CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia registered 2,057 new businesses in June, according to data released by Secretary of State Kris Warner. Kanawha, Berkeley, Monongalia, Raleigh and Jefferson counties led the state in new registrations, continuing a trend of steady entrepreneurial growth.
Kanawha County topped the list with 153 new businesses, followed by Berkeley with 122, Monongalia with 118, Raleigh with 88 and Jefferson with 74.
Of the statewide total, 59 businesses registered as non‑profits and 216 qualified for one of the Secretary of State’s fee‑waiver programs. The Boots to Business incentive waives the initial registration fee and the first four years of annual report fees for eligible veterans, active‑duty service members and military spouses, offering potential savings of up to $250. Young entrepreneurs under age 30 also qualify for fee waivers.
In June, 88 new businesses were registered by veterans or military families, and 128 were registered by owners under age 30.
The Secretary of State’s Office reports that West Virginia registered 23,865 new businesses over the past 12 months, from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. A total of 174,343 businesses are currently registered to operate in the state.
Officials encourage residents to use the state’s online Business Statistics Database and search tools at wvsos.gov to review business activity by county, type and status. The Business Division continues to partner with the Department of Commerce to support new entrepreneurs through WV Business‑Link.
