Bridging Innovation Week April 17-21, 2023

Bridging Innovation 2024 Downtown Huntington WV at Sunset Save the Date Banner


Tara St. Clair and Amber Ravenscroft

Thanks from WVEE Co-Chairs

We want to convey our sincere thanks to all attendees of this year’s Bridging Innovation Week in Wheeling, West Virginia. Because of your participation, we were able to serve over 1,000 participants across 12 events that engaged hundreds of Ecosystem members. Additionally, the Ecosystem provided over $200,000 in technical assistance and funding to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

We are humbled by the extraordinary growth over the past few years. What started as a grassroots effort is now gaining momentum and driving significant change in West Virginia’s entrepreneurship landscape. We look forward to this continued progress as we collaborate and create future opportunities.

Thank you again for your support. We’ll see you in Huntington for Bridging Innovation Week 2024!


Bridging Innovation 2023 Survey QR Code

Take our feedback survey

We value your input!

The Ecosystem is seeking your feedback on the overall Bridging Innovation Week 2023 program, as well as Ecosystem-led events including the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference and Competition Day. The survey will take <10 minutes to complete. Results will be used to inform planning and preparation for BIW 2024 in Huntington, WV!



What is Bridging Innovation Week?

Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. The five-day annual symposium provides promotional, educational, and business development opportunities for business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving organizations (ESOs) throughout West Virginia. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this is the place to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the Mountain State!


Our 2023 Line-Up

Over the course of the week, the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and various partners across the state will be hosting engaging events and opportunities for entrepreneurs, resource providers, and educators. 


Monday, April 17

 

 

Wheeling Artisan Center  |  6:00 PM EST  |  Open to the Public, $5 Donation Required for Vote

Show of Hands is a community-supported crowd-funding event. Community members are presented with projects that would positively impact Wheeling and vote on the project they want to support with donations from the door and generous support of our community partners. For more information, visit their website.

University of Charleston’s Ideas, Innovation, Invention (i3) Competition

Charleston, West Virginia  |  April 17, 2023 at 3:30 PM  |  Watch REPLAY

County Roads Angel Network Evening Event  |  Private, Invitation Only


Tuesday, April 18

 

 

Oglebay Resort | Open to the Public, $25 Registration Fee

Vendor Showcase, 8-9:30 AM | Formal Program, 9:30-3:45 PM | Networking Reception, 4-5:30 PM

The WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference is the state’s premier professional learning and networking opportunity for entrepreneurs, resource providers, and/or public, private, and government entities supporting entrepreneurs.

The one-day event features compelling keynotes, engaging panels, hands-on workshops, and extensive networking opportunities for attendees. 

Who should attend?

  • Current and prospective entrepreneurs
  • Small business owners
  • Entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs)
  • Government representatives
  • Educators and students

 

 


Centre Market | 5:30 – 10:00 PM EST | Open to the Public

Following the conference, catch the trolley from Oglebay Resort to visit Downtown Wheeling and the Centre Market. Enjoy dinner at local restaurants, grab a gift (even for yourself) at the plentiful local shops and artisan fair, and mingle with other Bridging Innovation Week attendees at this casual evening event.

 

 


Towngate Theater | First Competition Beginning at 5 PM EST | Open to the Public

While you’re enjoying Downtown Wheeling, stop by the Towngate Theater for the evening’s Arts & Veteran Pitch Competition. Open to the public, this event features incredible entrepreneurs pitching their business – and they need your support! Be sure to check out additional artisan tables in the venue while you’re there. Arts Entrepreneurs Pitch from 5:00-6:00pm and Veteran Entrepreneurs Pitch from 6:00-7:00pm.


Wednesday, April 19

 

 

Oglebay Resort | 10:00 AM – 8:00 P.M. EST | Private Reception & Awards Ceremony, Pitches Open to Public

  • Marshall University Business Model Competition 10:00 AM (public)
  • West Virginia Statewide High School, College, and Community Business Plan Competitions 12:00 PM (public)
  • Vantage Ventures Demos 4:15 PM (public)
  • Reception & Awards Ceremony 5:00 PM (private)

For more information about Marshall University’s Business Model Competition, please visit: https://www.marshall.edu/wvinnovates. For more information on the West Virginia Statewide Business Plan Competition, please visit: https://www.businessplanwv.com.  For more information on Vantage Ventures, please visit: https://vantageventures.io


Thursday, April 20

 

 

Oglebay Resort | 10:00 AM – 4:00 P.M. EST | Closed to the Public – WV Students and Educators Only

The West Virginia Department of Education and West Virginia University Extension Services will be hosting Youth Entrepreneurship in Action. This hands-on learning opportunity for high school students allows them to experience entrepreneurship and innovation through activities and inspiring speakers. Remote and in-person options are available.


Friday, April 21

Open for opportunities!



Contact Information for Bridging Innovation Week

Bridging Innovation Week is an annual event of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. For questions regarding Bridging Innovation Week 2023, contact Ecosystem Co-Chairs Amber Ravenscroft and Tara St. Clair. If you are interested in hosting an event and have questions regarding event space options, contact BIW’s Host Site Partner, Jennifer Rohrig

For the latest updates on Bridging Innovation Week, be sure to register and attend Monthly Ecosystem Meetings, held the third Tuesday of the month from 2-3pm EST. Registration is required.

See the schedule of events for Bridging Innovation 2022 by clicking here.