Charleston Small Business Resources
Starting and running a small business requires resources. There are businesses, government groups, and nonprofits ready to help you.
We’ve compiled a list of Charleston small business resources and created tools and guides to help you operate a successful business in West Virginia.
Starting a business? Get access to small business resources and support when you start an LLC with Northwest ($29 + State Fees).
Local Resources for Small Business in Charleston
Using local resources can make a big difference. Here are some of the best local resources for small businesses in Charleston.
To get more West Virginia business resources, visit our West Virginia Small Business Resources guide.
University of Charleston Wehrle Innovation Center
Overview
University of Charleston Wehrle Innovation Center hosts a variety of events and great resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. This includes access to a variety of maker spaces, 3D printing, access to mentors, and great events to train one's business and entrepreneurial skills.
Restrictions
Open to the University of Charleston Affiliates only.
Contact Information
Office Address:
University of Charleston
2300 MacCorkle Ave. SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone Number: 304-357-4757
Email: davidramsburg@ucwv.edu
Social Media:
TRUiC Business Resources
SCORE West Virginia
Overview
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
WV SBDC Lead Center
Overview
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone Number: 304-352-3992
Email: steve.d.johnson@wv.gov
Social Media:
The Charleston Area Alliance Small Business Incubator
Overview
The Charleston Area Alliance Small Business Incubator is a newly established entity with plentiful of office space in a great area; the incubator offers office space for below market rate price, as well as low-cost rentals of office spaces. Being part of the incubator program opens entrepreneurs to a wide network of mentors and other entrepreneurs.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1116 Smith St.
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone Number: 304-340-4253
Email: ryoung@charlestonareaalliance.org
Social Media: