Visa & Main supports Morgantown small businesses
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MORGANTOWN - Dozens of statewide business owners gathered at Flour and Feed at 156 Clay St. on Wednesday for a networking event with Visa & Main and Morgantown Area Partnership.
Visa & Main was founded in February 2026 to help small business owners network with one another, improve their technological skills and have access to capital to grow their companies, according to Lila Nieves-Lee, Visa vice president and head of U.S. Federal-North America Government Affairs.
"Visa & Main was created as an empowerment tool for small businesses so they can access what they actually need to grow and compete in today’s world," she said. "Sometimes, that looks like face-to-face conversation with someone who has information you need...this is your opportunity here today."
The collaboration with Morgantown Area partnership, a combination of economic development nonprofit groups, allowed over 100 businesses to attend.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito kicked off the event by recognizing the importance small business owners have for the state's industrial advancement.
"In West Virginia, the statistic I have is 256,281 small business employees in the state," Capito said. "That's quite sizable, which is about 47.4% of all employees in West Virginia. But the significant numbers of how many small businesses dominate our state, and certainly here in Mon County in the Morgantown area, you really see it because it's so vibrant, it's so creative, and it's always really fun for me to be here."
Capito said she hopes to be a representative for small business owners in the Senate.
"I say good luck to all of you," she said. "I know it's hard work. I can imagine, every day, it never goes away."
The event included a panel of business and investment experts, Russell Rogerson, president and CEO of Morgantown Area Partnership, Dr. Josh Hall, Dean of the John Chambers College of Business Economics at West Virginia University, and Randy Williams, market president at Morgantown's United Bank.
The panel discussed small business' priorities when finding funding to get their corporations off the ground.
"There are a bevy of resources out there, and that's all really part of what a lot of organizations out there can do," Hall said. "Partnering with banks, partnering with the private monies that are raised, making sure that you’re tapping the pool across the spectrum because you can have all the hard assets you want, but without working capital, you're not able to open doors."
Rogerson discussed how the Morgantown Area Partnership can help ambitious business owners use their assets efficiently to profit while staying true to their original concepts.
"I think most small businesses understand what they want to do, and they're really good at that," Rogerson said. "But, business is so much more complex than that, and there's so many things that you must learn on the fly, and that's why I really look at us as a resource to point you to the resources that you need at that given time. Getting the wrong help at the wrong time doesn't do anything for you, but if we understand what you're doing, what your needs are, we can direct you to the right people."
The panel agreed that the biggest mistake he noticed amongst small business owners is using their initial capital incorrectly. Rogerson said it is essential to surround yourself with experts who want you to succeed in areas you're unfamiliar with.
"I've had people come to me from everything with the idea on the back of a napkin, to all the research and the dream and the idea," Rogerson said. "The key is to surround yourself with that support group so they can help you identify what your next need is."
Williams explained how necessary it is for small businesses to stay ahead of the curve on up-and-coming technology, especially older generations of business owners.
"There are all kinds of applications out there, and everybody has their iPhone or iPad. You can download anything, and AI is amazing," Williams said. "Folks in my generation...embrace it. It's hard, but I still go to my kids and ask 'How does this work?' And, it's amazing what they're learning. Don't be afraid to get advice."
Rogerson warned that while AI is a pivotal tool for the future, business owners must stay authentic in their strategies.
"They are tools that are not the answer, so you have to be able to know how to use them enough to get your thoughts together," he said. "It's important that you continue to maintain that 'true to yourself' concept and watch your numbers."
One unique element of the event was the networking bulletin boards for businesses to offer their services or request assistance. In addition to the panel, Flour and Feed provided catering, and Visa & Main provided all attending businesses with free laptops.
Avery Williams, founder and owner of Dish'd Design Co. Meal Prep and Catering, said she found out about the event through her mentor and business coach at the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, Frank Goldsborough.
"I love to be around other business owners in the industry," she said. "Just like-minded people who are always looking to learn more."
Kaelin Hetrick, founder of Star Tarot Collective, was also introduced to the event via Goldsborough. She said she is two years into her business and is hoping to learn more through the event about creating a long-term plan.
"I came putting my best foot forward," she said. "You get to chase every opportunity and every dream that you create, and honestly, like my business card said 'Let the stars guide you.' I really feel like you make your opportunities."
Learn more about Visa & Main at visa.com/en-us/business/programs/visa-and-main.