was founded by cancer survivor Marnie Rustemeyer. She served in the financial services field in New York City for 15 years, attaining the post of vice president of structured products and derivatives before returning to her native West Virginia. BGI has donated Billows to the Thomas Foundation, Koman WV, Survivor Glam Squad, The Pink Lotus Center, Weill Cornell Breast Center, Inova Healthcare Foundation, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s The Pink Agenda, and the Cancer Support Center of Central NJ. BGI’s clientele includes The Greenbrier Spa, Salt Caves, Nemacolin Resort and private massage therapists nationwide.
To fund its startup, BGI has raised $100,000 through a combination of sources. The West Virginia Jobs
Investment Trust and INNOVA Commercialization Group each accessed $25,000 from the WVCAP program. The West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust funded a portion with its portfolio funds and private investors finished the round.
WVCAP provides capital to West Virginia small businesses to invest, expand and create jobs. The state-run program utilizes a $13.1 million allocation of funds through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which was created under the federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. WVCAP is administered by the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust.
For more information, contact the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust, 304-345-6200, www.wvjit.org.