Senate Passes Bill Creating Office of Entrepreneurship

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate has passed a bill establishing a new Office of Entrepreneurship aimed at helping first‑time business owners navigate the early stages of starting a company.
The proposal, championed by Secretary of State Kris Warner, would place the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Secretary of State’s Office. The new division would serve as a central point of contact for emerging entrepreneurs, helping them understand business formation requirements and connecting them with existing state programs and resources.
Supporters say the office is designed to simplify the startup process without duplicating the work of agencies such as the Department of Economic Development or the Small Business Development Center. Instead, it would act as a gateway, directing business owners to the appropriate experts and services.
Warner has emphasized that the state is seeing increased interest in entrepreneurship and that new business owners often struggle to identify where to begin. The office would also provide guidance on regulatory requirements and help entrepreneurs access coaching, financing information, and workforce resources.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.