In 2019, a group of executives identified a need for angel funding to help West Virginia entrepreneurs. The vision was for a group—Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN)—to support West Virginia entrepreneurs who could benefit from mentoring and early-stage investments to continue developing their businesses. A nexus to West Virginia was required, but the type or area of business was not limited.
With the support of grants from the Massey Family Foundation and One Foundation, and working with New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant was secured to provide a three-year grant to accelerate CRAN’s development. This financial support was used effectively, and in spite of the pandemic intervening shortly after CRAN was formed, the angel network now has 32 accredited investors with growth continuing and as of July 1, 2023, CRAN is a solely independent entity.
Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN), West Virginia’s first accredited angel investment network, today announced it has been awarded a two-year grant totaling $150,000 from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation that will support CRAN’s efforts to assist West Virginia entrepreneurs who can benefit from mentoring and early-stage investments to develop their businesses.
The Country Roads Angel Network is a member of the Angel Capital Association (ACA). This professional association for active, accredited investors provides unparalleled access to trending ideas and professional knowledge to help improve returns and promote effective public policies for angels and start-ups. Although it is not a funding source, ACA provides entrepreneurs with an inside view into how angels think.
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County Roads Angel Network
3 Quail Cove Road
Charleston, WV
25314
© Country Roads Angel Network 2023
