Charleston, W.Va.
The West Virginia Community Development Hub (The Hub) is pleased to announce the next cohort of Accelerate WV, an 18-month planning program designed to equip participating communities for a more resilient economic future. Through professional coaching services, technical assistance funding for economic development projects, and connections to local, regional, and national resources, Accelerate WV supports communities in developing strategic action plans that strengthen local economies and position communities to thrive.
Calhoun County, Glenville (Gilmer County), Hundred (Wetzel), Moundsville (Marshall County), Salem (Harrison), Spencer (Roane County), West Union (Doddridge County), and Wheeling (Ohio County) were selected after a competitive application process. Each community had a federally declared disaster in 2023-2024.
Through Accelerate WV, teams of community members will assess their risks, needs, and assets to strengthen disaster and economic resilience. Participants will receive skill training on leadership development, risk assessment, disaster response and mitigation, project financing, and more. The program will also help communities build connections with project funders and regional partners while creating peer learning opportunities with neighboring communities and partners.
“I’m excited to launch the next round of Accelerate WV in these seven new communities, each of which are deeply passionate about transforming their hometowns,” said Brianna Hickman, Accelerate WV Project Director at The Hub.
“I look forward to working alongside these teams as we help build capacity, partnerships, and resources for community-driven economic development.” Amanda Workman, Chief Program Officer at the WV Community Development Hub noted, “I’m looking forward to getting to know a new group of community members.
This work is hard, but partnering with community teams who are passionate about moving their hometowns and the state forward makes it fun and worth it!”FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Grace Lawson, Communications Coordinator, WV Community Development Hub At g.lawson@wvhub.org, 304-223-4047
Over the next two years, the WV Community Development Hub will work with partners across central Appalachia to support 18 communities (8 in WV, 10 in KY, VA, and NC) with disaster and economic resilience support. This work is made possible through a Trust in Practice Award with support from the Alliance for Social Trust, and the Trust for Civic Life, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Founded in 2009, the West Virginia Community Development Hub is a statewide nonprofit organization that works alongside communities to create a stronger future for West Virginia.
The Hub invests in local leaders throughout West Virginia by building capacity, providing coaching, and supporting planning efforts through collaboration to help communities turn ideas into action. To learn more about the West Virginia Community Development Hub andits current initiatives, visit wvhub.org
