Successful businesses rely on a premier location and readily available transportation services, acquiring a consumer base, and pro-business local leaders to help supply essential tools and resources. Berkeley County provides these opportunities, and much more! Whether you are looking to start a business or relocate an existing one, Berkeley County offers all you need.
Transportation
Berkeley County is host to the largest cluster of roadways in the state of West Virginia. Interstate 81, US Hwy 11, WV SR 9, 45, 901, CR 13, 15, and 51 provide access to major metropolitan areas and airports in under 1.5 hours. Interstate 70, accessible in less than 20 minutes, provides direct access to the Port of Baltimore. The county also boasts two extensive railway systems, CSX and Winchester & Western. These transportation systems make obtaining goods and services for your business simple, as well as quicken distribution times.
Business-Oriented Leaders & Community
Our community and elected leaders are pro-business-minded and are dedicated to ensuring businesses have all the necessary tools to flourish. There are many workforce programs and grants, as well financial and tax incentives available for local businesses. West Virginia even offers a state-funded program that provides tuition for our students who wish to obtain a degree or certificate from one of our community and technical institutions.
Our educational and vocational institutions, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and James Rumsey Technical Institute not only offer a wide variety of training programs, but partner with businesses to develop customized, career-driven curriculums based on employer needs. This guarantees that employees are proficient in the skills necessary for their future careers. Businesses that settle in Berkeley County not only have the ability to recruit qualified workers, but also retain talent because of the area’s continued growth, prime real estate, and recreational opportunities.
More Resources
Businesses now have the added resource of the One Stop Business Portal through the Secretary of State’s office that eases the burdens of starting a business. As the name suggests, this portal is your one-stop shop for everything to get your business up and running as quickly and effortlessly as possible. From offering license applications and renewals to providing fundamental workshops, this centralized website features a variety of useful resources and tools that streamline the process of starting your business.
Berkeley County has a potential consumer base of over 1,000,000 within an hour outside of its boundaries and is the fastest growing county in the state. In just one year’s time, the county has grown by 3%. The continued population growth, coupled with its prime location and business-oriented community, provides excellent market opportunities for your new or expanding business!
Workforce West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice announced the Job Jumpstart Program (JJP) to assist West Virginians returning to the workforce.
Incentives & Programs
West Virginia places importance on training and supporting the next generation of workers.
Region 7 Workforce
Provide a framework in which the workforce of West Virginia can attain necessary skills required for the 21st century. This effort should serve both individual and business/industry needs within Region VII.
