2026 IgniteWV - Round 1: Main Street

IgniteWV is open to those 18 and older in the state of West Virginia. The goal is to provide budding entrepreneurs with the education, skills, contacts, and motivation necessary to create a viable start-up, or grow an existing company in West Virginia. 

The Main Street track focuses on traditional, well-established types of businesses that often have a local or community-oriented presence. These businesses typically serve a specific geographical area and have a tangible physical presence, either as brick-and-mortar establishments or through e-commerce platforms.

By entering this competition, you hereby grant IgniteWV and/or its affiliates and partners, permission to the rights of your information, including but not limited to name, contact information, image, likeness and sound of your voice as recorded on audio or video tape collected as part of this event (the “Material”) and waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of Material, which may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed. All businesses must generate less than $100,000 in revenue and may submit their idea to the competition a maximum of two times.

Events | Date
Round 1 Entry due online via VentureDash | January 21, 2026 by noon EST
Semi-finalists Announced  | February 4, 2026
Semi-finalists Interviews  | February 11 & 12, 2026
Finalists Announced  | February 16, 2026
Round 2- ICorps Kickoff meeting  | February 23, 2026
Round 2- ICorps Training | March 2-30, 2026
Round 3- Supplemental Documents Due | April 13, 2026
Round 3- Final Presentation (live) | April 29, 2026