New pilot program for economic development launching in Marshall County

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – The Marshall County Commission entered a 3-year commitment with the company Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Experts , known as E3, to help develop economic partnerships across the region.

A team of experts with E3 has started gathering data and interviewing businesses across the county to identify what assistance is needed to create an ecosystem of resources.

The firm plans to host networking events to build a sustainable program to support local businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Co-founder, Carrie White, says she and her co-founder, Tara St. Clair, have built a successful ecosystem at the state level, and is excited to help ignite a pilot program in Marshall County.

“We wanted to pilot it at a regional level because sometimes people don’t know who to reach out to at the state. So, we want them to have local, regional partners that they can work with to help them grow. And we’re going to have educational seminars, networking, we’re going to have pitch competitions so that they can get a little bit of grant funding. So, it will be an exciting three years.

Carrie White | E3 Co-Founder

“The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Experts are proud to partner on this innovative pilot program. West Virginia has a rich history of innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. We look forward to serving Marshall County and its business community to help businesses not only start but grow through intentional collaboration.”

Tara St. Clair | Co-Founder, E3

“This is to increase business growth, increase job opportunities and increase connectivity to others that could help these small businesses along. This has been done successfully at the state level. We’re very, very excited to have this being done in Marshall County.”

Mike Ferro | Marshall County Commissioner, President

White says she is really excited to meet with the business owners within Marshall, saying her firm is thankful for the support they have received so far.

“Marshall County is the Pilot County, so we’re really excited to have the commissioners who have supported us 100% when we proposed this program to them.”

Carrie White | E3 Co-Founder

The goal is to use the data collected in Marshall County to create a playbook to implement similar ecosystem programs throughout the state. The program launching in Marshall County is is designed to work directly with the ecosystem program implemented at the state level.

The regional ecosystem is open to any organization in West Virginia interested in developing their entrepreneurial practices, inspiring collaborations and sharing resources.

An after-hours event is scheduled for Sept. 5 at Grand Vue Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for those interested in speaking with members of E3.

In addition to E3, the Marshall County Commission is also partnering with Regional Economic Partnership, Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, First Microloan of WV and the WV SBDC to develop this ecosystem program.

E3 is a women owned consulting firm based in West Virginia with a specialization in developing resource ecosystems and networks across the state to support entrepreneurs.

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