February 10, 2026 | Charleston, WV — Advantage Valley, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of $690,000 in Federal Funding to support FASTER WV’s Entrepreneurial Development efforts, following passage of a federal appropriations minibus by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives last week. This investment will strengthen entrepreneurship and small business growth across the Advantage Valley region and was secured through the (FY2026) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process.
FASTER WV helps aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses through hands-on coaching, targeted training, access to capital, and connections to regional and statewide partner networks. The program focuses on reducing barriers to entrepreneurship and advancing inclusive economic development across the region. Recent FASTER WV impacts include the creation of 113 new businesses and 217 new jobs, along with $365,000 in direct lending support provided through a dedicated revolving loan fund and $215,000 in technical assistance funding.
“On behalf of Advantage Valley, I want to thank Senator Jim Justice and Senator Shelley Moore Capito for their continued commitment to investing in economic development in West Virginia,” said Terrell Ellis, President & CEO of Advantage Valley. “We are deeply appreciative of their leadership and partnership in securing this funding, which will allow us to continue supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the Charleston and Huntington metro regions. This investment helps drive job creation, strengthen local economies, and build opportunity—one small business at a time.”
The broader appropriations package includes hundreds of millions of dollars in Congressionally Directed Spending projects nationwide, supporting priorities such as healthcare, education and research, workforce development, small business growth, and infrastructure.
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Advantage Valley, Inc. is a regional economic development organization whose mission is to grow economic opportunity in the Charleston-Huntington Metro Area by increasing investment in the region, leveraging resources, and building collaboration among community stakeholders.
Contact
Marjorie Cooke, Director of Marketing & Communications, Advantage Valley (304) 541-9657
