Beginning Feb. 10, the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab will partner with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center to offer startup support sessions, a series of low-barrier, drop-in opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The new weekly initiative is designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible to students and community members across the region.
The entrepreneurial sessions aim to support individuals at any stage, whether they are exploring an early idea, inventing a product or simply curious about entrepreneurship.
Sessions will feature one-on-one coaching with a West Virginia Small Business Development Center coach, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready programming and an open Ask Us Anything discussion.
“These sessions are about creating a welcoming front door to entrepreneurship,” said Tara St. Clair, director of the WVU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. “We want students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to feel comfortable taking that first step, asking questions and connecting to real support without pressure or intimidation.”
Sessions will be held both in person at the Hayhurst LaunchLab and online, increasing access for participants across Morgantown and beyond.
Programming will begin each week with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready content from 4-4:30 p.m., followed by an open Ask Us Anything discussion from 4:30-5 p.m. Dedicated one-on-one coaching appointments will also be available throughout the day.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening West Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and providing clear pathways into statewide resources.
“The Small Business Development Center exists to meet entrepreneurs where they are,” said Mark D. Burdette, entrepreneurship development professional, and deputy director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and Network Builder for West Virginia BusinessLink. “By embedding coaching directly into the LaunchLab, we are removing barriers and making it easier for people to access trusted guidance, digital tools and long-term support. This partnership helps ensure that great ideas across West Virginia have a clear path forward.”
The startup support sessions are open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the Morgantown community, including youth and their parents. Participants under 18 must have parent or guardian consent.