Turn Your Idea Into a Business With Build-Up Berkeley!

Registration for Build-Up Berkeley is about to open, creating an opportunity for the next batch of entrepreneurs to learn, network, and grow. This free, three-month program gives participants the tools they need to launch their businesses or expand. It ends with a pitch competition where participating entrepreneurs can win seed funding for their projects. The program is open to both new and existing businesses.

“We invite people at all levels of entrepreneurship to enroll in the program,” says Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of the Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA). “Some participants already have open businesses and want to grow, while others are launching their ventures for the first time.”

Space is limited for the 2026 Build-Up Berkeley cohort, so keep an eye out for enrollment announcements. Even if you don’t win the pitch competition, this program can provide invaluable insight into running a successful organization. 

How Build-Up Berkeley Works

Registration for Build-Up Berkeley opens in early May and runs through August. Participants will be notified of their acceptance shortly after the application window closes. Build-Up Berkeley consists of nine weekly in-person sessions in Martinsburg. The first hour of each session is dedicated to learning about a specific topic related to growing a business, while the remaining half hour is allocated to individual mentorship.

The education sessions are led by professionals in their field who donate their time to support this group of entrepreneurs. The topics of this year’s Build-Up Berkeley meetings include:

• Developing a business plan 
• Understanding finances and taxes
• Human resources regulations 
• Essential legal information
• Building your business credit
• Marketing your business

Each week, participants leave with homework to build out their business plans or develop their pitch presentations. Build-Up Berkeley ends in November with a live business pitch competition. Winners will receive cash prizes up to $10,000 to further their business goals.

Benefits of Participating in Build-Up Berkeley 

All participants stand to benefit from completing the Build-Up Berkeley sessions and joining the pitch competition. Even if they do not win, entrepreneurs gain access to invaluable information and resources completely free. They receive individualized mentoring and actionable insights to improve their operations.

Additionally, all participants who complete the education sessions will receive credits by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and professional headshots.

“Our goal is to give local business owners and entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed,” says Smith. “The value of Build-Up Berkeley remains long after the sessions end and any prize money has been spent by the winners.”

There is no fee to apply for this program. Business owners must be located in Berkeley County, West Virginia, run for-profit operations, and may not be immediate family members of the Berkeley County Development Authority staff or Board of Directors.

Build-Up Berkeley is Looking for Sponsors!

Build-Up Berkeley would not be possible without the support of the community. The educators, mentors, and judges freely give their time to invest in the next generation of Berkeley County business owners. The BCDA is also looking for sponsors to make in-kind or financial contributions to the program.

“Your sponsorship keeps the lights on for this program and allows us to give even more to our budding entrepreneurs,” says Smith. “You are contributing directly to future business growth in Berkeley County. Your new favorite restaurant, store, or service provider could come out of this program and be successful because of your support.”

If you are interested in getting involved with Build-Up Berkeley or becoming a sponsor, contact Leslie Gantt at 304-267-4144 or lgantt@developmentauthority.com

Follow BCDA for Build-Up Berkeley Updates

Keep up with the Berkeley County Development Authority on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for Build-Up Berkeley updates, including enrollment dates and ways to get involved. You can also contact the BCDA if you have any ideas or questions about the program. 

Together, we can create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and provide resources for business owners. Let’s Build-Up Berkeley as a team!