Ursulette Huntley Ward Building Entrepreneurs in Huntington

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I talk with Ursulette Huntley Ward, the executive director of Unlimited Future in Huntington. She leads a business incubator and economic development center that serves people in transition, including those coming out of incarceration, aging out of foster care, graduating without a plan, or rebuilding after major life changes. Her path into this work began with her own entrepreneurial journey, which started years ago while she was still a student.

She shares a mistake that cost her time when she lost a training program stored on a thumb drive. That loss taught her the value of organization, backups, and building systems that protect your work. It also gave her the chance to rebuild the program in a stronger form. We talk about the challenges people face today, from limited resources to carrying guilt over past decisions. Many feel stuck because they cannot forgive themselves or move past one mistake.

A common misconception in her field is that no one is willing to help. In reality, there are many nonprofits and support organizations available, but pride and self-reliance often stop people from asking. We discuss how grit can help entrepreneurs survive, but community and support still matter.

She believes the best money she has spent is investing in other entrepreneurs and helping them bring their ideas to life. Right now, she is working on improving fundraising and learning to tell her organization’s story with confidence. Her advice to entrepreneurs is to share your passion for your product or service without chasing money in every conversation. Stay grounded in purpose, not outcomes. The principle she lives by is simple: keep your word. Your word is your bond.