Categories for Startups
Coe’s Country Store: A Study in Rural Collaboration
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
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[...]
National Old Stuff Day: What Kind Of Old Stuff Are You Holding Onto In Your Business?
Every year, on March 2nd, we celebrate National Old Stuff Day. This day is dedicated to the appreciation and reflection of the things we hold onto from our past, whether physical items, memories, or old practices. As a business owner, it’s essential to consider the old stuff you have accumulated over the years and whether it’s still serving a purpose in your business. This blog will discuss the types of old stuff you may be holding onto and what you can do about it. In this blog, you’ll learn: The importance of National Old Stuff Day for entrepreneurs and startups[...]
March is Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women and Businesses That Changed a Generation
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s worth exploring the rich history of female entrepreneurship in West Virginia and how West Virginian female-owned businesses are making a difference. From the strong sense of community support to the numerous resources and opportunities available to women entrepreneurs, this region has all the ingredients for success. In this blog, we will examine the factors that contribute to the success of West Virginian female-owned businesses and why it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in business. In this blog, you’ll learn: The significance of Women’s History Month and its celebration[...]
WVCAP Client Spotlight: Buzz Foods.
Buzz Foods is a locally-owned and operated business in Charleston, WV that has been providing world-class meat and seafood to chefs in hotels, resorts, and other establishments since 1938. The company is currently owned and operated by Dickinson Gould, who is the 3rd generation to own and operate the business. With a reputation for providing honest food, advice, and service, Buzz Foods is a trusted name in the industry. In this blog, you’ll learn: How West Virginia Capital Access Program helps small businesses and startups looking to get funded How WVCAP client Buzz Foods used the Collateral Support program to[...]
Groundhog Day: How To Avoid Repetition & Take Action To Meet Your Business Goals
The movie Groundhog Day tells the story of a weatherman who is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. While the movie is a comedy, repetition, and stagnation can be too real for many business owners. Just like the weatherman in the movie, you can break out of the cycle and achieve your goals. This blog post will explore identifying signs of repetition and the importance of setting specific goals and taking action to meet your business goals. In this blog, you’ll learn: How you can identify signs of repetition in your business and[...]
How To Review Your Business’s Performance in 2022 & Prepare For The Year Ahead
With the new year just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about analyzing your business performance in 2023. As the business world continues to evolve, companies need to track their performance and adjust as needed. This means understanding where you are now, where you want to be, and how to get there. In this article, we will discuss the key components of analyzing your business performance and provide actionable tips for improving your results in 2022. In this blog, you’ll learn: How to determine which goals are most useful for the year ahead & what you should[...]
How To Prepare Your Business For The End of the Year
As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how you can prepare your business for the future. Here are a few things you can do to get started: Evaluate your current marketing strategy and objectives. Are you on track to achieve your goals? If not, what can you do differently in the coming year? In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can prepare your business for the end of the year. Take stock of your inventory and make sure you have enough to meet customer demand during the holiday season. Review your budget and[...]
Raking Up The Leaves: How To Prepare Your Business For Winter
As the weather gets colder and we move closer to winter, it’s important to start thinking about how this will impact your business operations. There are a few key things you can do to make sure your business is prepared for winter weather. Take the time to investigate what will help your employees save more money and how your customers can enjoy their online or physical shopping experiences as the snow falls and the ice builds up. In this blog, we’ll give you some additional strategies to prepare your business for winter (not just raking up the leaves found on[...]
In Honor of Thanksgiving
The season of Fall is a time for change. The leaves change color, the weather gets cooler, and people’s routines often change as well. Fall is also a season of gratitude. This is the time of year when people often reflect on what they are thankful for, and businesses look for new opportunities to grow and expand. Gratitude is good for our mental and physical health. It can help reduce stress, improve our moods, and increase our overall sense of well-being. In honor of thanksgiving, 3 Steps To Startup would like to share what we’re thankful for and how we[...]