WHEELING, W.Va. – July 15, 2026 – Entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members with ideas to strengthen Wheeling are invited to apply for the next Show of Hands, a crowdfunding event hosted by Wheeling Heritage.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main St. Applications are open through Friday, Aug. 7, and can be submitted at wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands.
Sponsored by Orrick, Show of Hands gives four finalists the opportunity to present their ideas to a live audience, who vote to determine the winner. The winning project typically receives more than $4,000 in prize funding through sponsorships and audience contributions.
This fall’s event will mark more than $170,000 in total funding awarded through Show of Hands, supporting local businesses and community initiatives throughout Wheeling for more than a decade.
In addition to funding, finalists receive valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and presentation support. Each finalist will work with a mentor to refine their pitch and receive a professionally produced 90-second video highlighting their project, supported by funding from the Truist West Virginia Foundation.
The Show of Hands process includes:
- Application: Submit a proposal by Aug. 7. A selection committee will choose four finalists.
- Presentation: Finalists will present their ideas during the Sept. 23 event, with four minutes to pitch followed by a brief question-and-answer session.
- Audience Voting: Attendees make a $5 donation at the door, which contributes to the prize pool, and vote for their favorite project.
- Winner Announcement: The project receiving the most votes will receive the funding award.
To apply or learn more, visit wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands.
