CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia saw strong business growth in April 2026, with 1,975 new businesses registered across the state, according to West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner.
Leading the state in new business registrations were Monongalia County with 134 new businesses, followed by Kanawha County (127), Berkeley County (120), Raleigh County (91), and Jefferson County (78).
The Secretary of State’s Office reported that 77 of the new registrations were nonprofit organizations, while 210 businesses qualified for fee-waiver programs designed to help veterans, military families, and young entrepreneurs start their businesses.
Over the past 12 months, West Virginia has registered 19,900 new businesses, bringing the state’s total number of active registered businesses to more than 171,000.
Webster County led the state in percentage growth during April, posting a 2.45% increase in new business activity. Clay, Pocahontas, Wayne, and Wyoming counties also recorded notable growth.
State officials are reminding business owners that annual reports are due by June 30 and encourage early filing to avoid delays.
