Bridging Innovation Week 2025 Ignites Entrepreneurial Spirit in Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown, WV — The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem proudly concluded another successful Bridging Innovation Week (BIW), held from April 28 to May 1, 2025, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This premier event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, government leaders, national organizations, and others from across the state to celebrate and advance entrepreneurship-led economic development.
“It’s been incredible to witness the growth of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem over the past few years. What started as a small network has blossomed into a dynamic, statewide movement that’s empowering entrepreneurs in every corner of the state. Each Bridging Innovation Week builds on the last, and the momentum we’re seeing now is just the beginning.”
Monday, April 28: The week commenced with two impactful pre-conference workshops. The Entrepreneurship, Acquisition, and Succession Planning workshop, organized by Whitewater Capital Partners and sponsored by Huntington Bank, provided attendees with insights into business valuation and succession planning. Simultaneously, Building Black Businesses in WV & Appalachia, sponsored and organized by Marshall University’s Center for Economic and Community Development in Black Appalachia and Isolated Communities, focused on empowering Black entrepreneurs in the region. The day concluded with a community-sponsored welcome reception hosted at the Garage on King in Martinsburg, bringing over 150 visiting attendees and residents together to kick-off the week.
Tuesday, April 29: Over 300 attendees attended The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Annual Conference for an engaging day of networking and connection. Beginning with the Ecosystem Showcase and Intentional Collisions speed networking event, the morning focused on relationship building and access to resources for entrepreneurs. The afternoon’s Main Stage sessions featured a powerful fireside chat with Behavioral Business’ Joe Kapp and EVAX, Inc.’s Dr. Chase Kempinski, panel discussions, and immersive workshops.
“Bridging Innovation Week is a powerful reminder that West Virginia’s greatest asset is its people. The spirit of collaboration here is unlike anything I’ve seen—entrepreneurs, educators, investors, and policymakers all co-creating to build something bigger than themselves,” said Joe Kapp. “That kind of unity positions the state to be the national leader in entrepreneurship, not someday, but today.”
Highlights included the State of the State address on West Virginia's entrepreneurial landscape, with Secretary of State Kris Warner, Secretary of Commerce Matt Herridge, Senator Ben Queen, and Executive Director Mike Graney of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and the Building Bridges to Prosperity panel, featuring national leaders in entrepreneurship-led economic development including Right to Start’s Jason Grill, TechPoint Indiana’s Chelsea Linder, and the Institute for Justice’s Cities Work Director, Jennifer McDonald.
Wednesday, April 30: Bridging Innovation Week’s Competition Day showcased the state's entrepreneurial talent through events like SparkWV, IgniteWV, the WV Innovation and Business Model Competition, and Vantage Ventures Validation. The Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) also held its Annual Member Meeting, fostering connections between investors and startups. Across the day’s events, over $450,000 was awarded to entrepreneurs to build and grow their businesses.
“The energy, collaboration, and innovation we witnessed this week reaffirm that West Virginia’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving. From record-breaking awards funding to rockstar speakers, we are building a future where every entrepreneur has the tools and support to succeed.”
As part of Bridging Innovation Week 2025, the IgniteWV competition, which St. Clair operates, proudly awarded over $200,000 in non-dilutive funding to visionary startups, helping to fuel innovation and accelerate business growth across West Virginia.
Thursday, May 1: Thursday’s Entrepreneurship Education Day, delivered in partnership with The EdVenture Group, Inc., the West Virginia Department of Education, and WVU Extension, engaged middle and high school students with interactive sessions to inspire the next generation of innovators. Over lunch, students viewed Shepherd University’s Financial and Business Plan Competition, a pitch competition which awarded financial scholarships to students interested in attending Shepherd’s Business Programs.
“The unique contributions of young people are essential to the long-term growth of our state and the success of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Youth Education Day highlights the importance of investing in and empowering the next generation of talent that will drive innovation and strengthen our economy.”
Looking Ahead:
The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is excited to announce that Bridging Innovation Week 2026 will be held in Morgantown from April 27 to May 2, 2026, in partnership with the Morgantown Area Partnership. This location will continue the tradition of fostering innovation and collaboration across the state.
For more information about Bridging Innovation Week and upcoming events, visit www.wveshipecosystem.com or contact the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Co-Chairs, Amber Ravenscroft and Tara St. Clair.
