Tag Archive: Business Networking

8 Goals to Set for Your Business in 2025

December 2, 2024 3:45 pm

As 2025 approaches, startups and small business owners should set new business goals. Establishing clear and attainable objectives can significantly improve sustainable growth throughout each quarter. Whether you’re aiming to increase customer engagement and satisfaction or broaden your market reach, setting these goals will help you stay focused and drive your business forward.  In this blog post, we’ll explore eight essential goals you should consider setting for your business in 2025… Improve Customer Experience and Satisfaction  In 2025, customer experience (CX) will be increasingly seen as the key differentiator between competing providers of goods and services. As markets mature and[...]

Read more

A Deep Dive into WVCAP Fund Offerings

September 1, 2024 11:55 am

Thereʼs a great opportunity for both West Virginia lending institutions and small businesses in need of capital. Small businesses in the Mountain State have a source of capital in the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP). This program is made possible through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a component of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The SSBCI provided $10 billion to state programs that support financing for small businesses by leveraging federal dollars along with private capital. The WVCAP program is designed to assist businesses that are creditworthy, but may not fit traditional lending models.  WVCAP[...]

Read more

Panel Discussion: WVJIT as Your Partner in Venture Capital

August 20, 2024 10:12 am

Are you a young entrepreneur looking for venture capital funding to bring your innovative ideas to life? Look no further than the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT). In a recent panel discussion, Nathan Polk, investment manager for WVJIT, shared valuable insights on how WVJIT can be your partner in securing funding for your business ventures.  Let’s delve into the details of how WVJIT can support you in achieving your entrepreneurial goals… Understanding the WVJIT and Its Goals The West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT) is committed to fueling economic development by supporting job creation initiatives across the state. At[...]

Read more

3 Steps to Startup and WVCAP Collaboration: A Look into WVCAP’s Role in Startups

August 6, 2024 2:00 am

In the world of startups, securing funding is often a crucial step towards success. For many young entrepreneurs in West Virginia, the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) offers a unique opportunity to get the financial support needed to bring their innovative ideas to life. In this blog post, we will explore our collaboration and the role of WVCAP in supporting startups and driving innovation in the Mountain State. Understanding WVCAP and Its Mission The West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) stands as a pivotal resource for the state’s startup community. Crafted to fill the gap left by traditional lending[...]

Read more
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[...]

Read more

Unlocking Your Creativity: The Benefits of Quiet Time

February 1, 2024 6:00 am

Life can often feel like a constant barrage of noise, with our senses continuously intrigued by the sounds of traffic, technology, and chatter. Amidst all this noise, it’s easy to forget the importance of silence. That’s why we celebrate Quiet Day on February 25th – a day dedicated to peace, calm, and quiet that can contribute to better brain health and foster creativity.  Let’s dive into the benefits of embracing silence and how we can create more space for quiet in our daily lives to help ignite creativity… The Significance of Quiet Day and How to Observe It As we[...]

Read more

Breaking through the Ice: Lessons from the Shackleton Endurance Survival for All Business Owners

December 1, 2023 6:00 am

Perseverance is a quality that is often overlooked in our fast-paced world. We are often taught to strive for success and to reach our goals as quickly as possible. But what happens when we are faced with challenges and obstacles? How do we maintain our pace and perspective when the going gets tough?    The story of Ernest Shackleton and his crew’s survival in the face of adversity is a testament to the art of perseverance. Their remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and teaches us valuable lessons on how[...]

Read more

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: The Power of Reason, Aspiration, and Endurance

November 8, 2023 4:55 pm

Entrepreneurship embarks on an incredible journey characterized by courage, innovation, and unwavering determination, akin to the adventurer navigating a challenging terrain. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the world of entrepreneurs, much like the hiker embarking on an inspiring trek, to grasp how they employ reason to identify opportunities, aspire to transform their vision into reality and endure the trials and tribulations of the entrepreneurial path.  In this blog, you’ll learn:  How hiking is akin to the journey of a successful entrepreneur The pivotal role of reason, aspiration, and endurance in the entrepreneurial journey, and how these elements[...]

Read more

Philanthropy Day: How Can You Create Value Beyond Services and Products?

November 8, 2023 4:52 pm

As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to gratitude, family, and delicious feasts. It’s a time to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and to express our appreciation for the people and opportunities that enrich our lives. In the spirit of this season, Philanthropy Day encourages us to look beyond our daily routines and consider how we can give back, creating value beyond the services and products we provide.  In this blog, you’ll learn:  The significance of gratitude and giving in the context of Thanksgiving and how it can inspire philanthropy. How entrepreneurs can benefit from engaging in philanthropic activities.[...]

Read more

National Book Month: Unleashing the Power of Reading for Startup Owners

October 1, 2023 8:00 am

National Book Month is a celebration that reminds us of the transformative power of books and the invaluable role they play in our lives. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, reading is not just a pastime; it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. In this blog post, we will delve into the three facets of reading that every startup owner should embrace during National Book Month and beyond: reading for learning, reading for leading, and reading for leisure. These dimensions of reading can empower you to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship with confidence and wisdom. In this[...]

Read more