a service of the WV Small Business Development Center

a division of the WV Dept. of Economic Development

September 4, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 42

Think WV BusinessLink First

Hi there,

Me again, Mark Burdette from WV BusinessLink. On behalf of the entire WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem we would like to congratulate Ariana Shives on becoming the new Executive Director of TechConnect. We can't wait to see all the great work that she will do to advance West Virginia forward. The WV Manufacturing Conference is fast approaching. We are happy to share a discount code for those who are wanting to attend. Use WVSBDC at checkout to receive 50% off registration. REMINDER: The WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem September call is next Tuesday the 10th 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

Mark Burdette, EDP

Program Coordinator

WV BusinessLink

Direct: 304-352-4156

mark.d.burdette@wv.gov

Quick Links

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!

REGISTER NOW

FEATURED INFOGRAPHIC

FEATURED BLOG ARTICLES

Securing our Future with Ariana Shives

In this episode of Innovators and Entrepreneurs, we talk to Ariana Shives with the West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub about how her organization is leading the charge with protecting your personal information.

WATCH NOW

Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act and BOI Reporting Requirements: The Essential Guide for West Virginia Business Owners - West Virginia Small Business Development Center

As a business owner, keeping up with all the rules and regulations surrounding your business is vital. However, while meeting your company goals, interacting with clients and keeping things running, staying current on changes can take a lot of work. At the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), we can help. This Essential Guide breaks down what you need to know about the Corporate Transparency Act. Discover compliance information, important dates, and more!

READ MORE

3 Steps to Startup and WVCAP Collaboration: A Look into WVCAP's Role in Startups

In the world of startups, securing funding is often a crucial step towards success. For many young entrepreneurs in West Virginia, the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) offers a unique opportunity to get the financial support needed to bring their innovative ideas to life. In this blog post, we will explore our collaboration and the role of WVCAP in supporting startups and driving innovation in the Mountain State.

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RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

The core strategy of the VC2 program is to build resilient food and farm businesses that create real jobs throughout West Virginia by growing, buying, moving and consuming local foods. VC2 works with groups and regional organizations statewide. We work with a range of clients, including individual producers and processors, farmer organizations or groups, food hubs, local food retail stores, restaurants, distributors, economic development authorities, and more.


VC2 does not have a pre-defined program of services but is rather designed to respond to the emergent needs of our clients and partners based on their requests to us. With the support and coaching from our VC2 regional coordinators, organizations and companies submit applications for technical assistance to VC2 outlining the need and nature of the project. If the project is approved, VC2 then provides direct coaching or serves as a matchmaker – seeking out and hiring the best consultant to provide the services the organization or business needs. VC2 remains engaged throughout the project to support its successful implementation. We also coordinate with other organizations to coordinate meetings and training that will strengthen value chains and provide increased opportunity to food and farm businesses.


By nurturing a strong network of businesses ranging from production, processing, serving, agri-tourism and more, we’re supporting quality jobs, sustainable agriculture, healthy food options and valuable dollars that circulate locally.


Primary Contact:

Liberty Newbury


Address:

P.O. Box 839

Charles Town, WV 25424


Phone:

304-761-2784


Website:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/resource-navigator/detail/322979/759

CONNECT ME WITH THIS ORGANIZATION 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

🚀 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!

APPLY NOW
REGISTER NOW
REGISTER NOW
REGISTER NOW

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

DISCOVER MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE
REGISTER NOW

EVENTS

To view the full calendar of events on WV BusinessLink click here

To submit your events on WV BusinessLink click here

Statewide Virtual Job Fair

WorkForce West Virginia

September 4, 2024

1:00pm - 3:30pm

Register Now


CO.STARTERS Core Training

WV Hive

September 12-November 14, 2024

8:30am - 11:30am

Register Now


2024 West Virginia Manufacturing Conference

WVU Industrial Extension

September 24-25, 2024

Bridgeport, WV

Register Now

PODCASTS

Episode 112: Bold Business Leader Holly Fussell Shares Wisdom

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Driving Compassion: The Dual Career of Shamika Robinson

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Kate Boytek

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Mallory Moholt: Mal's Fresh Produce

LISTEN NOW

Episode Four: Well Educated

LISTEN NOW

Episode 31: AI at Work with Carmine Di Sibio, Former Global Chairman and CEO of EY.

LISTEN NOW

Episode Four: Tackling the $%B+ substitute teacher shortage with Donovan Bennett, co-founder and CEO of Milli Llama.

LISTEN NOW

Your window into wonderful #WestVirginia, sharing news and #opportunities from #AlmostHeaven #YesWV.

LISTEN NOW

The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs helps you stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia.

LISTEN NOW

The daily304’s What Makes You Wonderful podcast uncovers the wonders that make West Virginia truly ​ext​raordinary.

LISTEN NOW

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.

DATES TO REMEMBER

STATE RESOURCES & NEWS

Export resources for small business

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WV ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM

You're invited to attend The WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem call on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.


You must register to attend.


To learn more about how to get involved click here.


Also, connect with us online on our LinkedIn Group.


View WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Monthly Calls by Month



NEW - View the Most Recent WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Call Recap - August 2024

ECOSYSTEM JOB BOARDS

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.

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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Let's Work Together! Call 304-352-4156 or email mark.d.burdette@wv.gov


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