For generations, West Virginians have been known for their hard work, determination, and willingness to build something from the ground up. Today, those qualities are matched by an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is helping new businesses not only launch, but succeed in the long term.
A recently released business longevity study found that West Virginia leads the nation in five-year business survival.
According to the study, 57.6% of businesses launched in West Virginia in 2019 achieved a five-year survival rate, which is the highest in the United States and well above the national average of 51.6%. Connecticut ranked second at 57.5%, while Pennsylvania and Alaska tied for third at 56.0%. Other larger, traditionally stronger business markets such as California, Florida, New York, and Texas, ranked even lower.
This research tracked employer establishments through their first five years of operation, a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic and significant economic disruptions. High survival rates are often viewed as indicators of economic resilience, strong local support systems, and an environment where entrepreneurs can sustain and grow their businesses.
This achievement did not happen by accident.
It is the result of years of collaboration among state legislators, entrepreneurs, business owners, educators, economic development professionals, chambers of commerce, lenders, workforce leaders, local governments, and state agencies. Together, they have worked to create an environment where innovative ideas don’t just begin, but also grow into sustainable businesses.
When people discuss entrepreneurship, much of the attention is focused on startups. Launching a business is certainly important, but longevity is the true measure of success. Starting a company takes courage. Keeping it alive through economic uncertainty, market shifts, staffing challenges, and changing customer demands requires persistence and support.
That is why this study is so significant. It tells us that West Virginia is becoming a place where entrepreneurs are finding the resources, networks, mentorship, and encouragement needed to stay in business and continue growing.
In recent years, West Virginia has made entrepreneurship a priority. From business coaching and mentoring programs to startup accelerators, small business development services, access to capital initiatives, and expanded entrepreneurial education, the ecosystem that supports business creation has steadily strengthened.
The Secretary of State’s WV Office of Entrepreneurship was another important step forward. Established with a simple but powerful mission to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need and ensure state government is working to remove obstacles rather than create them, its creation could not have come at a better time. By aligning efforts across agencies and organizations, West Virginia is making it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate the path from idea to enterprise, scaling, and eventually long-term success.
As Secretary of State, I have the privilege of witnessing new business formations every day. Behind every registration filing is a person with a dream, a plan, and the courage to take a risk. Those entrepreneurs deserve credit, but so do the many organizations and individuals who help them succeed after the doors open.
This recognition belongs to all of them.
While we should celebrate this accomplishment, we must also continue the work. Our goal should not simply be to rank among the nation’s leaders in business longevity. Our goal should be to become the best state in America to start, grow, and sustain a business.
