University of Charleston

University of Charleston

Downtown Innovation Hub

UC Downtown Innovation Hub (DIH)

Located at the corner of Capitol and Lee Streets in the heart of downtown Charleston, West Virginia’s capitol city

In This Section

Cohorts starting every 3 months!   Apply for the next Cohort here!

At the UC Downtown Innovation Hub (DIH) we know you strive to be a sophisticated business owner. To do that, you need a systematic way to grow your business. The problem is there are many hats to wear which makes you feel like you are not keeping up, let alone getting ahead. We know you started your business with a passion for what you do. We know you want to grow your business into the vision that inspired your startup. Life is too short for that passion and vision to be drowned out by the constant struggle to stay on top of your competing responsibilities. We can relate. After working with dozens of growth companies from startups to multi-million-dollar enterprises, we have developed a systems approach which brings clarity to business management, enabling you to scale up and grow your business.

Who this program is for:

To be eligible for the Accelerator Program, your business needs to have hit these milestones:

  1. In operation for more than one year
  2. At least one employee other than the founder(s)
  3. A minimum of $250k in revenue during the prior year

 

Length:

Three months with core training modules spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

Format:

Accelerator sessions take place in-person at the Downtown Innovation Hub.

Highlights:

  • High impact facilitated workshops.
  • One-on-one hands-on coaching and mentoring sessions.
  • Modules are custom designed for small businesses and embed proven software tools and certifications including Digital Marketer strategy.
  • Opportunity to network and build relationships with other business owners.
  • More than $80,000 in value and nothing out of pocket. The UC DIH is grant funded, meaning there are no direct program expenses for selected businesses to participate.

See the Impact

See the Impact

Innovation drives us, and we’re proud to bring that energy to downtown Charleston.

UC President Marty Roth

Having a strong presence from UC will bring even more energy to our already thriving downtown area.

City of Charleston Mayor
Amy Shuler Goodwin

I’ve learned how to scale and elevate my business effectively here.

Kerry – Ann Wilkinson
Fab Institute of Beauty

Growing with peers and mentors here has been incredibly valuable and supportive.

Lacy Davidson Ferguson
Twelvepole Trading Post

Sidra Tahir

This program gave me clarity and connections to grow within the community.

Michelle Breiter
The Breiter’s Photo & Video

The business accelerator will deliver programming and expertise to businesses with proven business models that are ready to scale, helping them solve current business challenges and providing them with executive coaching.

Downtown Innovation Hub Inside

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Dr. Russell A. LaAsmar – DEL, MBA

Program Director – Downtown Innovation Hub

Allyssa Covert, MA.

Program Manager – Downtown Innovation Hub