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a service of the WV Small Business Development Center
a division of the WV Dept. of Economic Development
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October 17, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 46 | |
Think WV BusinessLink First | |
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Hi there,
Me again, Mark Burdette from WV BusinessLink. Change is the constant that shapes our lives, both in ways we anticipate and those that take us by surprise. It brings growth, new perspectives, and opportunities, even when it feels challenging. Embracing change allows us to adapt, innovate, and ultimately thrive as the world evolves around us. Remember, the key to navigating change is to remain open, flexible, and trust that each shift brings its own lessons and rewards. Now, let's get into the latest edition of the WV BusinessLink newsletter. Enjoy!
SCAN, CLICK, and READ
Thanks for reading. Onward and Upward!
Mark
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The Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and West Virginia Small Business Development Center is a partner on this effort. Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about whether and how you use debt, what financial conditions you face, and more. Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Take the 12-minute survey now. The survey is open through November 1st! | |
Looking to Start or Grow a Business in West Virginia? Entrepreneurs and small business owners in West Virginia have a unique opportunity to pitch their business ideas and current needs to the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable exposure, networking, and potential investment opportunities! | |
Become an Entrepreneurship Development Professional | |
Demonstrate that you have the skills and expertise to make a difference in your community through entrepreneurship-led economic development (ELED). This program was designed for professionals who work with entrepreneurs and small businesses. Learn how to foster entrepreneurship support, economic development and community development approaches to create and nurture thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. | |
Enhancing Public Services with Digital Identity - The Future of Public Service Delivery in West Virginia | In the modern age of digital transformation, public services are undergoing a significant evolution. Digital identity (DI) plays a central role in shaping this transformation, offering secure, efficient, and accessible means for citizens to engage with public services. In West Virginia, where economic diversification and technological innovation are becoming state priorities, leveraging digital identity in public services promises to enhance the quality of life for residents, increase efficiency, and streamline service delivery. | | | |
Advantage Valley FASTERWV Meet the Entrepreneur! | Meet Andy Morrison, founder and owner of Business Up AI, a Marmet-based business with national reach. Business Up AI offers digital consulting services using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help businesses scale and grow. The company's services range from entry-level AI assistants for task automation to comprehensive growth acceleration packages that include business development consultation, digital marketing, and process optimization. | | | |
SBA Steps In: Vital Aid for Virginians Recovering from Tropical Storm Helene including McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, and Summers in West Virginia | |
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Virginia following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 25.
“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help small businesses and residents in Virginia impacted by this disaster in every way possible under President Biden’s disaster declaration for certain affected areas,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
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Secretary of State Mac Warner Reports 1,100 New WV Business Registrations for September of 2024 | |
The WV Secretary of State’s Office registered 1,100 new businesses statewide during the month of September according to Secretary of State Mac Warner.
McDowell County led the state in the percentage of new business growth with a total of 11 new business registrations, a 1.66% increase. The Secretary of State’s Business Division reported that Pocahontas, Raleigh, Mason and Clay County also experienced notable growth during the month.
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Advantage Valley Secures $1.6 Million Grant to Boost Manufacturing Sector | Advantage Valley, Inc. a regional economic development organization serving nine counties that comprise the Charleston-Huntington WV Metro Region, has been awarded a $1.6 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER grant to support its Expanding Markets program. This three-year project in partnership with local, state, and federal partners, is designed to diversify and create resilience in the manufacturing and business services sectors by driving growth, increasing market potential, and strengthening regional supply chains. | | | |
RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
In collaboration with the West Virginia Association of Regional Councils, and supported by the WV Economic Development Council, the NRGRDA has launched the West Virginia Child Care Economic Impact Survey to help provide an economic snapshot of the impacts that existing and prospective businesses see related to childcare. The information being collected in this survey will help identify the specific needs and concerns of businesses regarding childcare so everyone can work together to develop targeted solutions that support both the workforce and economic growth in West Virginia. To learn more, click here. | |
The EdVenture Group and the WV Dept. of Education Launches the 2024-2025 SparkWV Competition | |
SparkWV is an entrepreneurship-inspired competition designed to ignite the creativity of West Virginia’s middle and high school students. Now in its second year, SparkWV offers young innovators the chance to turn their ideas into reality, develop business skills, and compete for prizes. | |
Become a 2024-2025 SparkWV Judge! | |
We are currently seeking dedicated judges from various professional backgrounds to evaluate student ideas and provide valuable feedback. Your expertise will help inspire and motivate young minds as they develop their business concepts. By becoming a SparkWV judge, you will not only contribute to the success of students’ growth, but also play a key role in strengthening West Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and network with like-minded individuals. | |
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What's involved?
- Reviewing student businesses: Evaluate the creativity, feasibility, and potential impact of each idea.
- Providing feedback: Offer constructive suggestions and encouragement to help students refine their concepts.
- Selecting winners: Help determine the most promising ideas and award prizes.
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🚀 Calling All West Virginia Entrepreneurs! 🚀 | |
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Have a business idea or are looking to grow your existing business? This is your chance to shine! 🌟 Apply now to pitch your idea and current needs to the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (WVEE) and gain valuable exposure and support. Pitches will be heard live during the WVEE monthly meeting, held every second Tuesday from 2-2:45pm EST.
📋Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Business must be located in West Virginia.
- Must be registered for the WVEE monthly meetings.
Complete the application below for a chance to pitch. If approved, you’ll receive an email confirmation with all the details.
Link to Apply ➡️https://forms.gle/8USbD7RmQkW6aaLd9
📆 Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply today!
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Important dates and timeline:
Application Live Round 1: July 1, 2024
Application Due Date Round 1: August 12, 2024, 11:00 p.m. EST
Application Live Round 2: November 12, 2024
Application Due Date Round 2: January 7, 2025, 11:00 p.m. EST
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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Entrepreneurship is a journey riddled with obstacles that require resilience. Right to Start is addressing these hurdles, advocating for entrepreneurs and fostering a nationwide entrepreneurial spirit. This fall, Right to Start's CEO, Victor W. Hwang, will travel from California to Capitol Hill, championing entrepreneurship through a petition signed by thousands from across the country. Lend your support by signing their Statement of Principles, and help make starting and growing a business more accessible. Together, we can dismantle barriers, spur job creation, and promote wealth generation. | |
Black By God (BBG) is excited to announce the Black on the Map Project launch, an innovative initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting Black-owned businesses across West Virginia. BBG invites you to share information about Black-owned businesses in your town and announce this project to your networks to help us create a comprehensive online listing, map, and print directory. Information will be vetted and transcribed to public-facing community resources. | |
To view the full calendar of events on WV BusinessLink click here | |
To submit your events on WV BusinessLink click here | |
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ACE Exports Compliance Webinar
U.S. Commercial Service
October 28-29, 2024
This is a virtual event and will be held in two half days.
Learn More & Register
Pitch Southern West Virginia
Business Idea Competition
WV Hive
November 14, 2024
5:30pm - 8:00pm
WVU Tech
100 Mel Hancock Way
Beckley, WV 25801
Apply Now
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2024 Innovation Ecosystem Summit
U.S. Small Business Administration
November 14-15, 2024, Virtual
Registration Open Soon
Boost Berkeley: Lunch and Learn Series
Berkeley County Development Authority
- Monday, December 2, 2024
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Tuesday, June 3, 2025
11:30am - 1:00pm
Blue Ridge CTC Tech Center in Martinsburg, WV
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Episode 115: Gifted Educator Denise Workman Shares Wisdom | |
Featured Episode: Leading with Innovation: Linda Bodie's Trailblazing Role in Credit Union Evolution | |
Featured Episode: The Golden Bear Way: Dr. Tamara Smith |
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Featured Episode: Anita Whitehair: Mountain Sole Foot Care | |
Episode 31: AI at Work with Carmine Di Sibio, Former Global Chairman and CEO of EY. | |
Your window into wonderful #WestVirginia, sharing news and #opportunities from #AlmostHeaven #YesWV. | |
The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs helps you stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia. | |
The daily304’s What Makes You Wonderful podcast uncovers the wonders that make West Virginia truly extraordinary. | |
Have a podcast for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Mountain State and would like to be listed on WV BusinessLink? Contact our Program Coordinator, Mark Burdette, at mark.d.burdette@wv.gov for more information. | |
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October is Women-Owned Small Business Month
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
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RuralRISE Monthly Speaker Series - Oct. 17, 2024
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e.Builders Forum - Kansas City, MO - October 22-24, 2024
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SOCAPS Global - October 28-30, 2024 - San Francisco, CA
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West Virginia Makes Festival - November 8, 2024 - Huntington, WV
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Bridge Day 2024 - October 19, 2024 - New River Gorge Bridge - Fayetteville, WV
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2024 Innovation Ecosystem Summit - November 14-15, 2024 - Virtual
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Global Entrepreneurship Week - Nov. 18-24, 2024
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SBA SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference - December 3-5, 2024 - Austin, TX
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Bridging Innovation Week - April 28 - May, 2025 - Shepherdstown, WV
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Gov. Justice thanks Commerce Secretary James Bailey for his tenure, announces Nick Preservatti as acting replacement
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Join the Broadband Revolution: Workforce Training Programs in #YesWV - updated Oct. 10, 2024
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Eagle Manufacturing: A 125-Year Legacy in Yes, West Virginia - Sept. 24, 2024
- Gov. Justice announces $125 million investment from Babcock & Wilcox's in Mason County - Sept. 10, 2024
- Gov. Justice announces $59 million investment in Berkeley County from HandCraft Services creating 220 new jobs - Sept. 10, 2024
- Justice: $35M manufacturing facility coming to Buckhannon - Aug. 29, 2024
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State officials announce $126M investment from Babcock & Wilcox's in Mason County WV - Aug. 28, 2024
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Sec. Carmichael plans for transition after major investment wins for West Virginia - Aug. 26, 2024
- West Virginia: Becoming the Startup State - Jun. 27, 2024
- Building health innovations into companies - Meet Intermed Labs - Jun. 25, 2024
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Export resources for small business |
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Welcome to the West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub | |
Announcing the new West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub (WVDITH) blog! This platform keeps you updated on our initiatives, advancements, and positive contributions in West Virginia. We aim to boost economy, promote innovation, and improve resident lives through secure, fair digital identity technologies. | |
WV ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM | |
Looking to Start or Grow a Business in West Virginia? Entrepreneurs and small business owners in West Virginia have a unique opportunity to pitch their business ideas and current needs to the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable exposure, networking, and potential investment opportunities! | |
NEW JOB POSTING: Advantage Valley FASTER WV Entrepreneurship Program is seeking a dedicated FASTER WV Trail Towns Business Coach to join their team to help foster the growth of tourism and recreation-related businesses along the Elk River Trail System. The Business Coach will play a vital role in meeting with and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses in the designated region. They will provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to help clients succeed in their business endeavors. For key responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation information visit the following link. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter with the email subject line: FASTER WV Trail Towns Business Coach to dberry@te-associates.com. Application Deadline is October 31, 2024. | |
NEW JOB POSTING: Roane County Chamber of Commerce is hiring a new Executive Director. It's a part time position with pay at $22/hr. (20-30 hours/week). Pay based on hours. PTO negotiable upon successful completion of probationary period. Work location flexible. Office hours expected weekly in Spencer along with in-person meetings with members, elected officials, and community partners. Some evening and weekend hours required. Resumes can be emailed to roanechamber@gmail.com or mailed to Roane County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1, Spencer, WV 25276. Resumes will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Individuals who are passionate about rural communities, small businesses, and a positive economic climate are encouraged to apply. View job description and apply now on Indeed. | |
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Do you have any positions available? Contact us to have them posted here!
Interested in living and working in Almost Heaven? Then say "YES" to a career in West Virginia. Learn more about Jobcase.com/WV.
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Do you have an idea or something to include in this email?
Please email your ideas to our Program Coordinator, Mark Burdette, at
mark.d.burdette@wv.gov or feel free to call me directly at 304-352-4156.
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