Sept. 1 is the deadline for application to compete in the Entrepreneur Competition held in conjunction with the Create WV conference in Fayetteville on Sept. 25. The 2015 Create WV conference theme is “Bridge to the New Economy.” Innovators and entrepreneurs lead the way when facing challenges and develop new products and services to drive economic growth. A $5,000 sponsorship from New River Gorge Regional Development Authority is providing the seed funding for the winner to develop an idea into a product or service or take an existing business to the next level to benefit our state.
The conference is joining forces with the regional Valley Ventures Entrepreneur Café program to organize the statewide competition. Valley Ventures is a partnership of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, New River Community and Technical College and Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation.
Applications to compete in the Sept. 25 entrepreneur competition may be submitted at www.gvecafe.com. The deadline for submission is Sept. 1, with four finalists to be selected as contestants. All finalists will receive conference admission courtesy of Vision Shared, a statewide nonprofit economic development organization with a mission to encourage entrepreneurship. Rules and the competition format information can be accessed at the website. If you have any questions, please call Katie Ickes at 304-667-7027. The three day conference will delve into many ways that West Virginia can transition into a better economy. It will feature nationally renowned speakers and dynamic sessions, while including time to enjoy the beauty and great outdoor recreational activities that Fayette County has to offer. For more information about the Create WV conference or to register, please go to www.createwv.org.