Bluefield Economic Development Authority Awarded Empower to Grow Grant

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The Bluefield, West Virginia, Economic Development Authority has been awarded an Empower to Grow grant from the Small Business Administration. The grant is intended to help manufacturers across the region gain access to federal contracting opportunities and become part of critical supply chains.

Why it matters

This grant represents an important opportunity for local businesses in the Bluefield area to expand their reach and participate in lucrative federal contracting work. Strengthening the regional manufacturing base and supply chain resilience is a key priority for economic development efforts in West Virginia.

The details

The Bluefield Economic Development Authority held a business roundtable at the Tamarack in Beckley to discuss the Empower to Grow grant and how local manufacturers can take advantage of the program. The grant funding is meant to provide support and resources to help businesses navigate the federal contracting process and integrate themselves into critical supply chains.

• The business roundtable was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

What’s next

The Bluefield Economic Development Authority plans to work closely with local manufacturers to help them leverage the Empower to Grow grant and access new federal contracting opportunities.