Categories for Startups

Woman looking out to the distance.

Embrace Ride the Wind Day: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Uncertainty

August 8, 2023 1:47 pm

Ride the Wind Day, celebrated annually on August 23rd, encourages us to embrace the idea of letting go and allowing life’s currents to guide us. It’s a reminder to find tranquility amid uncertainty and to focus on what we can control while letting go of the things beyond our influence. On this day, we will explore the significance of this timeless quote and how it can inspire us to lead a more peaceful and fulfilling life. In this blog, you’ll learn:  How to find serenity in uncertain times by embracing the realist’s approach of adjusting your sails to navigate life’s[...]

People around a desk

National Professional Speakers Day: Elevate Your Business Communication

August 8, 2023 1:46 pm

Every year, on National Professional Speakers Day, we celebrate the power of effective communication and its profound impact on businesses. This occasion provides us with an opportunity to explore how embracing the art of public speaking can revolutionize your approach to networking, promoting your business, and delivering an impressive elevator pitch. By honing your speaking skills, you can connect with potential clients, build lasting relationships, and ultimately take your business to new heights. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of National Professional Speakers Day and explore practical tips to become an efficient and impactful speaker.  [...]

Side Hustle

Declare Your Own Independence Day: How to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Full-Time Gig

July 1, 2023 9:00 am

Have you ever dreamed of breaking free from the monotony of traditional employment? Do you yearn for the autonomy to pursue your passions and control your own destiny? If so, it’s time to declare your own independence day by turning your side hustle into a full-time gig. In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take to transform your side hustle into a thriving business and achieve the financial and personal freedom you desire. In this blog, you’ll learn: Understand and harness the potential of a side hustle to explore passions, develop skills, and generate additional income.[...]

Geekiness

Embrace Your Geekiness: Celebrating July 13th

July 1, 2023 9:00 am

On July 13th, a special day arrives that encourages us to let our inner geek shine bright. Embrace Your Geekiness Day is a celebration of all things nerdy, quirky, and wonderfully geeky. It’s an opportunity to embrace our unique interests, passions, and knowledge without fear of judgment. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of geek culture, explore the reasons why embracing our geekiness is important, and provide tips on how to fully celebrate this extraordinary day. In this blog, you’ll learn: Significance of Embrace Your Geekiness Day: Celebrate and embrace geekiness, breaking free from societal expectations[...]

Happy West Virginia Day: How WV Small Businesses Are Making Their Mark

June 2, 2023 9:00 am

On June 20th, we celebrate West Virginia Day – a day to reflect on the state’s history, culture, and achievements. Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia has much to be proud of. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways in which our state’s small businesses have thrived in the face of adversity, and the role that entrepreneurialism and innovation have played in driving growth and prosperity. In this blog, you’ll learn: The impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in the US and West Virginia How West Virginia’s small businesses have been[...]

WVCAP Client Spotlight: Endolumik

June 1, 2023 9:00 am

West Virginia has a thriving startup scene, with several companies making groundbreaking discoveries and bringing innovative products to the market. One of these companies is Endolumik, a Morgantown-based surgical device company. Companies like Endolumik are succeeding in part thanks to new grants and funding opportunities offered by the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) and associated programs that administer its grants.   In this blog, you’ll learn: What the West Virginia Capital Access Program is and how it helps small businesses How strategic partnerships with economic development organizations like the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust help small businesses achieve their[...]

Going Solo: How To Be A Solopreneur That Actually Gets Things Done

May 9, 2023 9:00 am

In recent years, more and more people have opted to become self-employed and work as solopreneurs. While self-employment offers many advantages, it also presents unique challenges that can impact a solopreneur’s ability to get things done. In this article, we will explore the impact of being a solopreneur on productivity, efficiency, time management, and some WV resources for solo entrepreneurs. In this blog, you’ll learn: The rise of self-employment and the advantages it offers The challenges faced by solopreneurs The impact of being a solopreneur on productivity and efficiency and how to make the best use of your valuable time[...]

WVCAP Client Spotlight: Americarbon Enterprises, LLC

May 2, 2023 9:00 am

West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT), in partnership with C.C. Dickinson Family Holdings and PointSquared Ventures, has announced the closing of initial capital investment into AmeriCarbon Enterprises, LLC. Morgantown-based AmeriCarbon has developed a patented and proprietary Eco-PitchTM chemical process that produces a tailored carbon pitch material. In this blog, you’ll learn: What the West Virginia Capital Access Program is and how it helps small businesses How strategic partnerships with economic development organizations like the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust help small businesses achieve their goals How seed investments, like the one led by the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust for[...]

Coe’s Country Store: A Study in Rural Collaboration

April 18, 2023 9:00 am

On a sparkling day at the tail end of winter Woodlands Development & Lending joined Nicole Coe and a host of her family and supporters to cut the ribbon on her new business: Coe’s Country Store, in French Creek, WV in Upshur County. Coe’s Country Store is a convenience store designed to meet the needs of a remote, rural area. The large, clean building, nestled 24 miles south of the county seat, Buckhannon, stocks all the expected snack and drink favorites but also features a rotating selection of locally made favorites like BBQ, hot dogs, biscuits & gravy, and even fresh[...]

Why Businesses Should Tackle the Hard Tasks (That Make an Impact) Instead of the Easy Ones

April 1, 2023 9:00 am

As the old saying goes, “nothing worth having comes easy.” In the world of business, this couldn’t be more true. It’s often the hardest tasks that make the biggest impact on a company’s success. However, it can be easy to fall into the trap of working on the easy tasks and avoiding the harder, more impactful ones. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s important for businesses to tackle hard tasks, and we’ll offer some tips on staying on track and prioritizing the tasks that will have the greatest impact. In this blog, you’ll learn: Explanation of why easy[...]