|
a service of the WV Small Business Development Center
a division of the WV Dept. of Economic Development
| |
August 1, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 40 | |
Think WV BusinessLink First | |
Improving Supply Chain by Leveraging the Power of a National Network | Supply chain is one of the most critical elements to the success of any business. Whether it’s acquiring raw materials and consumables for production or the reliance on how a business’ customers rely on those products, factors such as pricing, availability, and delivery drive success. Many smaller businesses often work with single source or sole suppliers through relationships built over time. On one hand, this can manifest from the “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” mentality while on the other hand, it may manifest from not having the time or resources to search for additional suppliers. Either way, it is important to continually look at the health of your supply chain and evaluate opportunities for improvement. | | | |
BBG Tech: The Cybersecurity Struggles of Small Rural Businesses in West Virginia - Black By God | By Aiden Satterfield -- In the digital age, small businesses face many challenges, and for those located in rural areas like much of West Virginia, cybersecurity is a critical but often overlooked threat. With limited budgets and resources, these businesses are especially vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can have devastating consequences. | | | |
Advantage Valley Inc. Wins SEDC Regional Economic Development Award | Advantage Valley, Inc’s Expanding Markets program was awarded a Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) Community and Economic Development Award for innovative Business Retention and Expansion programs. The award was presented at SEDC’s Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. The Expanding Markets Program was recognized for its impact, innovation, and community commitment in regions with populations over 100,000. This initiative is backed by a $1.3 million dollar grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and matched with $348,000 in local funding. | | | |
RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
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. | |
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. | |
Wheeling Heritage announced that applications are now open for the next Show of Hands event on September 25. Aspiring entrepreneurs and community members are encouraged to submit their applications by August 19 for an opportunity to turn their business ideas into reality. | |
🚀 Calling All West Virginia Entrepreneurs! 🚀 | |
|
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!
| |
|
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.
| |
To view the full calendar of events on WV BusinessLink click here | |
To submit your events on WV BusinessLink click here | |
|
Funding Your Small Business | Money Smart Express
U.S. Small Business Administration
August 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT
Register Now
Coffee Talks
WV Hive Network and Ascend WV
August 6, 2024
774 Court Street South Lewisburg, WV
Register Now
Ethically-Powered AI Economic & Worforce Development Panel
WV Regional Technology Park
August 12, 2024 11:30am - 1:30pm
Henderson Conference Center
South Charleston, WV
Register Now
Inspiring Innovation Speaker Series
Fresh Start Breakfast
UC Downtown Innovation Hub
Featuring Robert McCoy
President & CEO, Amherst Madison
"Why Choose Employee Ownership"
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Charleston, WV
Register Now
Money Smart: Making Your Business Bulletproof
U.S. Small Business Administration
August 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT
Register Now
| |
|
Episode 112: Bold Business Leader Holly Fussell Shares Wisdom | |
Featured Episode: Amplifying Missions - The Marketing Mastery of Morgan Robinson | |
Featured Episode: Kate Boytek |
|
Featured Episode: Ataes Aggarwal, Michelle Hopkins, and Jackie Lytton with Moodr Health | |
Episode Four: Well Educated |
|
Episode 31: AI at Work with Carmine Di Sibio, Former Global Chairman and CEO of EY. | |
Episode Four: Tackling the $%B+ substitute teacher shortage with Donovan Bennett, co-founder and CEO of Milli Llama. | |
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. | |
-
August is Black Business Month
-
IEDC's Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies Training Course - August 15-16, 2024
-
Show of Hands applications due August 19, 2024
-
ARC Annual Conference: Advancing Appalachia - September 4-5, 2024 - Chattanooga, TN
-
West Virginia Manufacturing Conference - September 24-25, 2024 - Bridgeport, WV
-
Show of Hands Event - September 25, 2024 - Wheeling, WV
-
West Virginia Makes Festival - November 8, 2024 - Huntington, WV
-
Bridge Day 2024 - October 19, 2024 - New River Gorge Bridge - Fayetteville, WV
-
Bridging Innovation Week - April 28 - May, 2025 - Shepherdstown, WV
| | |
|  |
Export resources for small business |
|
NEW JOB POSTING: The WV Hive Regional Business Advisor will provide in-depth business advising to entrepreneurs and small businesses in varying stages of development, ideation, incubation, and acceleration, and across multiple industry sectors and concentrated areas of support, including, but not limited to agriculture, technology, manufacturing, outdoor industry, hospitality/foodservice, veterans, and underrepresented communities. The position will work with the WV Hive Senior Business Advisor and Executive Director, along with the WV Hive and NRGRDA team members to perform high-level professional work related to the support of NRGRDA entrepreneurship initiatives. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and coordination skills, be tech savvy, and will confidently work with entrepreneurs and small business owners, vendors, high-level executives, funders, partners, and community members. To learn more and apply, click here. | |
NEW JOB POSTING: The NRGRDA is seeking a Redevelopment Coordinator. A successful candidate for this opportunity will possess strong project management skills, with a focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Additionally, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, alongside a deep understanding of economic development principles and community engagement strategies, are essential for driving successful outcomes in this role. To learn more and apply, click here. | |
|
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.
| |
WV ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM | |
|
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.
|
|
| What do you think of this week's email? | | | |
Did someone forward this email to you? | | | | |
