5 Metrics Every West Virginia Startup Should Track
If you’re growing a business in West Virginia, you already know the hustle: long hours, lean budgets, and big dreams. Whether you’re selling handmade products in your hometown or building a tech platform from your basement, one thing is true: understanding your numbers will make your next move smarter. We work with founders across the state who are learning to track metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost and Burn Rate, not because they want to be accountants, but because they want their businesses to last. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five essential metrics. If you’re looking to grow, pitch[...]
From Side Hustle To Startup: When To Take The Leap
Ding! That end-of-day email notification hits, and just like that, your full-time job is done. But if you’re anything like the entrepreneurs we talk to here at 3 Steps to Startup, the real work is just beginning. We hear it all the time: “I clock out, grab a coffee, and dive right back in working on my business, sending out orders, planning content, and following up with customers.” Sound familiar? If you’re juggling a 9–5 while building something that feels like your true calling, you’re in good company. The question is: when do you stop calling it a side hustle[...]
Starting a Business in West Virginia? Here’s What Most Entrepreneurs Get Wrong — And How You Can Avoid It
Let’s be real, starting your own business is exciting, but it can also feel like stepping into unknown territory. If you’ve ever had that moment where you think, “Am I missing something huge here?”, you’re definitely not alone. The truth is, most new entrepreneurs, especially in West Virginia, make the same handful of mistakes and it’s often not because they aren’t capable or motivated. It’s because no one told them what to watch out for. That’s why we’re sharing some of the most common mistakes people make when launching a business and how you can sidestep them before they trip[...]
Breaking Barriers: How Women Entrepreneurs in West Virginia Can Access Capital and Grow Their Business
Starting a business takes courage, and for women in West Virginia, it often comes with a few extra hurdles. Whether it’s finding funding, getting noticed, or navigating the day-to-day ups and downs of running a business, women entrepreneurs face challenges that can make it feel like the odds are stacked against them. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it alone. Here at 3 Steps to Startup, we’ve seen women across the state build successful businesses by tapping into the right resources and staying connected to a strong community. If you’re ready to take that next step, let’s[...]
Smart Money Moves: Financial Planning Strategies for Startups in 2025
Dreaming of launching your startup but worried about the financial hurdles? You’re not alone. Across West Virginia, entrepreneurs are turning bold ideas into thriving businesses—yet without a solid financial strategy, even the best ideas can stall. Let’s break down how to build a startup that’s not just innovative but also financially unstoppable. The Importance of Financial Planning for Startups The thrill of launching a startup is unmatched, but nothing disrupts that excitement faster than financial mismanagement. Poor financial planning is a leading cause of startup failure—a harsh reality for many founders. To ensure your startup’s financial health, you need to[...]
Unlocking Startup Growth: The Power of Strategic Partnerships in West Virginia
Starting and scaling a business is an exciting journey but also full of challenges. While securing funding, building brand awareness, and navigating the market are key concerns, one often overlooked yet powerful growth strategy is strategic partnerships. For West Virginia entrepreneurs, collaboration can be the key to unlocking new markets, reducing costs, accessing resources, and fueling long-term success. Through organizations like WV Forward, West Virginia BusinessLink, and WVSBDC, startups can form alliances that accelerate growth. In This Blog, You’ll Learn: -What strategic partnerships are and why they matter -The three types of partnerships that benefit startups -Real-world examples of West[...]
The Roadmap to Business Growth: From Idea to Expansion
Before starting a business or expanding an existing one, you need to have a roadmap or business plan that outlines your business model and goals. A plan that can give you a detailed map of where you are, how far you’ve come and where you want to go will help guide you from idea, to startup, to expansion and beyond. In this blog post we want to help define a roadmap to business growth. We will go through the three steps that will take your business from idea to startup and/or expansion this year… Step 1: Ideation – Transforming[...]
5 Common Startup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. And the hard reality of building your own company from the ground up is that 90% of startups fail. Even if you have a unique idea or product in your industry, there are many startup mistakes that can keep businesses from reaching their full potential. Some missteps are expected, but big mistakes, like burning through cash too quickly or not listening to your customers’ needs and feedback, can be the difference between whether your company fails or thrives! This blog will highlight common pitfalls that entrepreneurs face,[...]
10 Traits Investors Like to See in Entrepreneurs
Great entrepreneurs come from all over the world and all walks of life. There is no single personality profile, but there are certain characteristics and skills that are particularly important for entrepreneurs to have when starting and leading a venture, and there are certain traits investors like to see in entrepreneurs. Here are 10 traits investors like to see in entrepreneurs… 1.) Vision and Precision Entrepreneurs with a clear vision can identify opportunities that others might overlook. An ability to outline precise strategic plans ensures that each move they make is intentional and aligns with their long-term goals. This level[...]
Empowering West Virginia’s Small Businesses: How WVCAP Funds are Shaping the Future in 2025
As the New Year begins, entrepreneurs and small business owners are often focused on new opportunities to expand and innovate. Securing the right funding is a critical step in achieving this growth and finding the right financial resources can make a significant difference. For those in West Virginia, the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) offers a unique solution for businesses that may not meet traditional lending criteria. By partnering with WVCAP, businesses gain access to the necessary capital to fuel their growth initiatives. Additionally, the 3 Steps to Startup method provides a structured approach to navigate the complexities of[...]