# Entrepreneurship and Business Development - Appalachian Regional Commission

- West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference The WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference is the state’s premier professional learning and networking opportunity for entrepreneurs, resource providers, and/or public, private, and government entities supporting entrepreneurs. The one-day event features compelling keynotes, engaging panels, hands-on workshops, and extensive networking opportunities for attendees. Who should attend? Don&#8217;t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a [&#8230;]The post West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Evaluation of ARC’s Business Development Grants Closed Between 2017-2021 This report presents findings from an evaluation of ARC’s business development projects that closed between 2017 and 2021, representing 220 grants and nearly $75 million of ARC investment. The evaluation found that ARC’s business development grants closed during that timeframe led to improvements for nearly 11,000 businesses and facilitated the creation of over 14,500 jobs [&#8230;]The post Evaluation of ARC&#8217;s Business Development Grants Closed Between 2017-2021 appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Catalyst Connection: Bringing a New Energy to Northern Appalachia  ARC&#8217;s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a funding opportunity driving large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. Launched in 2022 using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) ARISE is strengthening Appalachian businesses and industries, and supporting the development of new opportunities across the region.&#160; Two of those industries are green [&#8230;]The post Catalyst Connection: Bringing a New Energy to Northern Appalachia  appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Industrial Commons: Going Green to Revitalize Southern Appalachian Textile Manufacturing  ARC&#8217;s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a funding opportunity driving large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. Launched in 2022 using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ARISE is strengthening Appalachian businesses and industries, and supporting the development of new opportunities across the region.&#160; One such industry is textile manufacturing, which [&#8230;]The post Industrial Commons: Going Green to Revitalize Southern Appalachian Textile Manufacturing  appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Southwestern Commission: Creating Space for Western North Carolina Food Entrepreneurs BIL funds are allowing the Western North Carolina farmers market construct a training facility that will serve 1,100 food producers. The post Southwestern Commission: Creating Space for Western North Carolina Food Entrepreneurs appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Western Maryland: Elevating the Outdoors Two Appalachian Maryland counties used BIL funds to expand outdoor recreation by attracting new businesses and more visitors.  The post Western Maryland: Elevating the Outdoors appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- High Country Food Hub: Investing in Storage Capacity Reaps Rewards Building Appalachia’s infrastructure has been an ARC investment priority for 58 years, especially the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure systems, highway and utility access, expanding broadband, and developing sites to attract new businesses. ARC’s Area Development Program invested $92.1&#160;million in community infrastructure Fiscal Year 2022. When thinking of those investments, however, many folks wouldn&#8217;t [&#8230;]The post High Country Food Hub: Investing in Storage Capacity Reaps Rewards appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Bristol, Virginia: Wastewater Treatment Enables Textile Industry Growth Building Appalachia’s infrastructure has been an ARC investment priority for 58 years, especially the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure systems for water, sewer, energy, and stormwater. ARC’s Area Development Program invested $66.8 million in water and sewer projects alone in Fiscal Year 2022. When thinking about economic growth, however, it can be difficult to connect [&#8230;]The post Bristol, Virginia: Wastewater Treatment Enables Textile Industry Growth appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Hartwell, GA: Digging into Downtown Revitalization   Building Appalachia’s infrastructure has been an ARC investment priority for 58 years, especially the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure systems for water, sewer, energy, highways, and more. ARC’s Area Development Program invested $66.8 million in water and sewer projects alone in Fiscal Year 2022. When thinking about economic growth, however, it can be difficult to [&#8230;]The post Hartwell, GA: Digging into Downtown Revitalization   appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.
- Feed and Seed: Nourishing Upstate South Carolina In Greenville, South Carolina, Feed &#38; Seed Co. is on a mission to serve farmers and families through a sustainable local food system. Their multi-purpose facility – located in Greenville County’s most food-insecure zip code – acts as a one-stop shop for both food entrepreneurs and shoppers. Through their market, café, crop boxes, food share, [&#8230;]The post Feed and Seed: Nourishing Upstate South Carolina appeared first on Appalachian Regional Commission.