CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Partner Community Capital (PCAP) has concluded its West Virginia Recreational Economies Initiative (WV REI), a program that helped businesses and communities turn West Virginia’s outdoor recreation assets into opportunities for economic growth.
Through WV REI, PCAP connected entrepreneurs, nonprofits and community organizations with professional expertise and resources to strengthen businesses, support job creation and attract investment. The initiative reached 34 West Virginia counties, demonstrating the role targeted business support can play in advancing local economic development.
During the program, PCAP served 752 businesses, helped create 843 jobs, and supported $19.2 million in leveraged private investment.
WV REI also facilitated more than 235 third-party technical assistance projects, invested more than $2 million in professional services and engaged 95 service providers statewide to help tourism and recreation-based businesses grow.
An example of a successful public-private partnership, PCAP received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the State of West Virginia to support small business growth across the state. PCAP also collaborated with Woodlands Development & Lending on several REI-focused efforts such as small business technical assistance and establishment of the Mon Forest Towns Partnership.
“The results of WV REI show what’s possible when businesses and communities have access to the expertise and resources they need to move forward,” said Marten Jenkins, president and CEO of PCAP. “By helping turn ideas into actionable plans, PCAP supported opportunities for business growth, job creation and investment across West Virginia.”
One example of the initiative’s impact is the Meadow River Rail Trail in south-central West Virginia. Through WV REI, PCAP funded a master planning study for the Meadow River Valley Association (MRVA), helping establish development priorities and identify opportunities to advance outdoor recreation in the region.
The study evaluated existing recreation assets, gathered community input, and identified priority projects, potential funding sources, and implementation strategies. This planning work helped position the Meadow River Rail Trail for additional investment, with multiple grants awarded through the Fayette and Greenbrier County Commissions supporting future trail design and construction toward the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
Although WV REI has wrapped up, PCAP integrated this important work and focus area into ongoing business support services and has continued to strengthen partnerships forged during the last three years. These complementary services help entrepreneurs and community organizations access the expertise and capital needed to pursue growth, create jobs, and advance local priorities.
