Business Retention & Expansion

Asset-based community development begins by leveraging and building on a community’s strengths; economic development should follow a similar strategy.

Research shows that up to 86 percent of new jobs in rural areas are created by existing businesses in a community, rather than new businesses attracted to a community.

The WVU Extension Service Business Retention and Expansion program works with local economic development leaders and local businesses to identify the barriers to business growth, and to address businesses’ needs before they result in job losses.

Conversations with local businesses form the core of the BR&E program. By communicating with one another, the community strengthens relationships between economic development leaders, residents and the business community. Working together helps communities proactively address economic issues and the needs of local employers creating a more responsive, business friendly community and more resilient economy.

If you are interested in a Business Retention and Expansion project in your community, please submit our form to start a conversation.

Business Retention and Expansion Intake Form

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
The WVU Board of Governors is the governing body of WVU. The Higher Education Policy Commission in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content in alternate formats upon request. Contact the WVU Extension Service Office of Communications at 304-293-4222.