What is Bridging Innovation Week?
Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by providing connection and education to 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!
BIW Hotel Room Blocks are NOW OPEN!
Bridging Innovation Week 2024’s line-up of events is now open for registration. For those wishing to stay overnight, both the DoubleTree by Hilton ($125/per night plus taxes and fees) and the Delta Hotels by Marriott ($129/per night plus taxes and fees) are offering reduced rates for attendees. Space is limited and room types are currently not guaranteed, so book early for the best selection.
DoubleTree by Hilton:
Booking Name: Bridging Innovation
Reservation Phone Number: 304-525-1001
The deadline for reservations: March 25, 2024
**For tax-exempt organizations, please call the reservation number above for reservations and instructions on how to submit your tax exempt certificate.
Click here to book DoubleTree by Hilton
Delta Hotels by Marriott:
Booking Name: Bridging Innovation Week 2024
Reservation Phone Number: 304-523-8880
The deadline for reservations: March 25, 2024
**For tax-exempt organizations, please call the reservation number above for reservations and instructions on how to submit your tax exempt certificate.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Bridging Innovation Week is actively seeking sponsors and exhibitors for the 2024 event. This is an excellent opportunity for your organization to showcase the contributions you provide to the state’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. To view sponsorship levels and further information, download our sponsorship package below.
Call for Speakers Now Open
Bridging Innovation Week is actively seeking speakers for panels, presentations, and workshops for the 2024 event. The WVEE’s speakers are influential and dedicated West Virginians and friends of West Virginia that are experts in their fields. To ensure we bring the same level of expertise and experience to our 2024 line-up, we are opening up a request for speakers to submit a proposal. To view the speaker proposal guidelines and further information, download our speaker proposal guidelines below.
Our 2024 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 8
- Pre-Conference Workshops | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Tour | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Open to the Public
- Huntington Chamber After Hours | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Open to the Public
Tuesday, April 9
The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference
Mountain Health Arena Expo Center | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EST | Open to the Public, $25 Registration Fee
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
Meet-Up & Mingle | Downtown Huntington | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We’re working with local businesses to identify different “Meet-Ups” on sector-specific entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for our locations & meet-up topics. Interested in hosting? Reach out to the Co-Chairs today!
Wednesday, April 10
Competition Day
Pitch Competitions | Order and Times TBD | Private Reception and Awards Ceremony
- 9:00am – 9:20am Opening Remarks
- 9:20am – 9:30am Transition and Set Up
- 9:30am – 10:30am Business Model Competition
- 10:45am – 11:45am Aviation Competition
SparkWV Competition
SparkWV is an innovative idea and small business generation competition for middle and high school students in West Virginia. The competition consists of three competitive rounds, with the finals live at BIW. Students are invited to apply as individuals or as a team with up to four members.
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm SparkWV – Small Business
- 1:15pm – 2:15pm SparkWV – Big Idea
IgniteWV Competition
IgniteWV will host its final round of competition with finalists competing for over $100,000 in technical assistance funds and potential investments.
- 2:30pm – 3:30pm IgniteWV – Mainstreet
- 3:45pm – 4:45pm IgniteWV – Innovation
Hayhurst Invitational | 5:00pm – 6:00pm | Invite Only Competition | Open to Public
Competition Awards Banquet | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Invitation Only
Send an email to WVEE Co-Chairs today. Space and time slots are limited.
Thursday, April 11
Entrepreneurship Education Day
Mountain Health Arena Expo Center | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm EST | Closed to the Public – WV Students and Educators Only
This hands-on learning opportunity for middle and high school students allows them to experience entrepreneurship and innovation through breakout activities and inspiring speakers. The day also features:
- The WV High School Future Business Leaders of America Winners’ Circle
- Collegiate FBLA State Leadership Conference
- Jobs for WV Grad’s Young Innovators Winners
- Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Tour | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Open to the Public
Friday, April 12
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 2024, contact Ecosystem Co-Chairs Amber Ravenscroft and Tara St. Clair.
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.
Join the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem LinkedIn Group to stay connected and up to date on events and opportunities here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14206739/.
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!
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!
Check out our past Bridging Innovation Weeks
| BRIDGING INNOVATION WEEK 2022 | BRIDGING INNOVATION WEEK 2023 |
How To Get Involved
WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem meetings are held virtually the second Tuesday of every month to increase coordination of events, opportunities, and resources around the state. The work brings together key providers to share best practices and inspire collaborations.
Entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), entrepreneurial educators, students, government representatives, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and more are invited to attend.
Registration is required via the button below.
Contact Co-chairs
Amber Ravenscroft – [email protected]
Tara St. Clair – [email protected]
