State’s Small Business Development Center earns national accreditation
October 13, 2021State's Small Business Development Center earns national accreditation CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) has earned full accreditation from the Association of Small Business Development Centers. Federal statutes mandate the accreditation review once every five years to continue program eligibility and funding. America’s SBDC is the national accrediting body for Small Business Development Centers under contract from the U.S. Small Business Administration. “The goal of accreditation is the long-term continuous improvement of the organization,” said WV SBDC State Director Debra Martin. “Earning the accreditation also assures our clients and partners of the tremendous value of...
“Come In, We’re Open” campaign to rally support for small businesses extends through Dec. 31
September 30, 2021“Come In, We’re Open” campaign to rally support for small businesses extends through Dec. 31 CHARLESTON, WV — The “Come In, We’re Open” campaign launched in June by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is now being extended through the end of 2021. The campaign encourages small business owners to showcase that they are open and ready for West Virginians to show them support. To participate, small business owners can download, print or pick up a “Come In, We’re Open” sign, hang it somewhere visible in their storefronts, and then post to their social media channels with...
SBDC Business Coach Sharon Stratton receives 2021 WV SBDC State Star award
September 21, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Business Coach Sharon Stratton is being honored as West Virginia’s 2021 State Star, announced Debra Martin, state director for the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC). Stratton joins the ranks of honorees from each state who were announced in August 2021 by America’s SBDC. The State Stars will be recognized during the America’s SBDC virtual annual conference, Sept. 21 – 24, 2021. The criteria for State Stars include being an exemplary performer, making a significant contribution to their state or SBDC program, and showing a strong commitment to small business. Sharon Stratton, WV SBDC Business Coach, Northern Region “This...
WV SBDC appoints Tyler Brandstetter as FASTER WV Business Launch specialist
August 23, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, names Tyler Brandstetter as FASTER WV Business Launch specialist. FASTER WV stands for Fostering Advantages for Startups for Entrepreneurial Resurgence in West Virginia. An initiative of Advantage Valley, FASTER WV aims to launch more new businesses and grow existing businesses in targeted sectors such as outdoor recreation, healthcare and small manufacturing. The program prepares potential entrepreneurs with skills, one-on-one business coaching and access to capital through a loan fund. FASTER WV focuses on Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam...
WV SBDC names Michael Boyd and Doug Harper as new business coaches in statewide network
August 9, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, announces the appointments of two new business coaches. Michael Boyd leads the Eastern Panhandle Center. Based in Martinsburg, the center focuses on small businesses in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. Doug Harper heads the Huntington Center, primarily covering Cabell, Mason Lincoln, and Wayne counties. “Both Michael and Doug have first-hand experience as successful executives and entrepreneurs,” said WV SBDC Director Debra Martin. “They will help small businesses connect with the tools, talents and resources they need to succeed.” Michael...
WV SBDC names Buc Hammer as new business coach in Potomac Highlands
July 8, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), a division of West Virginia Department of Economic Development, announces Robert "Buc" Hammer is joining the agency as its new business coach in the Potomac Highlands. Based on the campus of Potomac State College in Keyser, the Potomac Highlands Center provides WV SBDC services in Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Pendleton and Tucker counties Robert "Buc" Hammer, new WV SBDC business coach in the Potomac Highlands. “The Potomac Highlands region is home to tremendous economic potential, with its agriculture, scenic and recreational tourism attractions, and technology such as the Hyperloop...
WV SBDC announces new regional coordinator positions to enhance delivery of coaching services
June 28, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) announces the creation of three regional coordinator positions. A division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the WV SBDC serves the state’s small businesses, from entrepreneurs with start-up concepts to established companies ready to expand, and every point in between. WV SBDC heads a statewide network of business coaches who provide no-cost, one-on-one consultations, training and connections to financial, technological, and other resources. “Regional coordinators will provide leadership to help achieve our vision of being the most trusted resource to grow West Virginia’s economy through small business success," said...
WV SBDC names Mary Hott as Innovation-Technology program coordinator
June 22, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, has named Mary Hott as the new Innovation-Technology program coordinator. Mary Hott, West Virginia Small Business Development Center Innovation-Technology program coordinator The WV SBDC In-Tech program focuses on small technology-driven businesses in West Virginia. It helps enterprises to develop strategies and reduce risks around the commercialization of new products, services and processes. In-Tech also provides support in areas such as prototype development, product evaluation, business planning and applications to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). The federal SBIR/STTR programs are among...
West Virginia Small Business Development Center launches “Come In, We’re Open” campaign to encourage support for local small businesses
June 17, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the economy in West Virginia continues to reopen, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is encouraging people to support small businesses through the “Come In, We’re Open” campaign which launched today. “The ‘Come In, We’re Open’ message is an invitation for West Virginians to head out into their communities and visit the small businesses found there,” said WV SBDC Director Debra Martin. “Throughout the pandemic, small business owners have adapted and persevered and continue to be the backbone of our economy. As West Virginia reopens, it’s critical that small businesses receive enough support to...
WV SBDC names Beth Fish as new business navigator
June 1, 2021CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, announced on Thursday that Beth Fish is joining the agency as its new business navigator. As business navigator, Fish will connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with services provided by the WV SBDC, coordinate the agency's Business Ask Me! Line and collaborate with WV SBDC business coaches and local, state and federal resources, all in an effort to help small businesses start, expand and succeed. Beth Fish, WV SBDC business navigatorFish will also support the WV SBDC's recently launched...