CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office registered 1,301 new businesses across the state in January, according to Secretary of State Kris Warner.
Clay County saw the highest percentage of new business growth, with seven new registrations marking a 2.63% increase. Other counties experiencing notable growth included Gilmer (2.04%), Jefferson (1.80%), Braxton (1.80%), and Raleigh (1.67%).
Top Five Counties in New Business Growth (January 2025):
- Clay County – 2.63% growth
- Gilmer County – 2.04% growth
- Jefferson County – 1.80% growth
- Braxton County – 1.80% growth
- Raleigh County – 1.67% growth
In total business registrations, Kanawha County led with 136 new businesses, followed by Monongalia (127), Berkeley (122), Jefferson (85), and Raleigh (82).
Top Five Counties in Total Business Registrations (January 2025):
- Kanawha County – 136 new registrations
- Monongalia County – 127 new registrations
- Berkeley County – 122 new registrations
- Jefferson County – 85 new registrations
- Raleigh County – 82 new registrations
Over the past 12 months, from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, the state recorded 13,676 new business registrations. Raleigh County led all 55 counties with an 18.59% growth rate during this period.
For a detailed county-by-county breakdown, visit the West Virginia Business Statistics Database.
