West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Annual Conference

Tuesday, April 29 | Shepherd University Butcher Center

Morning Activities

Morning Workshops

7:30 A.M.

8:00 A.M.

9:00 - 11:15 A.M.

9:00 - 11:45 A.M.

Registration Opens

Enjoy a continental breakfast while attending the morning’s activities.

Ecosystem Showcase Opens

Visit exhibitors at the Ecosystem Showcase - open to all attendees until 5:00 p.m.

Morning Workshops

Attend limited space workshops on topics of interest to a variety of audiences.

Intentional Collisions

Register in advance for limited space, individual conversations with funders, resource providers, and more. Individuals must be registered for the WVEE Annual Conference to receive registration links for Intentional Collisions.

  • Starting a business can be exciting but overwhelming, especially when navigating legal requirements for incorporation, hiring, contracts, and fundraising. This workshop provides practical guidance to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures with confidence. Key topics include choosing a business structure, hiring employees and contractors, avoiding contract pitfalls, and understanding early-stage fundraising documents. Using case studies and real-world examples, participants will gain essential tools to protect and scale their businesses.

    • Eryn Correa, Founder and Managing Partner of Correa Legal, LLC

  • Discover how AI tools can revolutionize your workflow, boost efficiency, and drive growth. This hands-on session features live demos of cutting-edge platforms, an interactive quiz, and real-time activities where you’ll use AI tools to solve business challenges. Whether you’re automating tasks, creating content, or enhancing customer experiences, you’ll leave with actionable insights and strategies to integrate AI into your operations immediately. Work smarter, not harder - start your AI journey here!

    • Dina Colada, CEO/Founder of Dina Colada Enterprises, LLC

  • Get a preview of TFA’s new web platform supporting artists and organizations serving creative entrepreneurs, and arts inclusive projects in WV. This platform will create opportunity for more cross-sector partnerships, broaden resources available, increase existing web platform functionality to house new resources, house an upgraded location-based directory of members, and a multi vendor marketplace for WV Artists. Complementing the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to talk with platform developers & TFA staff.

    • Domenica Queen, Operations Director of the Tamarack Foundation for the Arts

    • Renee Margocee, Executive Director of the Tamarack Foundation for the Arts

    • Kandi Workman, Programming & Development Director, Tamarack Foundation for the Arts

    • Joey DiGangi III, Chief Operating Officer of WD Strategies

  • The presentation will cover the NSF I-Corps program and how to develop an effective value proposition for the right customer segment. Participants will engage in interactive mock customer discovery interviews for hands-on learning.

    • Erienne Olesh, Executive Director of WVU’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization

    • Bob Waggoner, Teaching Assistant Professor at WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics

    • Jessica Ott, Technology Commercializations Specialist at WVU’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization

    • Michelle Taylor, Associate Professor of Management at Concord University

    • Anne Jones, Director, WVU Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab

    • Carrie White, Co-Founder, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Experts, LLC

  • This interactive workshop will equip participants with the tools to drive tech-based economic development in their communities. Through hands-on activities and real-world case studies, attendees will identify regional assets, create actionable growth strategies, and gain insights from industry leaders on fostering innovation.

    • Ariana Shives, Executive Director of TechConnect

    • Members of the TechConnect Board of Directors

  • Introversion is not a flaw to fix or an obstacle to overcome - it’s an invitation to live deeply and impact greatly. In a fun and enlightening session, Jacqueline will share three techniques used by fellow superstar introverts - Beyonce, Viola Davis, and Naomi Osaka - to embrace their awesome while honoring their introversion.

    • Jacqueline Shaulis, Executive Director of the National Center for Intersectional Studies

Afternoon Activities

Agenda subject to change.

Afternoon Sessions

11:30 A.M.

12:15 P.M.

12:30 P.M.

1:00 P.M.

2:15 - 4:30 P.M.

2:15 P.M.

3:30 P.M.

4:30 P.M.

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a casual networking lunch designed to foster conversations and connections.

Formal Program Begins

Kick off the Formal Program with Opening Remarks from the WVEE Co-Chairs.

Main Stage: A Fireside Chat on Chance Connections

In 2022, Joe Kapp, founder of Behavioral Business, LLC, and Dr. Chase Kempinski met at Bridging Innovation Week, sparking a partnership that would propel Dr. Kempinski's company, EVax.

Main Stage: State of the State Panel

Hear from state leaders as they outline the current landscape of entrepreneurship and small business support, highlighting targeted strategies that cater to the unique needs of West Virginia.

Afternoon Workshops

Attend limited space workshops on topics of interest to a variety of audiences.

Main Stage: Navigating Investment in West Virginia: Entrepreneur Insights & Lessons Learned

In this panel, hear directly from founders who have successfully navigated the funding journey—securing investment, scaling their businesses, and learning invaluable lessons along the way.

Main Stage: Building Bridges to Prosperity: Best Practices in Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Dev

This panel session features representatives from three innovative organizations sharing actionable insights and proven strategies for fostering entrepreneurship-led economic development.

Closing Remarks + Networking Reception

  • In 2022, Joe Kapp, founder of Behavioral Business LLC, and Dr. Chase Kempinski met at the Bridging Innovation Summit, sparking a partnership that would propel Dr. Kempinski's company, EVax, in its mission to enhance vaccine effectiveness through an innovative biotech application of yeast.   Listen as they share their remarkable journey — from that pivotal meeting in West Virginia to building a customer base and securing over $2 million in investment. Discover how a chance connection at this event ignited a path of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial perseverance. Don’t miss this inspiring story of transforming ideas into impact!

    • Joe Kapp, Founder, Behavioral Business, LLC

    • Dr. Chase Kempinski, Chief Executive Officer, EVAX, Inc.

  • Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring state leaders as they share insights and strategies focused on fostering entrepreneurship across West Virginia. This session will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from governors and economic development officials who are at the forefront of crafting policies that support startups and small business growth.

    • Kris Warner, West Virginia Secretary of State

    • Matt Herridge, West Virginia Secretary of Commerce

    • Mike Graney, Executive Director of the WV Department of Economic Development

    • Ben Queen, West Virginia State Senator

  • West Virginia’s investment ecosystem presents unique opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs. In this panel, hear directly from founders who have successfully navigated the funding journey—securing investment, scaling their businesses, and learning invaluable lessons along the way. West Virginia entrepreneurs will share their experiences, insights, and advice for fellow entrepreneurs and investors. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a real-world perspective on building and funding a business in West Virginia.

    • Nate Wimer, Co-Founder & CEO, Brite

    • Carlos Dodero, CEO & Founder, Stud-IA

    • Eva Toor, Founder & CEO, Toor Equestrian, LLC

    • Tyrone Lam, Chief Business Officer, GATC Health

    • Luke Yingling, Founder & CEO, Rhetoric

    • Brian Joseph, President, Founder & CEO, Touchstone Research Laboratory

    • Moderator: Michele O’Connor, INNOVA

  • Building a Regional Entrepreneurship Ecosystem includes needs recognition, needs assessment, funding options, data gathering, communication with stakeholders, investment opportunities, establishing sustainability and best practices for the future. All will be presented and discussed in this session.

    • Carrie White, Co-Founder of Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Experts, LLC

  • Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth, job creation, and community revitalization. This panel session features representatives from three innovative organizations sharing actionable insights and proven strategies for fostering entrepreneurship-led economic development.

    • Chelsea Linder, VP Innovation & Entrepreneurship, TechPoint

    • Jason Grill, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Right to Start

    • Jennifer McDonald, Cities Work Director, Institute of Justice

    • Moderator: Ariana Shives, West Virginia Advocate, Right to Start

  • A great pitch is more than just a well-rehearsed presentation—it’s about delivering the right information to the right audience. In this interactive workshop, seven experienced funders will break down what they look for in a pitch, what drives their investment decisions, and how entrepreneurs can effectively communicate their vision. Learn firsthand what investors need to hear, what red flags to avoid, and how to tailor your pitch for maximum impact. Whether you're refining your deck or preparing for your first investor meeting, this session will give you the insider knowledge to elevate your pitch and increase your chances of securing funding.

    • Dr. Ryan Angus, Executive Director, WVU’s Vantage Ventures

    • Andrew Zulauf, WV Jobs Investment Trust

    • Max Knapp, Wing2Wing Ventures

    • Ashok Aggarwal, M&S Ventures 

    • Marc Halbritter, Vice Chair, Country Roads Angel Network

    • Michele O’Connor, Director, INNOVA Commercialization

    • Dominick Claudio, 304AF

Engage with the ecosystem.

Thank you to all the organizations participating in the Exhibitor Showcase and Intentional Collisions. Your involvement is invaluable in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment. We encourage everyone to engage with these organizations, as they offer essential resources and insights that can help turn your ideas into reality. Remember, every great venture starts with a conversation. Let's connect, collaborate, and elevate our entrepreneurship ecosystem together.

Connect and catalyze collaborations with these organizations through Tuesday’s Intentional Collisions and Ecosystem Showcase activities.

Connect + Catalyze