Categories for Informational Resource

people waving a flag

Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Celebrating July 4th and the American Dream in West Virginia

July 1, 2024 6:00 am

The American Dream has long been a beacon of hope for those looking to carve out their own path and achieve success through hard work and determination.The Oxford English Dictionary defines the American dream as “the ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative.” In West Virginia, this dream is alive and well, with a growing community of entrepreneurs who are taking risks, pursuing their passions and building businesses from the ground up. As we celebrate July 4th and reflect on the values of[...]

group of people networking

How Networking Can Fuel Business Growth and Increase Your Customer Base

July 1, 2024 6:00 am

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.  If you’re looking to network more effectively, here are a few ideas on how you can use networking to help grow your business… Re-connect with existing connections If it’s been a while since you’ve contacted a customer or prospective customer, chances are they’re forgotten about you and what you can offer them.[...]

Gand holding documents

Three Mistakes West Virginian Enterprises Make with AI

June 1, 2024 6:00 am

When it comes to incorporating AI into their operations, many West Virginian businesses may find themselves stumbling into common pitfalls that affect their success. As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial for enterprises in the Mountain State to stay ahead of the curve and leverage AI effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore three key mistakes that West Virginian enterprises often make with AI and how they can avoid them to drive better results for their businesses. Not Setting Clear Goals for AI Implementation Diving headfirst into the world of AI can feel like navigating the winding roads of the[...]

Unlocking Success: 3 Vital Habits Every Entrepreneur Should Adopt

May 1, 2024 6:30 am

Being an entrepreneur requires dedication, hard work and the adoption of certain habits to achieve success. In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it is crucial to cultivate habits that will help you navigate the ups and downs of building a business. In this blog post, we will explore three vital habits that every entrepreneur should adopt… Embrace Continuous Learning A hallmark of truly successful entrepreneurs is their desire to deepen their knowledge and expertise. The business landscape, characterized by its constant change and advancement, demands a proactive approach to learning. It’s important that entrepreneurs stay ahead of the latest industry[...]

How to Create and Sustain Momentum for Your Startup Through the Summer Months

May 1, 2024 6:00 am

As a startup, navigating the ups and downs of business can be challenging. However, the summer season presents a unique opportunity to harness energy and momentum to propel your startup to success. With longer days, warmer weather and a generally more relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the summer months for your business.  In this blog post, we will explore strategies for creating and sustaining momentum for your startup business during the summer season. Embracing the Summer Mindset for Startup Success The essence of summer—with its blend of leisure and vibrancy—offers the prime canvas[...]

People in a business meeting

A Step-By-Step Guide to Launching Your Startup

April 1, 2024 9:00 am

Embarking on the journey to launch a startup can be exhilarating, but scary. It requires not only a groundbreaking idea, but also a strategic plan to breathe life into your vision. With numerous factors to consider, understanding how to navigate the business landscape effectively is crucial for budding entrepreneurs.  In this blog post we want to give you a structured path to creating your startup dream and transforming it into a reality. Here’s a business startup checklist and everything you need to know… Conduct Thorough Market Research Before you launch your idea, you’ll want to deep dive into the market[...]

small businesses during rush hour

Navigating the Future: 2024 Trends in Small Business

April 1, 2024 6:00 am

The landscape for small businesses and startups is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging at a rapid pace. As we look toward 2024, understanding and adapting to these changes will be key to success. Whether you’re launching a startup or have an established small business, staying ahead of these trends can help you navigate the future with confidence.  Let’s dive into the trends that are shaping the small business environment in 2024… Embracing the Digital-First Economy In today’s rapidly changing market, small businesses must prioritize a digital-first approach to remain competitive and relevant. This transition involves more than[...]

A group of business women

Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs this International Women’s Day

March 1, 2024 12:00 am

International Women’s Day is a day of celebration–of honor and recognition for women across the globe. This day is particularly important for women in the workforce and female entrepreneurs who have overcome countless challenges and barriers to succeed in the careers of their choice.  This International Women’s Day, we recognize the power of women entrepreneurs and highlight how our program can help any woman navigate the startup landscape. And succeed at doing it! What is International Women’s Day International Women’s Day (IWD) is set aside to reflect on women’s roles and how impactful they are to society– in the home,[...]

Person reading a book at night

Unlock your creativity: Lessons from Tolkien Reading Day

March 1, 2024 12:00 am

Unleashing the dragon of creativity within your business isn’t always easy. Like Bilbo Baggins, you might need to dig deep and embark on an unexpected journey to awaken your imaginative prowess.    Just as Tolkien Reading Day celebrates the creative genius of J.R.R. Tolkien, this blog post is intended to help you spark your business creativity using principles inspired by Tolkien’s world-building techniques. Understand the Importance of Creativity in Business Embracing creativity in the business landscape is no longer an optional extra, but a crucial cornerstone of success. Infusing creative thinking into every facet of your venture, from the strategies[...]

The Edison Principle: Transforming Inspiration into Perspiration

February 1, 2024 6:00 am

One of the most famous and prolific inventors of all time, Thomas Alva Edison had a tremendous influence on modern life inventing things such as the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera, as well as improving the telegraph and telephone.  Born on February 11th, 1847 to Sam and Nancy in Milan, Ohio, Edison was known as “Al” in his youth and was the youngest of seven children.  In his 84 years, he acquired an astounding 1,093 patents and besides being an inventor, Edison also managed to become a successful manufacturer and businessman.   In honor of his[...]