UC Downtown Innovation Hub (DIH)

Our mission is to accelerate the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the greater Charleston Metro area by providing best-in-class training and mentorship to firm leadership.

Our vision is to be the preeminent leadership development and training source for small businesses in Appalachia for firms desiring sustainable growth.

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 2 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.

Our Business Accelerator Program (BAP) is designed for established businesses ready to scale. We help remove growth barriers through targeted strategy support, peer collaboration, and expert advising.

We host events, forums, and initiatives that strengthen the innovation capacity of our region. Whether it’s a speaker series, or student-led showcase, we believe in building bridges between ideas and action.

Need a place to build, collaborate, or create? Merge @ the DIH is our members-only collaboration space designed for thinkers and doers. With flexible seating, bright natural light, and a community of forward-thinkers, it’s the perfect spot to connect and create. Currently open to members of our Founders Forum, Business Accelerator Program, and our on-campus community.

Counties:

• Kanawha
• Putnam
• Jackson
• Lincoln
• Boone
• Clay
• Roane
• Logan
• Raleigh

If your business isn’t located in one of these counties, feel free to reach out! We may be able to help or connect you with a partner who can.

• Advantage Valley: https://advantagevalley.com/
• Charleston Area Alliance: https://charlestonareaalliance.org/
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: https://charlestonareaalliance.org/
• Small Business Development Center: https://wvsbdc.com/

Contact innovate@ucwv.edu for more information.