CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The newly created West Virginia Office of Entrepreneurship will begin operations July 1 under the leadership of Secretary of State Kris Warner, marking the launch of the nation’s first state‑level entrepreneurship office overseen directly by a statewide elected official.
Warner said the office is designed to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem by helping new business owners navigate early‑stage challenges and connect with the right agencies and support networks.
“This office will empower entrepreneurs and bolster entrepreneurship across West Virginia,” Warner said. “The mission of the WVOE is to connect entrepreneurs with the right resources, help them navigate red tape, and foster a stronger, more vibrant ecosystem for startups and small businesses throughout our state.”
The office was established through Senate Bill 878, passed earlier this year by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor. Its core responsibilities include serving as a statewide ombudsman for entrepreneurs, providing guidance during business formation, making referrals to relevant agencies and partner organizations, and identifying systemic barriers within regulatory processes. Officials say the office will work collaboratively with existing agencies to improve efficiency without duplicating services.
The WVOE will also coordinate with statewide partners such as the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, colleges and universities, and the national Right to Start organization.
Warner announced that Kanawha County resident Lesli Taylor has been selected to serve as the office’s coordinator. Taylor, who grew up working in her family’s hardware store, brings nearly a decade of experience in research, economic and community development, program evaluation and organizational strategy. She most recently served as Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation for WV GEAR UP at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
“Throughout her career, Lesli has demonstrated a proven ability to bridge the gap between data and policy, transforming research and stakeholder feedback into practical recommendations that improve programs, strengthen partnerships, and drive measurable results,” said Sarah Carey, director of the Secretary of State’s Business Division.
Taylor will work from the State Capitol and the WV One Stop Business Center in Charleston as the office begins its statewide rollout.
