WV Hive Announces Five Finalists for November 20 Southern WV Business Idea Pitch Competition

Beckley, W.Va. (November 17, 2025) – The West Virginia Hive has announced the five entrepreneurs selected to present their business strategies at the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition at 5:30 p.m. November 20, 2025, at Concord University in Athens, W.Va.

Devon Fitzgerald, coordinator of the event and regional business advisor at the WV Hive, said entries submitted in September were reviewed by an independent panel of judges. Fourteen semi-finalists created 90-second video presentations, and from those, five finalist were chosen to present in-person:

Alexander Durand – Mountain Table (Greenbrier County)

Brian Dennis – Music Series (Fayette County)

Elizabeth Love – NRG Video (Fayette County)

Isaiah Beckett – 10 House Music (Logan County)

Natasha Zoe – JarHeads Kitchen (Monroe County)

Fitzgerald said on November 20 a panel of expert judges will select the winners and award more than $20,000 in cash prizes and technical assistance as follows:

• First Place – $3,500 Cash, $6,500 Technical Assistance
• Second Place – $1,500 Cash, $3,500 Technical Assistance
• Honorable Mention (3 Prizes) – $500 Cash, $1,250 Technical Assistance
• Audience Favorite – $250 Cash

The Pitch Southern WV Competition is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Community members are encouraged to attend, support local entrepreneurs as they present their ideas live before the judges, and help select the Audience Choice Award winner. To register to attend, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pitch-southern-west-virginia-2025-tickets-1505139545899?aff=oddtdtcreator

“We’re eager to hear from our five finalists, each bringing fresh ideas to grow their business and create exciting new opportunities for Southern West Virginia,” said Fitzgerald.

Funds for the awards have been contributed by generous sponsors, including:

Platinum Sponsors – New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, United Bank

Silver Sponsor – City National Bank

Bronze Sponsors – Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, Wyoming County Economic Development Authority

In-Kind Sponsors – Concord University (venue), Go Duck Media (platinum), XAPP Design, Inc. (platinum), Jaensson Law (gold), Asher Agency (silver)

All cash and in-kind services awards must be used to further the business idea presented.

“We are so grateful to our sponsors for providing cash prizes and technical assistance that can help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life,” said Jina Belcher, executive director of the New

River Gorge Regional Development Authority, which oversees the administration of the WV Hive. “The sponsors’ support makes a real difference by giving these entrepreneurs the boost they need to take the next big step.” During the competition, each finalist will have five minutes to present their business idea and explain why it is innovative and the potential impact it has for Southern West Virginia. Each presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer period with the judges.

Entries were open to residents and businesses located in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties and university students.

The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com.