Steps to Take After Acquiring a Business License
- Seek guidance from SBA or your local SBDC
- Draft or update your business plan
- Review the SOS grant/funding page
- Contact your regional planning & development council
Learn How Grants Can Support Startups
- Access capital for growth
- Reduce financial risk
- Invest in innovative new technology
- Build a team and invest in employee training
- Receive expert guidance
Select a county below to view its Economic Development Authority and Regional Planning Council information:
Additional Funding & Grant Resources
Organizations below offer funding, loans, grants, and guidance for West Virginia businesses.
Who: WV Secretary of State, WV State Tax Division, Workforce WV, SBDC, and WV Grant Resource Centers
What: Business Registrations, Business Licenses, Business Coaching, Funding Information
How Much: SBDC and WV Grant Resource Center offer free assistance. SOS, Workforce WV, and WV Tax Division fees vary by filing type.
Where:onestop.wv.gov | 13 Kanawha Blvd. W., Suite 201, Charleston WV
Who: Small businesses that meet SBA size standards (varies by industry)
What: Loans, counseling, federal contracting certifications, disaster recovery assistance
How Much: Loans from $50,000 to $5MM
Where:sba.gov/district/west-virginia | Charleston: 405 Capitol St. Suite 412, (304) 347-5220 | Clarksburg: 320 W Pike St #330, (304) 623-5631
Who: Early stage, later stage and mature small companies in West Virginia that want to expand
What: Equity financing, such as stock purchases and convertible debt instruments
How Much: Generally $100,000 to $2MM
Where:wvjit.wv.gov | Email: WVJITInfo@wv.gov
Who: Creditworthy small businesses of all sizes and maturities
What: Seed Capital Co-Investment Fund, Subordinated Debt Fund, Collateral Support Fund
How Much: Generally $10,000 to $2MM per EIN
Where:wvjit.wv.gov/wvcap | Email: WVCAP@wv.gov
Who: Government entities, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in Appalachia
What: Economic development, workforce training, and community revitalization
How Much: $180 million annually across programs; award sizes vary
Who: Nonprofit or government entities serving rural communities & towns with fewer than 50,000 residents
What: Business development grants, community facilities, utilities programs, and more
How Much: No maximum; depends on specific USDA program
Where:rd.usda.gov/wv
Who: Businesses looking to expand or develop within their specific WV county
What: Matching grants, economic development initiatives, and tax-exempt programs
How Much: Matching grant funds up to $41,500; larger bond financing also available
Where: Each county has its own EDA. Use the county lookup above to find your county's EDA information.
Who: Manufacturing, industrial, distribution, warehouse and destination businesses
What: Loans, direct financing, and operating leases for commercial/industrial development
How Much: $50,000 to $15MM depending on project needs
Where: Greenway Building, Northgate Business Park, 180 Association Drive | eda.wv.gov | (304) 558-3651
Who: Businesses, local governments, and other entities focusing on economic, workforce and community development; outdoor recreation; site development and job creation/retention
What: Tailored pre-award support to help develop competitive grant proposals and maximize state, federal and private funding
How Much: Services are free. Grant award amounts vary.
Where:wvgrantcenters.com | (304) 293-6444 | Morgantown: 83 Beechurst Ave | Huntington: 1 John Marshall Drive
