WV BusinessLink Newsletter for July 16, 2024

a service of the WV Small Business Development Center

a division of the WV Dept. of Economic Development

July 16, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 38

Think WV BusinessLink First

Hi there,

Me again, Mark Burdette from WV BusinessLink. It's hard to believe we are halfway through 2024. Where does the time go? I trust everyone is enjoying their summer with some much needed time off, or tackling that important house project, or trying to beat the heat relaxing by the pool. Whatever you are doing to make memories this summer, have fun, be safe, and stay hydrated. Now, let's get into the latest edition of the WV BusinessLink newsletter. Enjoy!

SCAN, CLICK, and READ

Small Business Optimism Creeps up but Inflation Concerns Persist
WELCOME: Cincinnati transplants tap into Clendenin craft beer business
APPLICATIONS OPEN: Build Up Berkeley Registration is Now Open
EVENT ALERT: Learn more about Advantage Valley's involvement with the LIFT Center and Charleston's future Food Enterprise Incubator on July 17th at 5:30pm at Area34. Register Now
Meet Zachary Edgell, Owner of EdgeConnect featured by Advantage Valley
JUST IN: Victory for California Anti-Spam Entrepreneur
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of West Virginia
An overview of SBA's new Investing in America Small Business Hub and how you can benefit
What "Made in America" means for your small business
New vintage store will offer curated shopping experience
Charleston furniture store closing after more than a century in business
Marshall University's new cyber security director says he's ready to help the school lead the way in the industry
The EdVenture Group, Inc. awarded a $4.4 million U.S. Dept. of Education grant to expand family engagement initiatives in West Virginia
SBA announces $3 million in new grant funding to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure for emerging small businesses
Eng named interim dean of the Lewis College of Business at Marshall University
Buzz Foods closes S.S. Logan Packing facility in Huntington.

Thanks for reading. Onward and Upward!

Mark

Mark Burdette, EDP

Program Coordinator

WV BusinessLink

Direct: 304-352-4156

mark.d.burdette@wv.gov

Quick Links

FEATURED BLOG ARTICLES

Berkeley County Development Authority Announces Build-Up Berkeley Pitch Competition for Local Businesses

The Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA) recently announced its Build-Up Berkeley Competition, an initiative that aims to help new and existing businesses learn to thrive in Berkeley County, that registration is now open for their 2024 pitch competition.

How Networking Can Fuel Business Growth and Increase Your Customer Base

Even in a digital age like we live in today, networking is still a vital marketing tool to launching and growing a business. If you’re not embracing the power of networking, profit margins and customer numbers can dip because you’re not making new connections on a regular basis.

RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

The University of Charleston Downtown Innovation Hub is home to Charleston’s only business accelerator program. This program contributes to the economic growth of our state and provides opportunities for West Virginia businesses to reach new heights.

At the UC Downtown Innovation Hub (DIH) we know you strive to be a sophisticated business owner. To do that, you need a systematic way to grow your business. The problem is that many hats make you feel like you are not keeping up, let alone getting ahead. We know you started your business with a passion for what you do. We know you want to grow your business into the vision that inspired your startup. Life is too short for that passion and vision to be drowned out by the constant struggle to stay on top of your competing responsibilities. We can relate. After working with dozens of growth companies from startups to multi-million-dollar enterprises, we have developed a systems approach that brings clarity to business management, enabling you to scale up and grow your business.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROGRAM

EVENTS

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

To submit your events on WV BusinessLink click here

Local Food & Beverage Producers Networking Event

Advantage Valley

July 17, 2024 at 5:30pm

Area34 971 WV-34

New Investing in America Small Business Hub Overview

Small Business Majority and SBA

July 17, 2024 at 2:00pm EDT

Live Grant Assistance Session

West Virginia Grant Resource Centers

July 23, 2024 at 12:00pm EDT

ABC's of SBIR/STTR: Program Goals, Eligibility: Is it for you?

TechConnect and WV SBDC

July 24, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

2024 Annual Conference

WV Association of Regional Councils

July 29-31, 2024

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

Coffee Talks

WV Hive Network and Ascend WV

August 6, 2024

774 Court Street South Lewisburg, WV

Inspiring Innovation Speaker Series

Fresh Start Breakfast

UC Downtown Innovation Hub

Featuring Robert McCoy

President & CEO, Amherst Madison

"Why Choose Employee Ownership"

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Charleston, WV

Small Business, Big Impact - What "Made in America" means for your small business

Small Business Majority

August 14, 2024 at 2:00pm EDT

WV SBIR/STTR: Contracting vs Granting Agencies

TechConnect and WV SBDC

August 21, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

WV BusinessLink Lunch and Learn for Main Street and On Trac Organizations

WV BusinessLink

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 12pm EDT

Faster WV's Kauffman Fast Trac

Advantage Valley

August 22, 2024 at 5:30pm EDT

2024 West Virginia Manufacturing Conference

WVU Industrial Extension

September 24-25, 2024

Bridgeport, WV

PODCASTS

Episode 111: Hall of Fame Broadcaster Tony Caridi Shares Wisdom

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Tamara Rush: A Businesswoman who Champions Community Service and Advocacy

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Kate Boytek

LISTEN NOW

Featured Episode: Tony Vincent: Ultimate Roofing LLC

LISTEN NOW

Episode Four: Well Educated

LISTEN NOW

Episode 31: AI at Work with Carmine Di Sibio, Former Global Chairman and CEO of EY.

LISTEN NOW

Episode Four: Tackling the $%B+ substitute teacher shortage with Donovan Bennett, co-founder and CEO of Milli Llama.

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

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

July is National Independent Retailer Month
WV Association of Regional Councils 2024 Annual Conference - July 29-31, 2024
ARC Annual Conference: Advancing Appalachia - September 4-5, 2024 - Chattanooga, TN
West Virginia Manufacturing Conference - September 24-25, 2024 - Bridgeport, WV
West Virginia Makes Festival - October 11, 2024 - Huntington, WV
Bridge Day 2024 - October 19, 2024 - New River Gorge Bridge - Fayetteville, WV
Bridging Innovation Week - April 28 - May, 2025 - Shepherdstown, WV

STATE RESOURCES

Export resources for small business

Global Diversity Mission Generates Export Opportunities for West Virginia Businesses

SUBSCRIBE NOW

ECOSYSTEM JOB BOARDS

NEW JOB POSTING: The WV Hive Regional Business Advisor will provide in-depth business advising to entrepreneurs and small businesses in varying stages of development, ideation, incubation, and acceleration, and across multiple industry sectors and concentrated areas of support, including, but not limited to agriculture, technology, manufacturing, outdoor industry, hospitality/foodservice, veterans, and underrepresented communities. The position will work with the WV Hive Senior Business Advisor and Executive Director, along with the WV Hive and NRGRDA team members to perform high-level professional work related to the support of NRGRDA entrepreneurship initiatives. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and coordination skills, be tech savvy, and will confidently work with entrepreneurs and small business owners, vendors, high-level executives, funders, partners, and community members. To learn more and apply, click here.

NEW JOB POSTING: The NRGRDA is seeking a Redevelopment Coordinator. A successful candidate for this opportunity will possess strong project management skills, with a focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Additionally, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, alongside a deep understanding of economic development principles and community engagement strategies, are essential for driving successful outcomes in this role. To learn more and apply, click here.