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a service of the WV Small Business Development Center
a division of the WV Dept. of Economic Development
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March 26, 2024 | Volume 3, Issue 28 | |
Think WV BusinessLink First | |
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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. Wednesday, March 27th is the last day to register for Bridging Innovation. Be sure to secure your spot. Now let's get into this week's newsletter.
SCAN, CLICK, and READ
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Bridging Innovation Week kicks off with Seeds for Growth: Building Black Business in West Virginia on Monday, April 8, 2024. Register Now!
- Huntington Chamber After Hours Open to Public, Monday, April 8, 2024 from 5-7pm. Register/Pay in advance.
- You're invited to attend the Country Roads Angel Network annual member meeting at Bridging Innovation on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Register Now!
- Happy Hour with Victor Hwang and the Right to Start Team at Bridging Innovation on Tuesday, April 9, 2023. Register Now!
- Calling all veteran founders! Veterans Meetup at Black Sheep in Huntington, WV, Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 5-6pm. Register Now!
- Be sure to check out all of the Tuesday Night Meet-Ups as part of Bridging Innovation in Huntington, WV April 9, 2024.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS: NACIE releases "Competitiveness Through Entrepreneurship: A Strategy For U.S. Innovation" report and recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce
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WV TRAIL's new executive director aims to advance outdoor opportunities
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So Bad It's Good: Why consumers love the worst stuff
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OPINION: Mergers and acquisitions ready for a rebound by entrepreneur, Xavier Staggs
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Novelis to close Buckhannon plant
- What it will take to make homes affordable again for millions of Americans
- More and more industries are adopting "dynamic pricing" and consumers aren't happy
- Livestream the total eclipse on April 8, 2024
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Broadband expansion announced for Randolph and Tucker counties
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NEW JOB POSTING: Partner Community Capital is seeking an Energy Program Manager to join their growing team. Here is the link to the position and how candidates can apply.
- Refurbished Tygart Hotel reopens in Elkins
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WV Hive, WVU Tech Launch Lab extend deadline for entries for 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition to March 31, 2024
Thanks for reading. Onward and Upward!
Mark
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Mark Burdette, EDP
Program Coordinator
WV BusinessLink
Direct: 304-352-4156
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Liquid Death, the “goth kid of canned water” made a splash earlier this week with a $67 million funding round that brought its valuation to $1.4 billion — double what it achieved 2 years ago, giving the punky startup coveted unicorn status.
Investors backing the deal include actor Josh Brolin and entertainment company Live Nation, which has helped supercharge growth thanks to an exclusive supply deal that they’ve had with the company since 2021. The water brand is now stocked at more than 110,000 outlets across the US and UK, and recorded $263 million in scanned retail sales last year.
Liquid Death’s appeal appears to derive in part from its #DeathToPlastic environmental ethos (their website describes cans as “infinitely recyclable”), as well as its dark marketing flair, with the company listing products like "Grim Leafer" and "Berry It Alive" under its tagline, “murder your thirst”.
At a time when other water brands went minimalist, Liquid Death leaned into a tongue-in-cheek metal morbidity that has paid off on social media, particularly with the increasingly sober Gen Z. Viral pranks and celebrity collaborations such as a Steve-O voodoo doll have helped amass more than 8 million followers across its platforms, including some 5 million on TikTok alone — more than quadruple the total for Evian, the next most followed water brand.
Next time you aren’t sure your business idea is radical or innovative enough: Liquid Death is worth more than $1 billion and they just sell canned water.
Source: Chartr
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RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
To view the full calendar of events on WV BusinessLink click here | |
To submit your events on WV BusinessLink click here | |
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Kauffman Fast Trac
Advantage Valley
March 21 - April 4, 2024
Thursdays 5:30-8:00pm
Montgomery City Hall
Register Now
Social Media Marketing with Brianna Duckworth | Lunch & Learn
WV Hive
March 27, 2024 12pm to 1pm
Register Now
Focus Forward: West Virginia's Digital Destiny
WVPEC and Benedum Foundation
March 27, 2024
9:00am-4:00pm
Register Now
2024 Spring Minority Business Expo
Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs
April 4, 2024
10am-2pm
Ranson Civic Center in Ranson, WV
Register Now
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Livestream the total eclipse
April 8, 2024
Business Basics
Unlimited Future
April 9, 2024
6:00pm EST
Huntington, WV
Register Now
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
Register Now
SBIR Road Tour
TechConnect, MAMC, WV SBDC
May 17, 2024 at 11:00AM
Huntington, WV
Register Now
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Episode 106: Dawne Jacoby Shares Wisdom for Healing | |
Featured Episode: Saran Nurse: Thriving as an Entrepreneur in Urban America | |
Featured Episode: Beverly White, Mayor of Lewisburg, WV |
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Featured Episode: Peyton Ballard with Ballard Consulting Group | |
Episode One: You Call That Art? |
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Episode 21: Celebrating Entrepreneurs with Steve Case, CEO of Revolution.
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Elsewhere Alpha is a weekly podcast that explores ways to attract private capital outside of the major hubs like NY, CA, and MA in places like WV. | |
Your window into wonderful #WestVirginia, sharing news and #opportunities from #AlmostHeaven #YesWV. | |
The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs helps you stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia. | |
The daily304’s What Makes You Wonderful podcast uncovers the wonders that make West Virginia truly extraordinary. | |
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. | |
- March is Women's History Month
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8th Annual Minority Business Expo - April 4, 2024 - Ranson, WV
- Livestream the total eclipse on April 8, 2024
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Bridging Innovation Week - April 8-11, 2024 - Huntington, WV
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Spring 2024 Pitch Southern WV Competition - April 23, 2024 5:30pm to 8:00pm
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National Small Business Week - April 28 - May 4, 2024
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SBA Awards WV District - Tentative Dates - May 7 or May 8, 2024
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SBA SBIR/STTR Road Tour - May 17, 2024 - Huntington, WV
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Export resources for small business | |
NEW JOB POSTING: Partner Community Capital is seeking an Energy Program Manager to join their growing team. Here is the link to the position and how candidates can apply. | |
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Do you have any positions available? Contact us to have them posted here!
Interested in living and working in Almost Heaven? Then say "YES" to a career in West Virginia. Learn more about Jobcase.com/WV.
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WV ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM | |
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Do you have an idea or something to include in this email?
Please email your ideas to our Program Coordinator, Mark Burdette, at
mark.d.burdette@wv.gov or feel free to call me directly at 304-352-4156.
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