ISSUED: 3 December 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Business owners, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur-serving organizations (ESOs) across West Virginia will be at Shepherd University this spring for Bridging Innovation Week 2025 (BIW), West Virginia’s premier entrepreneurship event.
The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by giving business owners and entrepreneurs unique opportunities for networking and education.
Dr. James Dovel, assistant professor of business in the College of Business, Recreation, and Education, said he applied to have Shepherd host the event because of the benefits it offers students and the community.
“This event will add significant value to the entire Eastern Panhandle, all its organizations, Shepherdstown, and Shepherd University, and provide a dramatic student education experience,” Dovel said. “To put the event into perspective, attendees often include the governor, West Virginia senators and representatives, the secretary of state, the treasurer, West Virginia University Presidents, and essential business leaders.”
BIW takes place from April 28 through May 2, 2025, so there is still time for local businesses and organizations to get involved as partner organizations and sponsorships or through workshop proposals.
Anyone interested in participating in Bridging Innovation Week may email Jennifer Wotring, Senior Program Manager for the EdVenture Group, at jwotring@edvgroup.org.
Bridging Innovation Week 2024 will create valuable opportunities for West Virginia business owners to network and share resources, according to Tara St. Clair, co-chair of West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (WVEE).
St. Clair said one of the most exciting events will be the final round of the 2025 IgniteWV Competition when business-minded individuals from around the state compete for more than $100,000 in technical assistance funds.
The final round will be held during BWI at Shepherd.
St. Clair said the contest provides an opportunity for West Virginia business owners and entrepreneurs.
“Ignite WV is open to anyone in West Virginia 18 and older,” St. Clair said. “So, that could be faculty staff or students at Shepherd!”
Information about entering the Ignite WV Competition can be found online at www.ignitewv.com.
Round one video entries are due by noon on January 22, 2025.
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