Start a Business

Get a strong start and grow faster in a location with a lower cost of living and a lower cost of doing business. 

In the 2020 StateScoop 50 awards, West Virginia’s One Stop Business Portal was the winner of the State IT Innovation of the Year Award for its unprecedented combination of cross-agency and interagency collaboration and technology-driven service. The Portal provides one-stop digital ease for licensing, registration and for exploring new business services—a strategic digital resource to help new businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. The site’s intuitive interface moves your prospective business through every essential stage, including:

• Plan—Research, strategize, formulate and test your plan. Learn about mentoring and Veterans’ services.
• Start—Find out if your business name is available, register for your Tax ID (EIN—Employer Identification Number) and register your business. Learn about insurance and licensing requirements, employee training services and more.
• Operate—Compile annual reporting; file taxes, including e-filing; meet regulatory requirements. Find sources for business counseling and other services.

Other services include:

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Workforce West Virginia is the state’s one-stop center designed to assist and connect employees and employers, supporting employers with training, tax incentives and labor market information.

Created especially for entrepreneurs, innovators and small business, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center offers the depth of expertise, resources and service made possible by its membership in a nationwide SBDC network. One-on-one business coaching and group training events are some of the WVSBDC’s popular services.

Another key resource for entrepreneurs and small business, the West Virginia Business Link provides critical assistance and information for a broad range of startup and growth needs, including in-depth information about funding.

A strategic first step for new business owners is to explore all the benefits available from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members reap the advantages of a powerful collaborative network, including social events, seminars, and marketing tools. Chamber membership also integrates your operation into the community, raising your profile.

Certificate programs at Blue Ridge CTC, available in a range of areas, allow time-challenged new business owners and workers to upskill in typically half the time of what it would take to complete an associate’s degree. The College’s online Career Advancement Education program is another doorway to enhanced business and management expertise.

Eastern Panhandle Entreprenuers Forum : A tri-county collaboration involving Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan Counties, the EPEF connects entrepreneurs with each other and with expanded opportunities through regular meetings in rotating venues.

West Virginia and Jefferson County support new businesses with a number of incentives, including:

• Apprenticeship in Motion (AIM): When companies develop apprenticeship programs (a combination of classroom and on-the-job training), AIM connects those employers with funding and other assistance to help implement the program.
• Opportunity Zones: Jefferson County’s Opportunity Zones may provide the right location for a new business, offering critical access and utilities at affordable costs, with added financial incentives.
• Economic Opportunity Credit: For qualified small businesses that create at least 10 jobs, this credit can offset up to 80% of the corporate and personal net income tax (on flow-through income) arising from the qualified project.