Business Organizations

Advantage Valley

Advantage Valley is a regional economic development organization whose mission is to grow economic opportunity in the Charleston-Huntington Metro Area by increasing investment in the region, leveraging resources, and building collaboration among community stakeholders. We work with the State of West Virginia, local governments, county economic development authorities, sector and business leaders, chambers of commerce, academic and training institutions, and nonprofit partners in order to showcase our nine-county region through marketing and strengthen the economy through business attraction, business retention programs, and entrepreneurial development.

Advantage Valley’s FASTER WV Entrepreneurship Program provides one on one business coaching, entrepreneurial training, and access to capital for new and expanding businesses located in Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne Counties.

Charleston Area Alliance

The Charleston Area Alliance is an economic and community development organization working toward creating a more prosperous Kanawha Valley. The Alliance is your resource for business development and community events.

We work to create a more vibrant community and prosperous economy. The Charleston Area Alliance is focused on local business growth, job creation, innovation and attracting industry to our region and fostering an enhanced quality of life for all.

Charleston Urban Renewal Authority

Since it's inception in 1952, The Charleston Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) has strived to aid in redevelopment and contribute to the vitality of the City of Charleston. Working with residents, businesses, and city leaders, CURA provides financial and administrative assistance to support redevelopment activities throughout the city. These include land assembly, parks, recruitment and sale of land for development of private business sites, streetscape improvements, retail space leasing, improvement grants and neighborhood revitalization. CURA's mission includes new investment stimulation within its renewal areas ? significant new development that is compatible with the character and goals of the surrounding renewal area. Projects which meet this test are welcome and will be assisted by CURA.

Charleston Urban Works

Bridging Urban Appalachia! Charleston Urban Works (CUW) is a centralized and multi-faceted non-profit agency dedicated to the development of the Capital City’s urban neighborhood business districts. Through a multi-pronged approach of business engagement & development, public space enhancement, building engagement, and strategic marketing and promotion, CUW strives to work with every business and property owner to not only more effectively shine a spotlight on the heartbeat of the city, but also create more opportunities for economic growth and an enhanced public realm. CUW will enhance our public spaces, nurture our communities and celebrate a destination and its people. Through collaboration, innovation and bold ideas CUW will redefine the Urban Appalachian experience for those who have chosen Charleston – as residents, business owners and visitors.

Small Business Development Center

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center provides expert guidance to help small businesses succeed. We provide the services and assistance your business needs throughout the development process including concept, startup and growth. Our statewide network of business coaches partner with you - and collaborate with each other - to help you move your business to the next level. Many of our coaches have entrepreneurial experience themselves.

West Virginia Development Office

West Virginia's highest priority is meeting your company?s needs. Part of the service includes providing aggressive development assistance in the form of tax credits and financing programs. This development assistance can reduce startup and operating costs and provide for enhanced productivity.

West Virginia One Stop Business Center

The West Virginia One Stop Business Center is a centralized resource designed to help new business owners and entrepreneurs quickly and efficiently start their businesses. Through the collaboration of the Secretary of State's Office, the State Tax Department and other state partners, the process that once took up to two weeks can now be completed in under an hour. Services are available in person at the One Stop Business Center or online through the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal.