CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is pleased to announce that Mark D. Burdette, Program Coordinator for West Virginia BusinessLink, has earned the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Mark D. Burdette
This achievement recognizes Burdette’s dedication and expertise in economic development, specifically in supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses. The EDP is designed for professionals who work with entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as those who support them via programs, networks, and approaches that foster entrepreneurial growth.
“IEDC’s EDP credential is setting the stage for ecosystem builders and entrepreneurship-led economic development leaders to drive the future of economic development for their regions,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Mark represents West Virginia’s first-ever EDP certified economic developer.”
The EDP credential and new courses were developed with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration and by a partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City SourceLink.
“Entrepreneur-focused economic development is a powerful way to spur growth. We are happy to continue supporting this initiative and look forward to seeing this next group of credentialed professionals use their skills to propel their communities forward,” said Philip Gaskin, Vice President of Entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Since assuming his role in December 2022, Mark has been instrumental in enhancing resources and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state through WV BusinessLink, an online resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect with the resources they need, when they need it.
Steve D. Johnson, State Director of WV SBDC, expressed his excitement about Burdette’s achievement, stating, “Mark’s understanding of entrepreneurship and economic development, combined with his passion for innovation, makes him an invaluable asset to our team. His EDP credential is a testament to his commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in West Virginia.”
WV BusinessLink is a service of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.
For more information about WV BusinessLink and the resources it offers, visit www.wvbusinesslink.com.
For more information about the WV SBDC, an accredited member of America’s SBDC, a federal partner with the SBA, and a division of the WV Department of Economic Development, visit www.wvsbdc.com