Wheeling Chamber Foundation Announces Forward Fund to Invest in Emerging Business Leaders

WHEELING, W.Va. – June 30, 2026 – The Wheeling Chamber Foundation today announced the launch of the Forward Fund, a new scholarship program designed to invest in the next generation of local business leaders by expanding access to professional development, statewide networking, and leadership opportunities.

Made possible through the founding support of Expand Energy and WesBanco, the Forward Fund provides scholarships for eligible small business owners to attend the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Business Summit and, in future rounds, the Women's Leadership Summit.

Applications are now open for the inaugural Forward Fund scholarship, which will send one local business owner to the 2026 West Virginia Chamber Business Summit at The Greenbrier in September.

"The Forward Fund is about creating opportunity," said Jennifer Materkoski, president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. "Small business owners often wear every hat in their organization, making it difficult to invest in their own professional development. This program removes barriers by connecting entrepreneurs with the ideas, relationships, and resources to grow their businesses and strengthen our local economy. When we invest in one business leader, the entire community benefits."

Each scholarship is valued at approximately $2,500 and includes business summit registration, hotel accommodations, and reimbursement of eligible travel expenses. Recipients will connect with statewide business and economic development leaders through exclusive networking events and introductions facilitated by Chamber partners. Following the summit, recipients will share key insights and experiences with the local business community, creating a lasting benefit beyond the individual scholarship.

To be eligible, applicants must represent a current Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce member business located in West Virginia with 10 or fewer employees. Businesses must have been in operation for three to five years, serve the Chamber's membership area, and not have previously attended the West Virginia Chamber Business Summit. Applications will be accepted through July 20, and the scholarship recipient will be notified by Aug. 3.

The Forward Fund was established to create lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs and emerging leaders while building a sustainable source of support for small business growth throughout the Ohio Valley. Through scholarships and future initiatives, the Foundation aims to remove financial barriers that can prevent promising business owners from accessing experiences that accelerate growth and strengthen the regional economy.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting future scholarships are encouraged to invest in the Forward Fund through the Foundation's Founding Forward Partner and sponsorship opportunities. Contributions will help expand the program, allowing more local business owners and emerging leaders to access transformational leadership and networking opportunities in the years ahead.

"We've given the program the tagline 'Pay It Forward. Move Wheeling Forward.' because that's exactly what we hope it accomplishes," said Stephanie Paluda, Community Relations Manager for Expand Energy and Board Chair of the Wheeling Chamber Foundation. "Every investment in the Forward Fund helps a local entrepreneur gain new knowledge, build valuable relationships, and bring fresh ideas back to our community. It's an investment that extends well beyond one business and creates lasting value for the Ohio Valley."

Applications are available at www.wheelingchamber.com. Please contact the Chamber at 304-233-2575 or reception@wheelingchamber.com for additional information.

About The Wheeling Chamber Foundation

The Wheeling Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting the mission of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce by increasing accessibility of education, programming and professional development opportunities and removing barriers to business ownership and success.