West Virginia Economic Groups Received Federal Funding

Three regional organizations secured $2 million in grants to support business development and education efforts.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Regional Economics

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel bridge and mountain stream, representing regional economic development in West Virginia. — Three West Virginia economic development organizations have been awarded $2 million in federal funding to support local business incubation and tourism initiatives. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to three West Virginia economic development organizations. The funds are earmarked for projects focused on business incubation, local revitalization, and education programs.

Why it matters

These awards inject capital into regional support infrastructure to help scale local startups and increase area tourism. The funding provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with specialized technical resources that might otherwise be unavailable due to limited local budget capacity.

The U.S. Small Business Administration issued $2 million in total grants, with $750,000 each to the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and the WV Hive Network, Inc., and $500,000 to the Hatfield McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The players

Shelley Moore Capito

A United States Senator representing West Virginia who focuses on federal infrastructure and economic development legislation.

U.S. Small Business Administration

A federal agency that provides support, capital, and counseling to small businesses across the United States.

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority

A regional entity dedicated to fostering economic growth and business expansion in Southern West Virginia.

WV Hive Network, Inc.

A business incubator and accelerator program designed to assist startups and small enterprises in West Virginia.

Hatfield McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau

An organization tasked with promoting tourism and economic activity in the region surrounding the Hatfield-McCoy Trails.

The details

The capital is designated as Congressionally Directed Spending, which allows specific organizations to receive funds for local infrastructure or economic projects. Recipients like the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and the WV Hive Network, both based in Beckley, will apply these resources toward business incubation and economic growth. The Hatfield McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau in Logan will utilize its share to bolster local tourism initiatives.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito announced the awards on October 7, 2026.

Market Landscape

These awards follow the established pattern of Congressionally Directed Spending, which allocates federal resources to targeted regional development efforts. This funding mechanism serves as a primary driver for non-profit organizations seeking to expand business incubation services.

Operators in Southern West Virginia should monitor the development programs offered by these three organizations for new incubator space or tourism-related support. Business owners in the region should track upcoming local project notices as these entities begin deploying the $2 million in capital.

The takeaway

Regional business support groups are receiving a influx of capital that will impact the availability of local consulting and incubation services. Owners should monitor the progress of these specific recipients to see how their services change in the coming quarters.