| TechConnect West Virginia has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to "spur innovation and entrepreneurship, long-term competitiveness and job creation across West Virginia."
Calhoun is one of 40 counties eligible for the grant, according to Anne Barthe, TechConnect Executive Director.
TechConnect's mission is to diversify West Virginia's economy through innovations in advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biometrics, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
The program, known as ScaleUp West Virginia, is a two-year suite of programs designed to accelerate the states' capacity to diversify its economy in a 40-county region of West Virginia.
The $500,000 grant will be matched with $210,000 in local funding, for a total project spend of $710,000.
Barth said the funding "will support programs designed to accelerate the commercialization of new products and technologies, leading to the creation and expansion of small businesses and jobs."
"With EDA's support, ScaleUp West Virginia will also foster advanced manufacturing and support small manufacturers in the state by working with proven service providers to catalyze the creation and retention of jobs and improve economic opportunities," Barth added.
ScaleUp West Virginia will work to develop the next generation of entrepreneurship in West Virginia.
Regional counties included in the service area include Calhoun, Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, Roane and Wirt.
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