Buildings & Sites
Economic Data
Workforce & Education
Target Industries
Advantage Valley in southwestern West Virginia is a nine-county region stretching from Huntington to Charleston, forming one of the nation’s most resource-rich and business-friendly corridors.
Served by three Interstates (I-64, I-77, and I-79) and several U.S. highways with Interstate access, Advantage Valley has fast connections to key cities and markets throughout the eastern half of the nation. Busy CSX and Norfolk Southern mainlines connect the region to the continent’s rail network and ports along the Ohio River and in Virginia. The area is served by six navigable rivers with truck-to-barge capabilities, two ports, and two regional airports.
Advantage Valley’s history in industries such as coal production earned local workers (and there are 353,000 of them in our labor shed) a reputation for initiative and employer loyalty. In fact, West Virginia has the nation’s lowest manufacturing employee turnover rate. With an outstanding quality of life, a low cost of living, and competitive wages, it’s easy for local employers to draw recruits to the area. Plus, our local K-12 and postsecondary educators have long worked closely with local companies to deliver workforce training and education programs aligned with the needs of employers.
One of the many great reasons to bring your business to Advantage Valley is the variety of available development sites and existing buildings, all with competitive utility rates. Whether you’re seeking a downtown storefront, Class A offices, or a huge industrial facility with rail and port access, we can help you find the ideal location.
ADVANTAGES OF DOING BUSINESS
IN WEST VIRGINIA
THIRD Lowest Cost
of Doing Business
(CNBC, 2024)
Lowest
Manufacturing Turnover Rate
(BLS Industry Report, 2020)
Lowest
Cost of Living
(MERIC, 2024)
2nd Lowest
Worker’s Compensation Rates
(Oregon Consumer and Business Service, 2022)
3rd Lowest
Personal Property Taxes
(Tax Rates.org 2022)
Advantage Valley’s Partners
Advantage Valley is a non-profit economic development organization that works with the State of West Virginia, local governments, county economic development authorities, sector and business leaders, chambers of commerce, academic and training institutions, and nonprofit partners in order to showcase our nine-county region and strengthen the economy. We’re proud of these many local partners who have joined together to promote our unified vision for growth.
Chambers of Commerce
Charleston Area Alliance | Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce | Putnam County Chamber of Commerce | South Charleston Chamber of Commerce | St. Albans Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development Organizations
Boone County Community and Economic Development Corporation | Charleston Area Alliance | Huntington Area Development Council | Jackson County Development Authority | Lincoln Economic Development Authority | Mason County Development Authority | Putnam County Development Authority | Wayne County Economic Development Authority
Convention & Visitor Bureaus
Cabell-Huntington | Charleston | South Charleston
Research & Development Institutions
Byrd Biotechnology Science Center at Marshall University | AVN Corporation | Tech Connect West Virginia | The Chemical Alliance Zone | The Polymer Alliance Zone | West Virginia Regional Technology Park
West Virginia Workforce Development
BridgeValley Community and Technical College | Mountwest Community and Technical College | Southern Community and Technical College | West Virginia University-Parkersburg
Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center | FAME West Virginia | Putnam Career and Technical Center | Roane-Jackson Technical Center | Carver Career and Technical Education Center | Garnet Career Center, Wayne County North Vocational Technical School | Cabell County Career Technology Center | Boone Career and Technical Center
NEW 🚀 FASTER WV Outdoor Business Accelerator 🌿
Got an idea for an outdoor business? Or already running one and ready to grow? This is your chance to turn your passion for the outdoors into something real.
📅 Kickoff (In-Person): May 7 (9 AM – 6 PM)
💻 Virtual Workshops: May 13, 20, 27 (5 – 6:30 PM)
💲 FREE to participate
👥 Only 20 spots available
Who should join?
• Future entrepreneurs with outdoor ideas
• Outdoor lovers ready to build a business
• Existing businesses looking for new growth strategies
• Entrepreneurs in the Advantage Valley and surrounding region!
Think: guiding, gear, tourism, trails, wellness experiences & more
If your business connects people to the outdoors… this program is for you.
👉 Apply now: airtable.com/appIh2ilT0JLFtCCt/shrKIQf2OR9SAbvQv
#outdooreconomy #startup #accelerator #advantagevalleyWV #FASTERWV #yesWV Founded Outdoors Elk River Trail Foundation New River Gorge Regional Development Authority WV OUTDOORS UC Downtown Innovation Hub West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative @followers ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are proud to recognize United Bank as a valued investor in Advantage Valley.
Their commitment to business attraction, workforce development, and entrepreneurship strengthens our region’s long-term economic vitality. Because of partners like United Bank, we can recruit new companies while supporting the growth of those already rooted here.
Thank you for investing in the future of Advantage Valley.
#InvestintheRegion #AdvantageValleyWV #YesWV
United Bank ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are pleased to recognize Appalachian Power as a Industry Anchor Investor in Advantage Valley.
Their investment fuels strategic business recruitment, strengthens existing industries, and advances entrepreneurship throughout the region.
We appreciate your commitment which powers economic growth and regional competitiveness.
#investintheregion #AdvantageValleyWV #YesWV ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
So proud to see West Virginia on the national stage — a reflection of the strength, beauty, and opportunity across our region. 🌿✨ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚧 From Idea to Opportunity — Certification Changes the Game
Flo Huckaby made a bold leap from healthcare into construction—and with support from Advantage Valley + FASTER WV, she didn’t just start a business… she unlocked new doors.
Through our Business Certification Workshop + 1:1 coaching with Sammi Williams with 628 Digital Design , Flo earned her DBE certification for @C&F Enterprises Inc.—positioning her to compete for larger contracts and grow faster.
💬 “We’re getting opportunities now that we wouldn’t have had access to before.”
That’s the power of the right guidance, the right connections, and the right certifications.
👉 Ready to level up your business? Advantage Valley can help you get certified, get connected, and get growing.
Learn more: advantagevalley.com/business-certification-program-2/
#AdvantageValleyWV #FASTERWV #Entrepreneurship #womeninbusiness #YesWV @followers ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎯More than 300 Airbnb properties in Kanawha and Putnam Counties are generating up to $8 million annually — right here in our local economy. (According to AirDNA market data and regional estimates)
🏡 Thinking about hosting on Airbnb but not sure where to start?
FASTER WV is hosting a practical, honest conversation about what it really takes to launch and manage a successful short-term rental.
“Turn Your Property Into Opportunity”�
📅 April 7 at 12 PM�
📍 Main Kanawha County Library (Downtown Charleston)�
💻 Zoom option available!
From hospitality standards to local regulations and marketing strategy — this workshop gives you the foundational roadmap.
Register here for your in-person or virtual attendance!
�🔗https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JfZiGWyVTTiMwI_3EW6IUA
#FASTERWV #EntrepreneurEducation #airbnb #yesWV ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook