January 3, 2023
If your New Year’s resolution was to finally pursue that business you have been dreaming of, or to find more resources to expand your current business, the Greenbrier Valley EDC has you covered. Through our programs and network of partners we’re here to help you find the resources you need to help you reach your business development goals. We’ll break these down for you in this month’s blog.
Coaching, Technical Assistance, and Training
The WV Hive Network has a large service footprint in Southern West Virginia and serves all Greenbrier Valley counties. Entrepreneurs who have a business idea or existing small business owners scaling toward growth can both find assistance from this program that provides one-on-one coaching, business plan assistance, and technical assistance in marketing, accounting, legal issues, and other areas. Their CO.STARTERS trainings are phenomenal – a great starting point for inexperienced and seasoned business owners alike.
The WV Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) and their regional business coaches provide targeted and local assistance for startups and existing businesses. They have an office at our Maxwelton facility. Training options include an online business fundamental course, accessible anytime, and others designed by subject matter experts to meet the business community needs. The WVSBDC is a division of the WV Department of Economic Development and so can assist business owners in navigating the various state regulatory agencies associated with that business. Assistance in obtaining financing is a strength of the program, particularly with SBA guaranteed loans.
The WV Women’s Business Center also operates state-wide to empower women and other groups that traditionally face barriers to starting and growing businesses. One on one coaching and training are also provided, as well as a mentorship program that pairs small business owners with experienced professionals to provide some first-hand insight into business issues. The center is a part of Partner Capital, a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), that has several innovative programs for financing and technical assistance for the small business owner.
And, for businesses within the Mon Forest Towns footprint, Woodlands Development & Lending, has programs geared for small business growth, as well as financing options for Pocahontas County businesses.
Exports
For businesses looking to expand to international markets, WV’s export representatives are ready to help. Schedule a time to chat with the experts to understand export resources, how you can utilize WV’s STEP Grants to dive into new markets, and even attend trade missions.
Prototypes
And for those interested in working on a manufactured product or process, RCBI, based in Huntington has facilities and programs that help entrepreneurs get help with prototypes and small batch manufacturing.
Online Resources
If this seems like a lot, it is. But that is only good news for our small businesses! And there’s more!
To provide a menu of options for small businesses, WV has launched an online database of resources: WV Business Link. Bookmark this page, you’ll be glad you did.
Another WV resource, 3 Steps 2 Startup, serves as a virtual incubator for innovative WV companies. Find technical assistance opportunities and how to access the new WV Capital Access Program funding.
And if you want to learn more about entrepreneurship, but you’re not yet ready to take up that class in person, consider spending some time at the Small Business Administration (SBAs) online library or take a self-paced course – we really like Kaufmann’s FASTRAC.
Finding a Site for your Business
While the Greenbrier Valley EDC works to make sites attractive for business recruitment, we also keep tabs on all the commercial properties in the area to ensure that every business – especially those grown right here in the Greenbrier Valley have the perfect spot to start and grow. Check out our online property resources.
Financing
To include all the financial products available to small businesses, we’ll need another blog. And that blog is on our to-do list for 2023. In the meantime, check out the WV Capital Access Program, WV EDA, SBA Guaranteed Loans, and our own microloans.
We’d love to hear from you and how we can help you keep that resolution to start or grow a business this year in the Greenbrier Valley. Navigating all the resources and working with you to find the one (or two, or three…) that fits your needs is part of what we do best.
