U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito visited two Charleston organizations Monday to learn more about efforts to support small businesses, attract new residents and connect West Virginians with resources following recent flooding.

Capito, R-W.Va., began her visit at the Charleston Area Alliance, where she toured the organization’s Small Business Incubator and Lift Center and received updates on the Ascend West Virginia Charleston Area Program.

The Small Business Incubator and Lift Center received federal funding secured by Capito through the Congressionally Directed Spending process.

The facilities are designed to provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources and opportunities to help them establish and grow their operations.

Capito also received an update on the Charleston Area Alliance’s Ascend West Virginia program, which seeks to attract new residents to Kanawha County and other communities throughout the state by providing opportunities for people to live and work in West Virginia.

“Charleston Area Alliance is in the middle of an exciting period — one that I have been proud to support through my work in the U.S. Senate,” Capito said. “I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand how federal resources are helping support the success of their Small Business Incubator, Lift Center and Ascend WV Program.”

Capito said federal investments can help strengthen local economies and create opportunities for businesses and families.

“Through the CDS process, I’ve worked to strengthen our local economy, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for families and businesses,” she said. “Charleston Area Alliance has made great strides, and I’m proud to partner with them to keep that progress moving forward.”

Mara Boggs, president and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance and Chamber of Commerce, said Capito’s support has helped the organization expand its efforts to assist entrepreneurs and promote economic development in the Kanawha Valley.

“Senator Capito has been an incredible champion for all of West Virginia, including for the Charleston Area Alliance and the work we are doing to strengthen our business community and drive economic development in our region,” Boggs said.

Boggs said the federal funding for the Small Business Incubator and Lift Center will allow the organization to provide additional opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses.

“We are deeply grateful for her continued support and, in particular, her work to secure funding for our Small Business Incubator and the Lift Center,” she said. “These investments will allow us to create even greater opportunities for the entrepreneurs and businesses we serve.”

Capito then visited West Virginia 211 United Way in Charleston to learn about the organization’s efforts to connect residents with resources and services.

West Virginia 211 provides information and referrals to people seeking assistance with a variety of needs. The service also has played a role in helping West Virginians access assistance during flooding events across the state this summer.

Capito said organizations such as West Virginia 211 are particularly important during emergencies, when residents may need help locating food, shelter, financial assistance and other services.

“It was encouraging to see the great work being done here at West Virginia 211 today,” Capito said. “Following the recent flooding across West Virginia, having teams like this in place to provide direct support and resources to our communities is vital.”

“I am proud of the work being done here and deeply appreciative of United Way’s efforts to support our state at all times,” she said.

Margaret O’Neal, president of the United Way of Central West Virginia, said the organization appreciated Capito’s visit and interest in its work.

“United Way of Central WV appreciates Senator Capito taking the time to visit WV 211 today to learn how our team helps connect West Virginians to vital resources and services throughout our state, especially during the numerous flooding events of this summer,” O’Neal said.