Funding Announced for the Hive in Beckley

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Appropriations Committee, announced today in a press release the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority is the recipient of a $708,300 grant to support the expansion of the Hive entrepreneur and business assistance program in Beckley. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority Executive Director Joe Brouse stated, “NRGRDA is incredibly grateful to the U.S. EDA as well as Senators Capito and Manchin for their continued support of our WV Hive initiative. The expansion of the Hive to downtown Beckley will allow a dedicated, front-facing resource to businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow and thrive in the New River Gorge Region.”

“I am proud that the EDA is investing in Southern West Virginia through the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s Hive initiative,” Senator Manchin said.“This funding will allow Hive to continue to their business advisory and technical assistance services to small businesses and entrepreneurs, potentially creating and retaining nearly 350 jobs while also establishing a co-work and maker space for the Hive. I look forward to seeing the economic opportunity this funding provides to our state. West Virginians are some of the hardest workers and when you invest in West Virginia, we return it tenfold.”

“I visited the Hive this past August with Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Co-Chair Tim Thomas and was encouraged by the resources the Hive provides southern West Virginia,” Senator Capito said. “This incubator space allows entrepreneurs and small business owners the chance to hone their business plan and accelerate their visions to reality. This grant will help support economic growth and diversity—and give aspiring entrepreneurs a better chance at achieving the American Dream. EDA investments in West Virginia are making a difference, and I’m proud to continue working so that projects like the Hive receive the funding it deserves.”

WV Hive Network Director Judy Moore said the federal grant will greatly expand the entrepreneur and business assistance programs it offers. “We are so excited about this new award and are looking forward to continuing and enhancing our services provided to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Hive service area. It will also allow us to expand services, including the opening of a business hub in downtown Beckley.”

Moore added that the project is in a federal Opportunity Zone and is expected to generate $3 million in private investment and matched with $177,367 in local funds. To learn more about the WV Hive Network, visit wvhive.com.