CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The governor has signed Senate Bill 878 into law, creating the WV Office of Entrepreneurship.
“Other states have similar organizations embedded in another agency or authority, but this is the first office of its type in the nation,” Secretary of State Kris Warner said on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.”
Warner said the office will help guide entrepreneurs through the early stages of starting a business. The concept has been a topic of discussion between the Secretary of State’s Office and leaders with the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, including the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, WV Small Business Development Center, West Virginia University, Marshall University, University of Charleston and the national Right to Start organization.
“We’re going to be able to make referrals to specific individuals at appropriate agencies to help solve administrative and policy issues that hinder economic growth,” Warner said.
Serving as the eyes and ears for people trying to start a business, the office will steer them to the appropriate agencies or partners while looking to identify potential barriers and problems along the way. None of the efforts of the agency will mirror or duplicate any other in the state.
“We’re going to do that without duplicating what other state agencies do,” Warner said. “That was key in getting the bill passed: we are not going to be duplicating what someone else in state government is doing.”
In some cases the referral could help to determine the advantages of pursuing a grant rather than a low-interest loan. The staff will be able to present a range of options that can help the business get off to a strong start.
“We’re going to be able to provide referrals,” Warner said. “Is U.S.D.A. Rural Development the best place for an entrepreneur to go to get a grant versus a low-interest rate loan through the West Virginia Economic Development Authority or through the Appalachian Regional Commission?”
Because the office will fill a unique role, the workers that will be helping residents are in training in preparation for the July 1, 2026 scheduled opening date.
“Our folks are already in the process of being trained so we can hit the ground running July 1 when the Office of Entrepreneurship can open, and we’ll be full steam ahead,” Warner said.
The office will also be used to troubleshoot the existing processes and procedures. Warner will provide the legislature with a report detailing additional steps lawmakers could take to improve the statewide business climate.
“They expect us to report back to the legislature to let them know what the barriers are to starting a small business in the state of West Virginia,” Warner said.
Secretary Warner will be attending the 2026 Entrepreneurship Conference during Bridging Innovation Week, held this year in Morgantown from April 27 to May 1. The Entrepreneurship Conference will be held on April 28th and is hosted by the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Nearly 400 entrepreneurs have registered to attend the event.