Leaders of the West Virginia Hive announced the winning entrepreneurs who presented their business strategies at the 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition. Entrepreneurs from across the region showcased their innovative business strategies, vying for more than $5,000 in prize winnings to support their ventures.
Diana Woods, coordinator of the event, revealed the winners selected by a panel of judges included:
First Place ($2,500): Derek Miller – Waymaker’s Meadows (Monroe County)
Second Place ($1,000): Keatley Michael – ParTee Rentals (WVU Tech/Raleigh County)
Honorable Mentions ($500 Awards): Liz Reynolds – Appalachian Traditions (Fayette County); Jeff Webb – Trails Edge Coffee and Boba (Raleigh County); and Alexander Durand – Mountain Table (Greenbrier County).
The “Audience Favorite” Award went to Mountain Table, who will receive an additional $250.
The competition’s judges brought expertise from diverse sectors: Dr. Tamara Floyd-Smith, VP of Academic Affairs, WVU Tech; Chris Herold, Branch Manager, United Bank; and Ryan Thorn, State Director, WV, USDA Rural Development.
“Knowing that early-stage funding is one of the toughest challenges for entrepreneurs, those of us at the West Virginia Hive are honored to host this opportunity to facilitate fresh ideas to grow businesses and create exciting new opportunities for Southern West Virginia,” said Woods.
Funds for the awards were contributed by private sponsors, including gold sponsors United Bank and New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and bronze sponsors Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and First Community Bank.
Judy Moore, deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and executive director of the WV Hive, emphasized the importance of community support.
“We deeply appreciate our sponsors and judges who see the value in supporting local entrepreneurs.,” said Moore. Each pitch competition we hold identifies several new business rock stars, and the prize winnings and follow up support helps them to take the next big step in their entrepreneurial journey.”
During the in-person competition, each entrepreneur had five minutes to present their business idea to a panel of judges and explain why it is innovative and how it will make a difference to residents of southern West Virginia. Each presentation was 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 WVU Tech 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.
