Ground Up Gathering 2025

Join fellow community members, local nonprofits, small businesses, state agency staff, students, and others for a FREE convening to co-create SOLUTIONS to the challenges facing Appalachian PEOPLE, PLACES, and regional PROSPERITY.

This 2-6PM jam-packed afternoon includes:

• Solution Lab to talk about challenges, map assets and areas where good work is already happening, identify gaps, and generate solutions
• Expo highlighting local solutions already working well in the region
• Interactive matchmaking to connect you to other local folks around shared goals
• Trainings from Coalfield Development showcasing how a variety of ideas became real solutions
• Farm-to-table refreshments from The Wild Ramp provided, onsite shopping available for locally made and grown goods, and live music to celebrate

Can't make it until after your 9-5 workday? No worries! Interactive trainings, shopping, and live music are all available after 5PM.

Info: Check in, hear opening remarks, and get an overview of the day before moving to the Solution Lab session you select - People, Place, or Prosperity.

Info: Facilitators guide discussion around challenges, map areas where good work is already happening, identify gaps, and help generate solutions in one of 3 sections - People, Places, or Prosperity.

Info: Take a short break to grab a snack provided by local farmers market The Wild Ramp, shop goods from vendors onsite, or enjoy a stroll in the park next door before afternoon sessions resume.

Info: Hear key findings from the Solution Lab, supported by real-time data. Then participate in small-group matchmaking to make deeper connections related to your skills and needs.

Info: Pick one hands-on training! See how Coalfield turns big ideas into real solutions—covering job training, construction projects, energy, social enterprise, placemaking, local food, and MORE

Info: Celebrate with local snacks, onsite shopping, and live music! Explore the Solutions Expo, shop Coalfield’s own programs, and enjoy community band Hoot & Holler.

Host or Publisher Coalfield Development Corporation