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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 4, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 45 | |
Think WV BusinessLink First | |
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Hi there,
Me again, Mark Burdette from WV BusinessLink. Happy Manufacturing Day! To celebrate check out NIST's new enhanced Manufacturing.gov website and connect with WVU Industrial Extension for all your manufacturing needs. October is dedicated to celebrating women-owned small businesses across our great nation! Today, there are more than 13 million women-owned businesses and counting. Be sure to check out all of the resources that our available in the state of West Virginia via our Resource Navigator. Here is the latest economic snapshot for the state of West Virginia. Payroll employment increased by 1,700 jobs (0.2 percent) in August. The largest gains occurred in the government sector (800 jobs), the construction industry (600 jobs), and in professional and business services (500 jobs). The only industry to shed jobs in the month was education and health services (400 jobs). ON a year-over-year basis, West Virginia payroll employment increased by 7,800 jobs (1.1 percent), on net. The most jobs were added over the year in education and health services (6,500 jobs) and construction (2,000 jobs). The industries that lost the most jobs over the past year were trade, transportation, and utilities (2,600 jobs) and manufacturing (1,000 jobs). The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent. REMINDER: The WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem October call is this coming Tuesday the 8th at 2pm. We hope to see everyone there. 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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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. | |
Why West Virginia Needs Identity Entrepreneurs | In my two roles advocating entrepreneurship in West Virginia, I often hear people say that one of the obstacles to new business growth is that West Virginia has no established culture of entrepreneurship, as its economy has historically been fueled by natural resources with large companies in the forefront. But that impression is incorrect and needs to be removed, if West Virginia is to become one of the leading champions of new business growth in the 21st century. | | | |
College Football, Tailgating, and Small Business | Whether you are rooting for the Mountaineers or the Thundering Herd, make sure you are cheering on West Virginia small businesses this football season! Small businesses are the engine of our economy. Today, there are over 33 million small businesses and startups in the United States and 99 percent of those businesses here in the Mountain State are small. More importantly, small businesses create two-thirds of net new jobs, making them crucial pillars of communities across the country. An estimated 109,300 small businesses employ nearly half of West Virginia’s workforce. | | | |
West Virginia Capital Access Program rated top ten in nation for deployment of SSBCI funds | The United States Department of Treasury released its report on the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and ranked the state of West Virginia in the top 10 nationally for management, performance and deployment of SSBCI funding. The state is currently ranked ninth in the nation for allocation of SSBCI funds, meaning the program dollars are being used efficiently to drive entrepreneurial support and growth. | | | |
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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NCWV Business Summit
Morgantown Partnership, Marion County Chamber, Preston County Chamber, and Harrison County Chamber
October 15, 2024
8:00am - 3:00pm
High Technology Foundation Bldg.
Fairmont, WV
Register Now
Live Grant Assistance Session -
Exploring the Grant Centers' Topics of Focus
West Virginia Grant Resource Centers
October 15, 2024 at 12:00pm
Register Now
Small Business Resource Fair
GVEDC and Greenbrier Chamber
October 16, 2024
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Country Roads Beer Company in White Sulphur Springs, WV
Free and Open to the Public - Registration Recommended
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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
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 114: Skip's Quips: The Power of Words | |
Featured Episode: Creating Order Out of Chaos: Gail Pitchford's New Chapter in Home Organization | |
Featured Episode: The Golden Bear Way: President T. Ramon Stuart |
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Featured Episode: Erin Cunningham - Recycleballs | |
Episode Four: Well Educated |
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Episode 31: AI at Work with Carmine Di Sibio, Former Global Chairman and CEO of EY. | |
Episode Four: Tackling the $5B+ 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. | |
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October is Women-Owned Small Business Month
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
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UEDA 2024 Summit - South Bend, IN - October 7-9, 2024
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e.Builders Forum - Kansas City, MO - October 22-24, 2024
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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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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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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: 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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