WV BusinessLink Newsletter for February 28, 2024

a service of the WV Small Business Development Center

a division of the WV Dept. of Economic Development

February 28, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 25

Think WV BusinessLink First

Hi there,

Me again, Mark Burdette from WV BusinessLink. Hope you are having a great week so far. Here is your weekly dose of business news and things you need to know across the great state of West Virginia. Enjoy!

SCAN, CLICK, and READ

Are you a problem solver? Subscribe to the Innovation Open Solicitations newsletter by Andy Tennant with the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) who connects the DOD with problem solvers in academia and industry.
WV Hive and WVU Tech Launch Lab announce the Spring 2024 Pitch Southern WV Competition set for April 23, 2024
Are you in the Advantage Valley region and a Food and Beverage Producer? They need your help, to help you, grow your business. Take the short 6 question survey now.
Want to secure additional capital and provide more technical assistance to Appalachian businesses? Learn how
Who doesn't love dogs? Looking for a story of hope. I got the perfect story just for you -- "Missing dog captured on trail camera 11 months after avalanche separated him from owner".
WV Broadband announces BEAD Pre-Application webinar for Feb. 29, 2024 at 9:00am. Register Now!
New River Gorge drew a record 1.7 million visitors last year. Woohoo!
Alleghany Wood Products ceasing operations
Culture of customer service creates positive economic and community development possibilities led by WV Hive | Register Now
Father turns shop keys over to son at Masters in Ronceverte, WV
Register now for the Minority Business Expo on April 4, 2024
10 predictions about the future of venture capital
New River Gorge Outdoor Industry Meet Up set for March 6, 2024 - RSVP
Two new food trailers being added to Bluefield EDA food truck incubator program
Generation WV CFO Candice Holcomb on solving 'Brain Drain' in the Mountain State
WV ranks 43rd in Best and Worst States for Entrepreneurs in 2024 according to Simplify LLC
Advantage Valley announces new board members, new FASTER WV business coach
Wheeling Heritage celebrates 30 years and renovation of Artisan Center. Congratulations!
Former Alderson Broaddus University campus revived as multi-purpose venue by Battlers Knob LLC

Thanks for reading. Onward and Upward!

Mark

Mark Burdette, EDP

Program Coordinator

WV BusinessLink

Direct: 304-352-4156

Quick Links

FEATURED BLOGS

Best and Worst States to Start a Business in 2024 (Research)

A record 5.5 million entrepreneurs launched new businesses in 2023, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This marks the third consecutive year an historic number of Americans decided to take a leap of faith and go out on their own in the business world. West Virginia ranks 43rd.

New Funding Window to Open in March for USDA Broadband Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is inviting loan and grant applications from organizations to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas in West Virginia. Program webinar will take place on March 6 for interested applicants.

RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

The Seneca Rocks Regional Development Authority is committed to promoting a vibrant local economy by facilitating the expansion & retention of existing businesses, attracting new opportunities, and fostering a climate in which businesses can thrive, while preserving the unique qualities that make Grant and Pendleton Counties a special place to live and work.

EVENTS

To view the full calendar of events on WV BusinessLink click here

To submit your events on WV BusinessLink click here

Webinar Series

Supply Chain Elements

5-Session Webinar Series

WVU Industrial Extension

Feb. 29: Session 5

The Future of the Supply Chain

Noon - 1:00pm

Presented By: Adam Lough with Orchard Street Solutions

Attendees must register for each session individually.

Other Events

New River Gorge Outdoor Industry Meet Up

Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

March 6, 2024

Starting at 5:00pm w/networking

6:00pm - 8:15pm Main Program

Gaines Estate Pavilion

Fayetteville, WV

RSVP

Tri-State MetalTech Expo

March 8, 2024

Huntington, WV

Registration is open. Reserve your table today at www.mfg.marshall.edu/metaltech

Federal Community Development Funding Training

WV Hub

Bridgeport Conference Center

March 20-21, 2024

Other Events cont.

Growing Your Business Through a Culture of Service by Zingtrain

WV Hive

March 25-26, 2024

Tamarack Conference Center

Social Media Marketing with Brianna Duckworth | Lunch & Learn

WV Hive

March 27, 2024 12pm to 1pm

Focus Forward: West Virginia's Digital Destiny

WVPEC and Benedum Foundation

March 27, 2024

9:00am-4:00pm

Spring 2024 Pitch Southern WV Competition

WV Hive & WVU Tech Launch Lab

April 23, 2024 5:30pm to 8:00pm

Stay tuned for more info

Food and Beverage Producers

Advantage Valley

April 24th from 5:30-7:30pm

Valley Park Conference Center

PODCASTS

Episode 105: J.B. Chaykowsky Shares Transformative Wisdom.

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Saran Nurse: Thriving as an Entrepreneur in Urban America.

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: James Carnes, co-founder of Iconic Air

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Jarrett Banks with Xclusive Movers.

LISTEN NOW

Your window into wonderful #WestVirginia, sharing news and #opportunities from #AlmostHeaven #YesWV.

LISTEN NOW

The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs helps you stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia.

LISTEN NOW

The daily304’s What Makes You Wonderful podcast uncovers the wonders that make West Virginia truly extraordinary.

LISTEN NOW

Episode 21: Celebrating Entrepreneurs with Steve Case, CEO of Revolution.

LISTEN NOW

Have a podcast for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Mountain State and would like to be listed on WV BusinessLink? Contact our Program Coordinator, Mark Burdette, at mark.d.burdette@wv.gov for more information.

DATES TO REMEMBER

International Women's Day - March 8, 2024
Last Day of the 2nd Session of the 86th Legislature - March 9, 2024
8th Annual Minority Business Expo - April 4, 2024
Bridging Innovation Week - April 8-11, 2024 - Huntington, WV
Spring 2024 Pitch Southern WV Competition - April 23, 2024 5:30pm to 8:00pm
National Small Business Week - April 28 - May 4, 2024
SBA Awards WV District - Tentative Dates - May 7 or May 8, 2024
SBA SBIR/STTR Road Tour - May 17, 2024 - Huntington, WV

STATE RESOURCES

Export resources for small business

SUBSCRIBE NOW

ECOSYSTEM JOB BOARDS

JUST ADDED: The WV FBLA is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. To express interest click here to apply.

JUST ADDED: NRGRDA and WV Hive are now hiring a PATTERN Coordinator to perform high-level professional work related to the development and implementation of the PATTERN textile innovation space. Click to Apply.