The Kanawha Valley: An Attractive & Prosperous Place to Live & Work
Economic Development
From site selection to innovation support, we help attract and grow businesses across industries large and small.
Community Programs
Enhancing local engagement with initiatives like #KeepItLocalKV, Downtown Open, Charleston in Bloom, and the Holiday Window Display Contest.
Small Business & Startup Support
Expert training, funding, and mentorship via our Business Incubator, Small Business Grants, and Faster WV programs.
Chamber of Commerce
Driving local business growth through networking, advocacy, affinity programs, and exclusive member opportunities.
Catalyst for Change in the Kanawha Valley
The Charleston Area Alliance serves as a catalyst for change for Kanawha County, leading with innovative and collaborative approaches to shape a prosperous economy that fosters growth and attracts people and investment. The Charleston Area Alliance is: proactive, thinks long-term, aligned with our partners and the community, collaborative, efficient, and provides value in all our services.
Become a Member
Join our network of entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and corporate leaders driving regional progress.
Recent News & Events
Latest News
Charleston Area Alliance partners with Breeze Airways, the State of West Virginia, Yeager Airport, Kanawha County, and the City of Charleston to expand air service.
CHARLESTON, WV– Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that Breeze Airways, the acclaimed...
Charleston Area Alliance Welcomes Ellen Cappellanti as New Chair of the Board of Directors
Charleston, WV (June 24, 2025) – The Charleston Area Alliance is proud to announce that Ellen...
Charleston Area Alliance & Optimum Business Announce Lifting Up Small Business Grants
Optimum Business will award 25 small businesses each a $5,000 grant to further support the...
Upcoming Events
Join us for professional development, advocacy sessions, networking, and more.
Building a Thriving Region
Charleston, WV is growing through a blend of historic industry and emerging opportunities. The Charleston Area Alliance supports this progress by driving economic development, strengthening local businesses, and leading community-focused initiatives that enhance the region’s vitality and appeal.
Program Spotlight:
Workforce Initiatives
Leveraging partnerships like Faster WV and internship programs to build local workforce pipelines.
Downtown Revitalization & Housing Initiative
Making our downtown more vibrant and livable for residents, workers, and visitors.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay Connected with the Charleston Area Alliance!
Be the first to know about exciting events, business opportunities, and community updates in the Charleston area delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s build a thriving community together!
We’re proud to announce this year’s Best Redevelopment Award recipients: the Cabin Creek Health Center and the Shawnee Sports Complex Welcome Center! ❤️
Redevelopment is about more than revitalizing buildings and spaces. It’s about creating new opportunities, expanding access and making meaningful investments in the future of our communities. Both of these projects demonstrate how thoughtful redevelopment can breathe new life into existing spaces while providing valuable resources and experiences for the people they serve.
Join us for the We Love Our Community Awards Ceremony!
📅 Tuesday, November 10
⏰ 4 p.m.
📍 UC Downtown Innovation Hub ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We’re excited to announce this year’s Best Development Award recipients: the Poca Valley Bank Financial Center and the South Charleston Farmers Market! ❤️
Both projects represent the continued investment, growth and development happening throughout our region. Thoughtful development helps strengthen our communities, create new opportunities and enhance the places where people live, work and gather. From expanding financial services to creating a welcoming space for local farmers, vendors and residents, these projects are making a positive impact in our community.
Join us as we celebrate all of our 2026 honorees at the We Love Our Community Awards Ceremony!
📅 Tuesday, November 10
⏰ 4 p.m.
📍 UC Downtown Innovation Hub ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Another great day of learning, collaboration and connection with Leadership Kanawha Valley on Thursday!
Our third session of the program took us to West Virginia International Yeager Airport and Marshall University Aviation, where participants had the opportunity to learn more about the region’s aviation industry, hear from community leaders and explore the many organizations and resources that help make our region thrive.
The day included presentations from ZMM Architects & Engineers, Marshall University Aviation, Kanawha Valley Tourism, Charleston CVB, KRT, Bradley Harris Strategic Advisory and the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. Participants also enjoyed a bus tour of CRW and wrapped up the afternoon with some time spent walking dogs at the Humane Association!
We look forward to continuing the journey at our next Leadership Kanawha Valley session on January 7, 2027! Thank you to our co-title sponsors WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals & Fifth Third Bank! ...
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🏙️ New opportunities for investment in Charleston!
Three areas of Charleston have received a federal designation that could help bring new housing, businesses, and development to our city!
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has certified three Charleston census tracts as Opportunity Zones, following their nomination by Governor Patrick Morrisey.
📍 Downtown Charleston
📍 West Side & Elk City
📍 Oakridge-Greenbrier
So, what does this mean?
Opportunity Zones offer federal tax benefits to investors who put money into qualifying projects in these areas.
🏡 What could that mean for Charleston?
More opportunities to build housing, bring new life to vacant properties, support business growth, and create jobs.
Beginning January 1, 2027, these incentives will give Charleston another tool to attract private investment and support future development.
The City of Charleston and Charleston Area Alliance & Chamber of Commerce will work together to connect potential investors with projects that can help our community grow.
Three areas. New opportunities. More possibilities for Charleston.
✈️ Oakridge-Greenbrier photo credit: our friends at West Virginia International Yeager Airport - CRW! ...
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
🏆 Our next 2026 We Love Our Community Awards honoree is the University of Charleston Marathon for the Outdoor Economy Award! 🏃♀️🌳
The marathon brings people together from near and far to experience our beautiful region, showcasing Charleston’s scenic surroundings and the many opportunities our community has to offer. Events like this encourage an active lifestyle, support local businesses, attract visitors and highlight the incredible outdoor assets that make the Kanawha Valley a special place to live, work and explore.
Stay tuned as we continue announcing our 2026 honorees, and join us for the We Love Our Community Awards Ceremony!
📅 Tuesday, November 10
⏰ 4 p.m.
📍 UC Downtown Innovation Hub ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
ONE WEEK from today! ✨ Join us for Business After Hours hosted by Salango Law Dirty Birds Light the Night on Thursday, November 12, from 5–7 p.m.!
Come check out the beautiful holiday lights, enjoy some festive fun, connect with fellow business professionals and even get your picture taken! 📸🎅 REGISTER: bit.ly/4i8p4Dp ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook