Starting and growing a business can be one of the most rewarding — and challenging — experiences of your life. Whether you’re just beginning to shape your dream or looking to expand your existing business, you don’t have to go it alone. That’s where the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) comes in.
The WV SBDC is a statewide network of Business Coaches who provide expert guidance to help small businesses succeed. Our services assist businesses throughout the business development process — including concept, startup, and growth. The WV SBDC partners with entrepreneurs and their businesses to leverage the resources needed to start, grow, and thrive.
Our Mission
The WV SBDC assists entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of the business lifecycle by providing technical assistance to help clients clarify goals, develop skills, and acquire resources to operate a successful small business.
Our Vision
The WV SBDC is the most trusted resource for growing West Virginia’s economy through small business success.
Your Business. Our Passion.
At the heart of the WV SBDC is a simple but powerful promise: Your Business. Our Passion.
Every business is unique, and so are the challenges it faces. That’s why WV SBDC business coaches work one-on-one with clients, providing confidential, personalized support tailored to each business’s specific needs and goals. Our no-cost coaching services help you:
- Clarify your vision
- Identify opportunities for growth
- Develop actionable plans
- Access funding sources
- Build business skills and confidence
Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling an existing operation, the WV SBDC is ready to walk with you at every stage of the journey.
Why the WV SBDC?
The WV SBDC is a nationally recognized resource for small business consulting, serving as a critical engine for West Virginia’s economic development. What sets us apart? Our team.
Most of our coaches have direct experience running or working in small businesses. They understand the real-life pressures of entrepreneurship — not just in theory, but in practice. They’ve hired staff, managed payroll, navigated market changes, and worked through tough decisions. When you work with the WV SBDC, you’re not just getting advice. You’re gaining a partner who truly understands what it takes to succeed.
Comprehensive Services for Small Businesses
Whether you’re looking to launch, stabilize, or grow, WV SBDC offers a full suite of services to meet your needs:
- Marketing: Craft strategies to reach new audiences, build your brand, and grow your customer base.
- Funding: Understand loan options, prepare financial projections, and get funding-ready.
- Business Management: Strengthen your operations, improve efficiency, and lead with confidence.
- Business Planning: Develop a clear and actionable business plan to guide your growth.
- Technology Commercialization: Turn your innovation into a viable commercial product or service.
- WV BusinessLink: Connect with a statewide network of resources for entrepreneurs.
- Human Resources: Get support with hiring, onboarding, compliance, and employee management.
- Succession Planning: Prepare for leadership transitions and protect your legacy.
- Cybersecurity: Strengthen your systems and protect your data from threats.
- Financial Analysis: Make informed decisions with expert guidance on financial reports and cash flow.
- International Trade: Explore global markets and expand your reach beyond U.S. borders.
- Government Contracting: Learn how to compete for and win federal and state contracts.
- Disaster Recovery: Build resilience and recovery plans to navigate future disruptions.
- Manufacturing: Discover trusted state and federal resources that deliver robust support and tailored services for manufacturing businesses.
Real Impact, Real Results
Each year, the WV SBDC helps hundreds of entrepreneurs across the state navigate complex business challenges, secure capital, create jobs, and build stronger communities. Whether it’s a local coffee shop, a high-tech startup, or a family-run manufacturer, the businesses we support are the backbone of West Virginia’s economy.
Who We Serve:
- Pre-Venture (idea stage): 37%
- Start-Up (operating for less than a year): 15%
- In-Business (established businesses): 48%
Client Satisfaction:
- 97.7% of clients surveyed reported being satisfied or highly satisfied with the overall service received from their Business Coach.
Our clients are not just numbers. They’re dreamers, builders, and innovators — and we are proud to be a part of their journey. Read more in our latest Impact Report.
Connect With Us Today
Becoming a West Virginia Small Business Development Center client means gaining a dedicated partner who will help you navigate the business world with clarity and confidence. From your first idea to your next expansion, we’re here for you — with coaching, resources, and an unwavering commitment to your success.
The WV SBDC, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources, and coaches.
WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from Certified Business Advisor® (CBA), Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), MBAs, design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, and exporting, along with experience in technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR and marketing.
For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.