March 31, 2026
West Virginia’s entrepreneurial growth is accelerating. We chatted with Amber Ravenscroft, Director of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem to learn more about their mission and vision for entrepreneurship-led economic development in the Mountain State and the highly anticipated Bridging Innovation Week.
First, tell us about the mission of WVEE and how it serves entrepreneurs statewide.
We think of WVEE as the “connective tissue” of West Virginia’s business landscape. Our mission is to make sure no entrepreneur or small business owner, whether they’re in Huntington, Morgantown, or Ronceverte, feels like they’re building alone. We bring together resource providers, funders, education and workforce, state and local government, community and economic development and, most importantly, the founders themselves to ensure that anyone with a good idea has a network to succeed.
What are some entrepreneur opportunities in the monthly meetings?
On the second Tuesday of every month from 2-3pm, we host an open Zoom call for anybody interested in learning more about the events and opportunities available across the WVEE. Our monthly meetings aren’t just “sit and listen” sessions. They are fast-paced and full of information. When entrepreneurs join, they:
- Hear the latest: Get first dibs on new training programs, funding opportunities, competitions, and more.
- Problem-solve: Ask for help! If you’re stuck on a marketing or insurance hurdle, there’s usually someone in the room who has already cleared it and can help you one-on-one.
- Collaborate: We often see folks connect in the chat on a call and end up partnering.
You can register for the call here.
You all have a big event coming up in April – tell us more about Bridging Innovation Week.
Bridging Innovation Week is the go-to event for West Virginia entrepreneurs and small business owners annually. It’s a multi-day celebration of the Mountain State’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and grit. We move the event to different parts of the state to highlight local talent, but the goal is always the same: to showcase the incredible innovation happening right here in the mountains.
This year’s event will be in Morgantown on April 27 – May 1, 2026. This year’s program includes:
Monday, April 27 — Local Events & Welcome
A WVU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Campus Tour, Downtown Morgantown Opportunity Tour and the BIW Welcome Reception at Chambers College. Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, April 28 — WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem 5th Annual Conference
A full day of keynotes, workshops, and connections covering new tech, funding, advocacy, ecosystem building, and more. There is a registration fee for this one, but it’s $50. We like to keep it accessible for our entrepreneurs.
Wednesday, April 29 — Pitch Competition Day
Watch a full day of pitches and demos includes SparkWV, IgniteWV, Vantage Ventures Validation Day, and the LG NOVA Grand Challenge. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, April 30 — Entrepreneurship Education for High School Students
You can view the full line-up of events and speakers via the Bridging Innovation Week event website.
Who should attend this event, and who will get the most value out of it?
If you have an idea on a napkin, you should be there. If you’ve been running your business for 20 years and want to modernize or find your successor, you should be there. If you offer support and resources for entrepreneurs, you should be there. Specifically, we see the most value for:
- Early-stage founders looking for connections to validate their idea.
- Established small businesses looking to level up their day-to-day operations.
- Community leaders who want to support local economic growth.
- Resource providers who have available support and opportunities.
Secure your spot today – register here.
Are there opportunities for funding, pitching, or meeting investors?
Bridging Innovation Week is designed to be a core event of the investment landscape. We host several pitch competitions where real money is on the line. We’re talking life-changing amounts for businesses – last year we gave out $500,000 in funding directly to entrepreneurs. Beyond the stage, investors from across the region and nationally attend specifically to find their next big “WV-made” investment, with meaningful networking opportunities built in across the week’s events, as well as investment-focused sessions during Tuesday’s annual conference.
What about networking opportunities or mentorship sessions?
We believe community is the new capital. Bridging Innovation Week creates an environment where conversations happen naturally – over coffee, during interactive workshops, and at our evening socials. This year’s Ecosystem Showcase also provides hands-on access to over 40+ organizations, ranging from resource providers to accounting services to insurance guidance. We have several evening activities geared toward tech entrepreneurs, artists and creatives, military and veteran entrepreneurs, and more. There is a wealth of “intentional collisions” waiting for you.
Tell us about some of the most exciting sessions or experiences this year.
This year is all about hands-on experience. You can attend:
- WVU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Tour: A tour across West Virginia University’s entrepreneurial spaces and a behind-the-scenes look at how one of our state’s largest innovation engines nurtures scalable startups and small businesses.
- Tuesday’s WVEE Conference: The place to be if you’re interested in starting or scaling a business – jam-packed with action workshops and inspirational main stage speakers.
- AI Hackathon: New this year is an open Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon happening immediately following the conference. Join with no knowledge of AI or tech and leave with a ready to launch platform. Cash prizes of up to $2,000 are available!
- Competition Day: Check out the Mountain State’s best and brightest as they pitch for cash and funding at the MET Theater. From SparkWV’s middle and high school entrepreneurs to IgniteWV’s Main Street and tech businesses, the talent is here and hungry.
What advice do you have for someone who’s attending solo and doesn’t know anyone?
Perfect! Our ecosystem is welcoming to everyone – that’s why it exists! My best advice? Prepare your quick pitch – it doesn’t have to be formal. Be ready to share what you’re building and why. Then, tell someone. If you need an easy start, head to the Ecosystem Showcase to share it. You’ll have a new connection in five minutes.
Anything else you want to tell us?
Ask for help. Entrepreneurship and business ownership can be intimidating and isolating. There is a strong ecosystem out there that has your best interest in mind. Reach out! Learn more at www.wveshipecosystem.org and send us an email at connect@wveshipecosystem.org.
Amber Ravenscroft
Director, West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Email: connect@wveshipecosystem.org
