When you think about the impact of small businesses, it might not seem as immediately transformative as a 350-job industrial site, but collectively, these small wins can be just as powerful. The ripple effect of entrepreneurship is more subtle but equally significant. A successful bakery or bike shop may only employ a handful of people, but those employees are local, they spend their paychecks locally, and they contribute to the overall economic health of the region. When hundreds of small businesses are given the support they need to thrive, the cumulative impact can be just as great as that of a single large employer.
Moreover, small businesses provide the foundation for a more diversified and resilient economy. While large manufacturers are critical, they can also be more vulnerable to market shifts and automation. Small businesses, on the other hand, are often more adaptable and embedded within the community, making them less likely to leave and more capable of weathering economic changes. Supporting both big and small wins is how we ensure that our local economy can withstand future challenges and remain vibrant for generations to come.
The key to this all-of-the-above approach is collaboration. The NRGRDA and the WV Hive work hand in hand to make sure that our region benefits from both sides of the economic development equation. Whether it’s helping a large company navigate site selection and permitting or guiding an entrepreneur through the maze of starting a new venture, we are committed to ensuring that both the big players and the small, homegrown businesses have the resources and support they need to succeed.
The transition of coal communities is not going to happen overnight, and it won’t happen with a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a nuanced, multi-faceted strategy that leverages all the assets at our disposal. West Virginia’s economy will be strengthened not just by landing the next big manufacturer but also by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in every corner of our communities.
Together, NRGRDA and the WV Hive are laying the groundwork for this economic future. We believe in the power of both the big wins and the small ones, and we are committed to ensuring that all of our communities have the opportunity to participate in strengthening the economy. With the right support, West Virginia can become a model for rural economic development and a place where both large-scale industries and local businesses thrive side by side.
It’s an exciting time for our region, and I am confident that by embracing this all-of-the-above approach, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for all who call West Virginia home.
