Preston County EDA is Economic Development in Preston County

At the core of every community’s goals and aspirations is economic growth. Jobs for residents, financial opportunity and quality of life are all based on the ability of businesses to operate and flourish. But if managing a business was easy, everyone would do it! From the established company to the budding entrepreneur, every business needs assistance at some point in their life cycle.

Economic Development Organization’s (EDO) exist to assist current and future business development in a number of manners. Preston County EDA (PCEDA) is the lead economic development agency serving the many communities of Preston County, West Virginia. The PCEDA works with local, regional and state economic development agencies to bring new business to the area and to retain existing businesses. It helps current business and community leaders with pertinent strategies and keeps an eye on what can be done to bring new businesses to the area. EDO’s are an excellent resource for entrepreneurs with a dream in need of the right direction to start. They also provide or facilitate workforce development and training options. Finally, EDO’s are adept at marketing and promoting their business area, through means such as social media marketing awareness and hosting events. 

PCEDA helps forge the close links between community and business leaders to help bring the economic, workforce, and community development of an area into the future. Here are the primary ways PCEDA can be a valuable resource to help businesses improve their operations and make the Preston County community a wonderful place to work and live.

Business Retention and Expansion

PCEDA enthusiastically supports existing businesses because we recognize they are crucial to our local economy. We offer problem-solving services to help them succeed and grow. This might be as simple as offering advice and technical assistance. But we also help companies access public and private financial assistance, such as low-interest loans or bonds not available to the general public, to enable renovations, equipment upgrades or infrastructure improvements. PCEDA has written and/or administered grants totaling over $125 million for water, sewer, broadband, roads, natural gas, business development and site work. Finally, we recognize the workforce is a business’ lifeblood, so we facilitate training opportunities to help your employees grow with you. 

Attract New Businesses

Equally as important to supporting existing businesses is the ability to attract new businesses to the area. PCEDA promotes site selection so that sufficient unique sites and assets are available for industrial real estate, while also ensuring there is sufficient housing to support workforce needs. Our staff actively works with land developers, brokers and agents to determine what business locations the community can establish, while promoting properties and buildings they are listing or looking to acquire. And our reach extends beyond local interest, as we actively attempt to attract foreign direct investment.

Support for entrepreneurs and small businesses

PCEDA is also a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing advice, guidance and resources for those starting new businesses. We offer integral services for early-stage businesses, such as business planning, site selection and locating financing. From learning to manage the uncertainty of cash flow to making the community connections necessary to get up and running, PCEDA has the knowledge to help those getting into the local economic community.

Assistance with workforce development

Finding skilled workers is one of the primary challenges for businesses today. Continued development of that workforce is critical as well. PCEDA works closely with local partners to help find and maintain a strong local workforce. We have the recruitment opportunities and strategies to help businesses locate the workers they need. We also work with local educational institutions to develop the specialized training required for your company. Additionally, we can help you find funds to assist with hiring and training employees. The result is a robust, resilient talent pool for businesses throughout Preston County.

Marketing and promotion

Economic development organizations are at the forefront of marketing the community to attract prospective investors and residents. PCEDA promotes our community’s assets and business advantages in order to create awareness and opportunities. In addition, we have access to a network of community organizations, leaders and experienced business owners to facilitate the strategic planning of local stakeholders to develop long-range community plans.

You Can Depend on Preston County EDA

The end result of EDO activities is the improvement of a community’s quality of life. Economic development goes hand-in-hand with community development, each a part of the continuous circle of improvement for residents and businesses in Preston County. 

PCEDA proudly serves the Preston County community and cares about promoting the quality of life growth in the area. PCEDA can help businesses address hurdles limiting desired levels of growth and success. Please contact us today to access our wealth of information and resources to help your business grow.