Entrepreneurship
& Innovation
Nurturing the Development of the Entrepreneur
Bluefield's Distinct Skyline
We are committed to your success.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by Fundera, approximately 20 percent of small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of the second year, 30 percent of businesses will have failed. By the end of the fifth year, about half will have failed. And by the end of the decade, only 30 percent of businesses will remain — a 70 percent failure rate. The Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority's (BEDA) goal is to combat the high failure rate of entrepreneurs and new businesses through education. We equip our area business owners & aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.
My Own Business Institute (MOBI)
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In June 2020, BEDA announced a partnership with the My Own Business Institute (MOBI) at Santa Clara University. MOBI is the world’s leading provider of free online education for entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, BEDA fulfilled the long-term goal of an Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp & Business Expansion Curriculum and is able to do so virtually. These online modules are self-paced, fast-tracked, and 100% free for anyone. Established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are welcome to inquire. BEDA currently has 170+ enrollees and 19 graduates with plans for graduation.
MyBluefield Small Business Success Center
The MyBluefield Small Business Success Center aims to be a collaborative working environment and workshop space for the region's businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Bluefield Commercialization Station
The Commercialization Station, located at 1600 Bluefield Avenue, is a 60,000 SF mixed-use incubator focusing on manufacturing.
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In 2016, the City applied for and received a $2.04 million POWER grant from the EDA matched with a $510,000 grant from the Shott Foundation to renovate a 60,000 SF former freight station and develop a mixed-use incubator.
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Construction began on August 20, 2018, and was completed in Spring 2019 with 5 bays ready for business incubation. Current tenants include CART Inc., Crea Company, FedEx, and X-MAT CCC.
