Nineteen fledging businesses have been selected for the inaugural class of GROW, a start-up bootcamp program launched by the Charleston Area Alliance.

GROW participants will attend educational sessions hosted by the University of Charleston Graduate School of Business, receive coaching from experienced WV Small Business Development Center business coaches and become part of a peer discussion group where they can discuss the everyday benefits and challenges associated with owning their own businesses.

GROW members will also receive access to free advising from business professionals in an array of fields including legal, accounting, banking, graphic design, and human resources.

The businesses involved in the inaugural GROW class are:

• Alum Creek Book Binder
• B.  Belle Events
• Bold Web Solutions
• Dressmaker’s  Closet
• Earnest Demolition
• GiGi’s  Bridge Road
• Innovative Events Consultation
• JNJgetStarted     
• KCA Holdings
• Kinder Books & Tax
• iFiTT24     
• Life Coach
• Ms.  Groovy’s Café and Catering
• Quarrier Diner
• Resolutions
• The Pink Chuck Studio
• Transitions
• West Virginia Cheer Academy
• White  Law Offices

GROW is an initiative of Vision 2030 and sponsored by the Benedum Foundation.

“The Alliance understands how important entrepreneurs are to our economy and business climate,” said Alliance President/CEO Matt Ballard. “Programs like GROW are essential to our ongoing mission of creating jobs, enhancing our community and investing in people. We believe the progress of these entrepreneurs will help create jobs and drive us forward to the future.”