WVBF Receives Digital Chamber Microgrant
Weirton, WV — March 2026 — The West Virginia Blockchain Foundation (WVBF) has been selected as an inaugural recipient of the Digital Chamber’s State Network Microgrant, a national initiative supporting grassroots leaders advancing blockchain and digital asset education across the United States.
The Digital Chamber’s State Network Microgrants Program is a pilot initiative designed to support state-based organizations leading nonpartisan education, dialogue, and community engagement around digital asset policy.
WVBF is among a small group of organizations selected nationwide in the program’s first cohort.
Advancing Digital Asset Education in Appalachia
Through this grant, WVBF will expand its ongoing work to increase access to digital asset education, blockchain infrastructure awareness, and emerging technology opportunities across West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.
To date, the Foundation has engaged students, institutions, and policymakers through workshops and speaking engagements at Marshall University, West Virginia University, and Bethany College, with additional programming scheduled at the University of Charleston’s EagleCon focused on blockchain use cases in gaming.
WVBF has also participated in state-level policy engagement, including submitting public comments on blockchain-related legislation during the 2026 legislative session and working with state legislators to advance initiatives such as HCR 4.
These efforts are focused on building practical understanding of blockchain technology and ensuring West Virginia is included in conversations around digital infrastructure, economic development, and emerging technologies.
Building a State-Level Innovation Ecosystem
The Digital Chamber’s State Network was created to strengthen state-level engagement in digital asset policy and innovation, connecting policymakers, industry leaders, and local organizations across the country.
Through the microgrant program, the initiative aims to:
Support grassroots education and coalition-building
Strengthen local blockchain ecosystems
Elevate credible voices in state-level policy conversations
WVBF’s selection reflects growing recognition of Appalachia’s role in the future of digital infrastructure, energy innovation, and emerging technologies.
A Focus on Opportunity and Access
“Our focus is simple,” said Shekinah Apedo, Founder of the West Virginia Blockchain Foundation. “Expanding access to education and connecting communities, universities, and public leaders to the real economic opportunities emerging from blockchain and digital infrastructure.”
By bridging knowledge gaps and creating opportunities for collaboration, WVBF aims to ensure that West Virginia is not left out of the next wave of technological and economic development.
Looking Ahead
WVBF will implement its microgrant-supported initiatives throughout 2026, contributing to a broader national effort to build informed, locally driven digital asset ecosystems across the United States.
The organization invites partners, educators, policymakers, and industry participants to collaborate in advancing blockchain education and innovation in the region.
About the West Virginia Blockchain Foundation
The West Virginia Blockchain Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding digital asset education, fostering community engagement, and exploring the economic potential of blockchain and emerging technologies across West Virginia and Appalachia.
About The Digital Chamber State Network
The Digital Chamber’s State Network is a nonpartisan initiative that connects policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to advance blockchain adoption and digital asset integration across the United States.