Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WV ENERGY – $88 million available for home energy improvements
Looking to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient? The West Virginia Office of Energy is preparing to distribute $88 million in federal funding through two Home Energy Rebate Programs.
The Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) program supports whole-home improvements such as insulation, air sealing and heating and cooling upgrades. Rebates are based on energy savings. The Home Efficiency Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program helps eligible low- and moderate-income households purchase energy-efficient appliances, including heat pump water heaters, electric stoves and clothes dryers. It can also support necessary wiring and ventilation improvements.
Both homeowners and renters may qualify, although renters need landlord approval. Depending on eligibility, improvements could come with little or no out-of-pocket expense.
The Office of Energy is conducting a pilot phase before the statewide launch. Eligible residents can register and join the application waitlist now, with energy audits and installations beginning after the pilot concludes.
Read more: https://energywv.org/programs-initiatives/home-energy-rebate-programs/
#2 – From WV SBDC – Big ideas start with small business support
Have a business idea? Ready to take your existing business to the next level?
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center offers confidential, no-cost, one-on-one business coaching to help entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their businesses.
Its statewide network of business coaches provides assistance with business planning, marketing, funding, financial analysis, human resources, cybersecurity, government contracting and more. Coaches work directly with business owners to identify goals, solve problems and develop practical plans for growth.
The SBDC also offers online and in-person training, including its popular Business Fundamentals workshop for people thinking about starting a business or who have operated one for a year or less.
Whether you’re opening your first business or planning your next expansion, you don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/
#3 – From WV DRS – Helping West Virginians find their path to employment
Everyone deserves an opportunity to build a meaningful career.
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services helps youth and adults with disabilities prepare for, find, keep and advance in employment. Its services are available to eligible West Virginians beginning at age 14.
Vocational rehabilitation counselors work with individuals to assess their interests and abilities, explore career options and develop employment plans. Services may include education, job training, job search assistance and support for overcoming barriers to employment.
DRS also works with employers, offering recruitment and placement assistance, employee retention support and disability-related training and technical assistance.
For students, the agency offers resources to help make the transition from school to employment. Adults can receive individualized assistance to develop skills, pursue new opportunities or return to work.
Read more: https://wvdrs.org/
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.
That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
