The Bluefield West Virginia Economic Development Authority (BEDA) received a $340,120 Project Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Government Contracting and Business Development under the 7(j) Technical Assistance Program (CFDA 59.007), awarded on September 30, 2025, with a performance period extending through September 29, 2026. This grant funds the delivery of comprehensive business development assistance, including technical assistance, entrepreneurial training, federal contracting support, and strategic business development services to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses within the Bluefield region.
The 7(j) Technical Assistance Program supports qualified service providers in delivering counseling, training, and one-on-one business consulting to eligible businesses and entrepreneurs under applicable provisions of the Small Business Act. BEDA's award enables the organization to provide these management and technical assistance services to small disadvantaged businesses and eligible individuals, strengthening local economic development and small business capacity within this Appalachian community through the grant period.