If you drive downtown on Monday nights, after 5 PM, the lights of the newly renovated Wheeling Artisan Center and River City Aleworks are dim. But upstairs, the lights are on and something is brewing. Since 2018, Wheeling Heritage and the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) have worked jointly to empower a thriving small-business community by offering CO.STARTERS. Based on the insights of accomplished entrepreneurs and seasoned start-up veterans from across the globe, CO.STARTERS fosters a supportive community that guides small-business owners through lean, effective business modeling techniques. Instead of approaching a start-up with the complexity of a large corporation and crafting an extensive business plan, CO.STARTERS encourages participants to build and test small-scale models initially. Throughout this process, entrepreneurs seek real-time feedback from customers, refine their models to align with customer needs, and steer clear of forming businesses founded on misguided assumptions.
A Community of Support: The CO.STARTERS Program
Valerie Piko, Program Development Manager at RED, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “The graduates from this program have the tools necessary to turn their dream into reality. We also strive for this program to serve as a resource for existing business owners who feel stuck. No matter how long you’ve been in business, sometimes it’s important to step back and take some time to work on your business, rather than in your business.”
Since its inception, CO.STARTERS has helped over 80 entrepreneurs refine their business ideas and build real connections. Participants not only gain practical business knowledge but also develop a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs. This collaborative approach has made the program an invaluable resource for anyone looking to launch or grow a small business in Wheeling. As of December, 10 more participants will have graduated, continuing the program’s positive impact on the local economy.
Real Stories, Real Impact: Meet the Entrepreneurs
The success stories of past graduates highlight the power of the CO.STARTERS program in turning ideas into tangible, thriving businesses. Let’s meet a few of them:
Tara Knox, The Rhododendron- A West Virginia Drinkery
Tara Knox is a mother and West Virginia enthusiast who wanted to create a safe, fun space to unwind while enjoying local craft beer. “I love everything about my hometown of Wheeling and West Virginia as a whole. With The Rhododendron, I want this to be a safe, entertaining space to bring your kids but also a fun destination to enjoy West Virginian craft beer.” After a recent layoff, Tara decided to leverage her newfound free time to pursue her dream. She credits the CO.STARTERS program for providing invaluable support. “I am new to the business world, and everything I am learning in class is something new for me. The most helpful part of the class is hearing the real-life trials and tribulations from business owners within our own community,” she says. Tara’s next steps include finding a location in downtown Wheeling to bring The Rhododendron to life.
Jeremile Alexander, The Jeremile Brand Company
Jeremile Alexander is no stranger to entrepreneurship, having launched his streetwear brand, Redemption Clothing, in 2015. His new venture, The Jeremile Brand Company, offers brand strategy workshops for real estate agents and entrepreneurs. With the help of CO.STARTERS, Jeremile is refining his approach to helping local businesses build strong brands. “Learning about other entrepreneurs’ journeys in starting their businesses has been enlightening and inspiring,” Jeremile shares. His goal is to help local brands thrive both locally and beyond.
Joseph Ambrose, MeetCue
Joseph Ambrose is the founder of MeetCue, an app designed to connect couples in person, with the mission of fostering real-world connections. Inspired by his own experiences of feeling disconnected after relocating to a new city, Joseph saw a need for a platform that helped people meet offline in safe and welcoming spaces. “Our mission is to boost foot traffic and monthly revenue for businesses without impacting their margins, unlike many delivery service apps,” he explains. Through CO.STARTERS, Joseph has found not just knowledge but a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. “The most helpful part of CO.STARTERS is the open forum of dialogue between the group. Hearing the journey of various small businesses has been invaluable.”
Robert Wiley, PristineCrete, LLC
Robert Wiley, a skilled tradesman with over 13 years of experience in heavy construction, founded PristineCrete, a company focused on high-quality craftsmanship and transforming spaces. After joining CO.STARTERS, Robert realized the importance of collaboration in business. “It helped me see that working together can lead to greater success,” he says. PristineCrete is continuing to serve the Greater Wheeling area and is now looking to grow its online presence and social media outreach.
Building a Thriving Local Economy: The Future of CO.STARTERS in Wheeling
As CO.STARTERS continues to grow, so does its impact on the Wheeling economy. The program not only equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to launch successful businesses, but it also fosters a sense of community and collaboration that extends beyond the classroom. Local business owners, both new and established, benefit from the shared knowledge, resources, and networks that CO.STARTERS provides.
The next CO.STARTERS class is tentatively being planned for March 2025. Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to join this growing community of business owners can visit redp.org/costarters for more information and to enroll.
Stephanine Hockenberry visits to share insight on business growth relating to resident retention!
