BECKLEY W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia Hive Network is accepting entries from entrepreneurs for its 2025 Pitch Southern West Virginia (PSWV) business idea competition. First round applications are due to the WV Hive by noon September 2, 2025.
Finalists chosen by a panel of reviewers will pitch their business ideas in person on November 20, 2025, at Concord University in Athens, WV. The audience will select its favorite pitch, and an expert panel of judges will select the other winners.
Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive and deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, said there are many compelling reasons to pitch in a business idea competition.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to refine your idea, gain valuable insights, build connections, and access resources that can help bring your idea to life or expand a young business,” she said.
Diana Woods, Collegiate Project Manager for Entrepreneurship Expansion at the WV Hive, recognized the generous support of current event sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors – NRGRDA, United Bank
Silver Sponsor – City National Bank
Bronze Sponsors – Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, Wyoming County Economic Development Authority
In-Kind Sponsors – Concord University (venue), Go Duck Media (platinum), XAPP, Inc. (platinum), Jaensson Law (gold), Asher Agency (silver)
“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their investment in these entrepreneurs,” said Woods. “Their support reflects their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and community growth—and this opportunity wouldn’t be possible without them. We are still adding sponsors and encourage anyone who wants to participate to reach out through our website or to me directly.”
All prize money and in-kind services awards must be used to further the business idea presented.
Woods said this year’s competition is different from previous ones, incorporating an additional “video pitch round” in which selected applicants from Round 1 will be invited to submit a 90-second video pitch in Round 2. The videos will then be evaluated by a team of reviewers, and the top five applicants will be invited to pitch in-person in November at Concord University. During the in-person event, competitors will have five minutes to present their idea followed by a question-and-answer period with the judges. Virtual coaching sessions will be offered for the finalists.
Pitch Southern West Virginia is open to residents and businesses in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties, and also to students enrolled in colleges or universities in those counties. Applicants must have new or innovative business ideas and cannot have been in business longer than three years. First and second place winners of 2024 PSWV events are not eligible for the 2025 competition.
Check out more details at the program website: https://wvhive.com/pswv/
