BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Hive Leadership on Thursday announced five entrepreneurs who will present their business strategies at the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition at the WVU Tech campus next month.
Entries were received on October 15, 2024, and were scored by outside judges. The in-person presentation lineup will include:
Derek Miller – Waymaker’s Meadows, Monroe County
Alexander Durand – Mountain Table, Greenbrier County
Jeff Webb – Trails Edge Coffee and Boba, Raleigh County
Liz Reynolds – Appalachian Traditions, Fayette County
Haley Murphy – Mountain Mama’s BBQ, Monroe County
Winners at the November 14, 2024, event will be selected by an expert panel of judges, with over $5,000 in prizes to be awarded.
“We’re excited to hear from our five finalists, each bringing fresh ideas to grow their business and create exciting new opportunities for Southern West Virginia,” said event coordinator, Diana Woods.
Funding for the event awards has been contributed by private sponsors, including United Bank and New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, First Community Bank, and the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
“We are so grateful for our sponsors for providing cash prizes that help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life,” said Deputy Director of the New River Goerge Regional Development Authority, Judy Moore. “Their support makes a real difference by giving these entrepreneurs the boost they need to take the next big step. We truly appreciate their generosity.”
Each of the five entrepreneurs will have five minutes to present their business idea to the panel of judges and explain the ways in which the idea stands to make an impact in the Southern West Virginia region. Judges will have the opportunity to pose questions to those presenting following their presentations.
The pitch event will take place from 5:30pm to 8:00pm on November 14, 2024, at the WVU Tech campus located at 100 Mel Hancock Way in Beckley. Those wishing to attend will be expected to register and may do so at the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition event website.
