Plans statewide blitz of free business fundamentals workshops May 2-3
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center will kick off its celebration of entrepreneurship during National Small Business Week by offering free business fundamentals workshops throughout the state.
“Small business owners are the driving force of our economy,” said Kristina Oliver, State Director for the West Virginia SBDC. “It’s an honor to recognize the achievements of these small business owners and advocates. These leaders play a key role in building our economy – helping our state and nation move forward.”
National Small Business Week 2016 runs May 1-7 and is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The week highlights the contributions of small businesses and the people who run them.
To encourage budding entrepreneurs, the WVSBDC will waive the standard $35 fee for its Fundamentals workshops. The workshops are led by WVSBDC business coaches and include training on how to develop a business plan, how to apply for a loan and other basic skills needed to successfully start a business.
After completing the workshop, interested entrepreneurs or business owners may schedule an appointment with WVSBDC for one-on-one coaching sessions. The WVSBDC coaches provide assistance with business plan development, financial statement preparation, cash flow analysis and other services.
To register for a free workshop or to view all workshop offerings, visit WVSBDC.com and click on Training Calendar.
Monday, May 2
Hardy County: Moorefield, Suite. 2, 151 Robert C. Byrd Industrial Park Road, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Business coach Beth Ludewig, 304-530-4964, beth.m.ludewig@wv.gov.
Upshur County: Buckhannon, Upshur County Economic Development Authority, 30 East Main Street, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Business coach Susie Higgins, 304-472-1757, Susannah.v.higgins@wv.gov.
Raleigh County: Beckley, O’Dell Hall 282 Minnesota Avenue, noon to 3 p.m. Business coach Joe Carlucci, 304-767-8127, joseph.f.carlucci@wv.gov.
Mercer County: Princeton, 195 Davis Street #102, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Business coach Herald Patterson, 304-767-0532, herald.d.patterson@wv.gov.
Jefferson County: Charles Town, Eastern Panhandle Technology Innovation Center 300 South George Street, 9 a.m. – noon. Business coach Matthew Coffey, 304-546-4503, matthew.m.coffey@wv.gov.
Tuesday, May 3
Berkeley County: Martinsburg, Blue Ridge Community & Technical College Technology Center 5550 Winchester Avenue, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Business coach Mary Hott, 304-380-3279, mary.e.hott@wv.gov.
Cabell County: Huntington, Robert C. Byrd Institute 1050 Fourth Avenue, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Business coach Amber Wilson, 304-528-5616, amber.c.wilson@wv.gov.
Marion County: Fairmont, The Excelerator, 517 Fairmont Avenue, 9 a.m. – noon. Business coach Todd Crump, 304-333-6751, todd.d.crump@wv.gov.
Ohio County: Wheeling, West Virginia Northern Community College, B&O Building Room 405, 1704 Market Street, 9 a.m. – noon. Business Donna Schramm, 304-214-8973, donna.l.schramm@wv.gov.
Preston County: Kingwood, 330 E. Main Street, Suite 100, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Business coach Sharon Stratton, 304-293-5839, sharon.j.stratton@wv.gov.
Pleasants County: St. Marys, Chamber of Commerce, 309 Second Street, 9 a.m. – noon. Business coach Marsa C. Myers, 304-926-4169, marsa.c.myers@wv.gov.
Wyoming County: Pineville, 506A Riverside Drive, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Business coach Harold Patterson, 304-767-0532, harold.d.patterson@wv.gov.
Kanawha County: Charleston, Room 310, Charleston Area Alliance Building, 1116 Smith Street, 9 a.m. – noon. Business coach Terry Cyfers, 304-957-2084, terry.l.cyfers@wv.gov.
Mingo County: Williamson, Mingo County Redevelopment Authority Office, 1100 East Fourth Avenue, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Business coach Doug Spaulding, 304-957-2017, douglas.c.spaulding@wv.gov.
Putnam County: Winfield, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, 5664 State Rt. 34, 9 a.m. – noon. Business Bryan Shaw, 304-932-3816, bryan.m.shaw@wv.gov.
The WVSBDC is part of the West Virginia Development Office and creates economic impact through offering entrepreneurs and small businesses cost-effective business coaching and technical assistance. The WVSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is an Accredited Member of America’s SBDC network.