CHARLESTON, 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 Boyd, Eastern Panhandle Center, West Virginia Small Business Development Center business coach

Boyd has decades of experience as an educator, executive and program manager. He led his own consulting/training company and taught college-level entrepreneurship using the SBDC business plan template, as well as business, public relations, management supervision and customer service. As an executive with an expanding corporation, Boyd was responsible for all aspects of the operation including staffing, training, marketing, budgeting, and compliance with regulatory agencies.

Doug Harper, Huntington Center, West Virginia Small Business Development Center business coach
Doug Harper, Huntington Center, West Virginia Small Business Development Center business coach

A native of West Virginia, Harper earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University. He served in management and executive roles, with experience in strategic planning, sales, key account management, budgets, distribution and warehousing for multiple locations. As an entrepreneur, he owned a franchise from a multinational chain, winning performance accolades and expanding to three new locations in three years.

To learn more about WV SBDC’s services and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit WVsbdc.com.

# # #