Entrepreneurs and small businesses are vital assets to the economy due to their contributions to job creation, innovation, competition, local development, economic diversification, and more. Their presence helps create a dynamic and resilient economic environment that benefits individuals, communities, and society as a whole. In this respect, Berkeley County is West Virginia’s top growth county as measured by new business applications. According to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, the number of new business applications in Berkeley County increased from 747 in 2019 to 1,322 in 2022. If you’re looking to start-up a business in Berkeley County, the BCDA is here to help.
The BCDA launched a new program, Build-Up Berkeley, which will provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to meet and network with business educators, experts, mentors, and successful business owners. Participants will go through educational sessions that will include vital information to take their business to the next level. All participants who complete the education session will receive educational credits provided by Blue Ridge CTC as well as professionally edited headshots provided by SC Studios.
Build-Up Berkeley would not be possible with out our sponsors. I would like to express my gratitude to our Platinum Sponsor, CNB Bank! Other sponsors include, OmniTRAX, Commercial Metals, Bank of Charles Town, Thrasher, United Bank, Black Diamond Realty, BlueRidge CTC, SC Studios, Martinsburg – BC Chamber of Commerce, Pill and Pill, LLC, and CoxHollidaYoung, PLLC.
To learn more about Build-Up Berkeley, please visit –
https://www.developmentauthority.com/build-up-berkeley/.
The BCDA is still actively involved in many other projects that will diversify Berkeley County. One of those is CMC Steel WV, which held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 27, 2023, for its next-generation electric arc furnace micro mill to be constructed in northern Berkeley County at the former DuPont site. The mill is expected to employ about 235 employees and add well-paying jobs to the region. Another innovative, environmentally friendly company located in Berkeley County is Treplar. The company has successfully set up its state-of-the-art facility, deployed cutting-edge equipment, and has hired a skilled workforce, aiming to commence production by September. Treplar is a joint venture between Triton International Enterprises of the USA and Klarpet. of Turkey. Treplar will produce innovative packaging material made with a monolayer PET structure, providing a sustainable solution to hard-to recycle polystyrene trays. Committed to environmental responsibility, Treplar envisions being a global leader and preferred partner in creating sustainable and eco-friendly products and solutions through continuous innovation.
The Berkeley County Development Authority remains dedicated to the mission of promoting sustainable industrial and economic development through the cooperative sharing of resources with the community.
Jennifer Smith, Executive Director
