Jumpstart Jefferson 2025
Only the first 15 applications will be accepted! Register here.
Open to new and existing businesses in Jefferson County, WV, Jumpstart Jefferson is a business pitch contest and educational series, designed to strengthen entrepreneurial growth and success! Participants will attend 7 educational sessions, aimed at providing information and skill development in the areas of finance and budgeting, credit, insurance, advertising and marketing, and business plan construction. Following the educational sessions participants will submit a business plan and pitch before a panel of judges for prize money! As a participant, you will gain regional exposure, professional networking opportunities, and educational credits provided by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
Rules & Disclosures
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) reserves the right to use photos prepared for Jumpstart Jefferson to publicize and promote the event.
Each participant is encouraged to attend the eight (8) week education series and pitch rehearsal. Judges will factor attendance into the overall score. Participants are also encouraged to attend the April 2, 2025, Networking Mixer. This event is NOT factored into attendance. To view the judges' scoresheet, please click here.
Each participant certifies that business concepts and other class discussions will be kept confidential and not shared with others during the eight-week class/pitch rehearsal period.
Jumpstart Jefferson does not have an entry fee.
Each participant is required to sign and submit a Participant Agreement Form.*
*This form will be provided in the Applicant Packet and should be signed and turned in at the first educational session.
Decisions regarding the competition and winners: the selections of the winner(s) are at the sole discretion of the judges, and the decision of the judges is final.
Code of Conduct & Participant Expectations
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) is committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative learning environment for all Jumpstart Jefferson participants, mentors, instructors, and staff.
The JCDA reserves the right to remove any participant from the program at its sole discretion if their behavior is deemed to be disruptive, disrespectful, or contributes to a hostile learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment, intimidation, excessive negativity, or actions that interfere with the educational process or the experience of others.
Participation in Jumpstart Jefferson is a privilege, and maintaining a professional and positive environment is essential to the success of the program for all involved.
Eligibility Requirements
New Business: Any “new” for-profit business endeavor that is located within Jefferson County, WV. A new business is defined as one that will start up within 120 days after the date of the award.
Existing Business: Existing businesses in Jefferson County, WV who wish to grow their business through new product and service development and plan to implement their expansion project within 120 days after the date of the award.
Previous winner(s) of Jumpstart Jefferson are not eligible for prizes.
Contest Winner Requirements / Use Acceptability
To be considered for selection, the participant must submit a business plan via email by 12:00 p.m. on May 28, 2025, and score at least 80/100 points on their overall score (consisting of attendance, physical business plan, and pitch presentation).
Award winner(s) will have a maximum of 120 days (or October 2, 2025) from the award notice to implement their business and start collecting funds.*
*Winner(s) must provide their WV Secretary of State Business Registration, along with the Business Signature Page and WV State Tax Business Filing. Existing businesses must provide a certificate of good standing from the WV Tax Department. Winner(s) must present itemized receipts and invoices in order to receive reimbursement. Winner(s) will be required to provide the Jefferson County Development Authority with a W-9 (available from the office), and the winner will be provided a 1099 form for tax filing purposes related to winning funds.
Payroll expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.
Funds must be fully utilized by December 31, 2025, or the funds will be forfeited.
Winner(s) will be asked to sign a Winner Agreement Form. That form can be viewed here.
Tie-Breaker Stipulations
In the event of a tie for the winner(s), the following factors will be considered to determine a sole winner in the provided order.
1. People’s Pick: If one of the tied participants is the ‘People’s Pick,’ they will be determined as the winner.
2. Perfect Attendance: If one of the tied participants has perfect attendance to all educational sessions and pitch practice, they will be determined as the winner.
3. Business Plan Score: The participant with the higher business plan score will be determined as the winner.
4. Judge’s Discretion: If the previous 3 factors have not determined a winner, it will be up to the discretion of the judges to determine a sole winner.
‘People’s Pick’ Competition
The winner of the ‘People’s Pick’ Competition will receive a prize of $500.
Participants will be asked to submit a 30-second video describing their business. This submission will be due by May 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to be eligible to participate in the competition.
Videos will be hosted on the Jefferson County Development Authority YouTube page and posted on our Facebook page.
A Google Form to vote for the ‘People’s Pick’ will be linked at the bottom of each Facebook post, as well as listed in the YouTube video description. The form will open on May 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will close on June 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. The winner will be announced at the final business pitch and reception held on June 4, 2025.
Important Dates
February 26, 2025: Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
March 26, 2025: Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
April 2, 2025: Jumpstart Jefferson Past & Present: Networking Mixer (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
April 9, 2025: Class 1: Intro to Small Business and Business Plan Outline Part 1 & 2
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
April 16, 2025: Mentorship Connection Opportunity
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
- !! This does NOT count toward your attendance !!
April 23, 2025: Class 2: Credit: How do YOU Score and How Can You Build It
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
April 30, 2025: Class 3: Financials: Accounting for Success
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 7, 2025: Class 4: Legals
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 14, 2025: Class 5: Insurance
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 21, 2025: Class 6: Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 23, 2025: People's Pick Video
- 30-Second People's Pick Video Due @ 12:00 p.m. via email to tsisk@jcda.net
May 28, 2025: Pitch Practice
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
- Business Plans Due @ 12:00 p.m.
June 2, 2025: Slide-Deck/ PowerPoint Presentations (Optional)
- Slide Deck/PowerPoint Presentations for Pitch Night Due @12:00 p.m.
June 4, 2025: Pitch Night and Reception
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location TBD
1st Place Contest Winner: $5,000 reimbursable prize
2nd Place Contest Winner: $2,500 reimbursable prize
3rd Place Contest Winner: $1,000 reimbursable prize
People's Pick: $500 prize
All Participants:
College credits - Provided by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Rules, Disclosures, and Requirements
Rules & Disclosures
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) reserves the right to use photos prepared for Jumpstart Jefferson to publicize and promote the event.
Each participant is encouraged to attend the eight (8) week education series and pitch rehearsal. Judges will factor attendance into the overall score. Participants are also encouraged to attend the April 2, 2025, Networking Mixer. This event is NOT factored into attendance. To view the judges' scoresheet, please click here.
Each participant certifies that business concepts and other class discussions will be kept confidential and not shared with others during the eight-week class/pitch rehearsal period.
Jumpstart Jefferson does not have an entry fee.
Each participant is required to sign and submit a Participant Agreement Form.*
*This form will be provided in the Applicant Packet and should be signed and turned in at the first educational session.
Decisions regarding the competition and winners: the selections of the winner(s) are at the sole discretion of the judges, and the decision of the judges is final.
Code of Conduct & Participant Expectations
The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) is committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative learning environment for all Jumpstart Jefferson participants, mentors, instructors, and staff.
The JCDA reserves the right to remove any participant from the program at its sole discretion if their behavior is deemed to be disruptive, disrespectful, or contributes to a hostile learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment, intimidation, excessive negativity, or actions that interfere with the educational process or the experience of others.
Participation in Jumpstart Jefferson is a privilege, and maintaining a professional and positive environment is essential to the success of the program for all involved.
Eligibility Requirements
New Business: Any “new” for-profit business endeavor that is located within Jefferson County, WV. A new business is defined as one that will start up within 120 days after the date of the award.
Existing Business: Existing businesses in Jefferson County, WV who wish to grow their business through new product and service development and plan to implement their expansion project within 120 days after the date of the award.
Previous winner(s) of Jumpstart Jefferson are not eligible for prizes.
Contest Winner Requirements / Use Acceptability
To be considered for selection, the participant must submit a business plan via email by 12:00 p.m. on May 28, 2025, and score at least 80/100 points on their overall score (consisting of attendance, physical business plan, and pitch presentation).
Award winner(s) will have a maximum of 120 days (or October 2, 2025) from the award notice to implement their business and start collecting funds.*
*Winner(s) must provide their WV Secretary of State Business Registration, along with the Business Signature Page and WV State Tax Business Filing. Existing businesses must provide a certificate of good standing from the WV Tax Department. Winner(s) must present itemized receipts and invoices in order to receive reimbursement. Winner(s) will be required to provide the Jefferson County Development Authority with a W-9 (available from the office), and the winner will be provided a 1099 form for tax filing purposes related to winning funds.
Payroll expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.
Funds must be fully utilized by December 31, 2025, or the funds will be forfeited.
Winner(s) will be asked to sign a Winner Agreement Form. That form can be viewed here.
Tie-Breaker Stipulations
In the event of a tie for the winner(s), the following factors will be considered to determine a sole winner in the provided order.
1. People’s Pick: If one of the tied participants is the ‘People’s Pick,’ they will be determined as the winner.
2. Perfect Attendance: If one of the tied participants has perfect attendance to all educational sessions and pitch practice, they will be determined as the winner.
3. Business Plan Score: The participant with the higher business plan score will be determined as the winner.
4. Judge’s Discretion: If the previous 3 factors have not determined a winner, it will be up to the discretion of the judges to determine a sole winner.
‘People’s Pick’ Competition
The winner of the ‘People’s Pick’ Competition will receive a prize of $500.
Participants will be asked to submit a 30-second video describing their business. This submission will be due by May 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to be eligible to participate in the competition.
Videos will be hosted on the Jefferson County Development Authority YouTube page and posted on our Facebook page.
A Google Form to vote for the ‘People’s Pick’ will be linked at the bottom of each Facebook post, as well as listed in the YouTube video description. The form will open on May 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will close on June 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. The winner will be announced at the final business pitch and reception held on June 4, 2025.
Dates
Important Dates
February 26, 2025: Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
March 26, 2025: Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
April 2, 2025: Jumpstart Jefferson Past & Present: Networking Mixer (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
April 9, 2025: Class 1: Intro to Small Business and Business Plan Outline Part 1 & 2
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
April 16, 2025: Mentorship Connection Opportunity
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
- !! This does NOT count toward your attendance !!
April 23, 2025: Class 2: Credit: How do YOU Score and How Can You Build It
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
April 30, 2025: Class 3: Financials: Accounting for Success
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 7, 2025: Class 4: Legals
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 14, 2025: Class 5: Insurance
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 21, 2025: Class 6: Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
May 23, 2025: People's Pick Video
- 30-Second People's Pick Video Due @ 12:00 p.m. via email to tsisk@jcda.net
May 28, 2025: Pitch Practice
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Jefferson County Public Services Building Conference Room: 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430 (Entrance B)
- Business Plans Due @ 12:00 p.m.
June 2, 2025: Slide-Deck/ PowerPoint Presentations (Optional)
- Slide Deck/PowerPoint Presentations for Pitch Night Due @12:00 p.m.
June 4, 2025: Pitch Night and Reception
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location TBD
Prizes
1st Place Contest Winner: $5,000 reimbursable prize
2nd Place Contest Winner: $2,500 reimbursable prize
3rd Place Contest Winner: $1,000 reimbursable prize
People's Pick: $500 prize
All Participants:
College credits - Provided by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Jumpstart Jefferson 2025 is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor Bronze Sponsor Bronze Sponsor