Tag Archive: Business Start Up

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[...]

Read more

National Old Stuff Day: What Kind Of Old Stuff Are You Holding Onto In Your Business?

March 1, 2023 12:00 pm

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[...]

Read more

March is Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women and Businesses That Changed a Generation

March 1, 2023 12:00 pm

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[...]

Read more

WVCAP Client Spotlight: Buzz Foods.

February 1, 2023 10:00 am

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[...]

Read more

Going Back to School with 3 Steps to Start Up

August 11, 2022 1:04 pm

One of 3 Steps’ “steps” to startup is Awareness and Education, which makes “back to school” time especially resonate with us. Our mission to support West Virginia entrepreneurs and startups is laser-focused on giving them resources that can enhance their own missions. Entrepreneurship can be overwhelming, especially if you are a new entrepreneur embarking on your first business. In order to find success, you need to be open to “going back to school” and learning as you go. Lifelong learning is essential to entrepreneurship. That’s where 3 Steps to Start Up comes in. We provide a wealth of free resources[...]

Read more

Made in America: Homegrown Businesses 

July 5, 2022 6:00 am

Part of our mission at 3 Steps to Startup is to let the talents and innovation of West Virginians shine. We have real local pride in the businesses we help thrive, and as we celebrate the fourth of July this month, we naturally feel extra patriotic. To put that patriotism on full display this blog is all about celebrating some homegrown West Virginia businesses that 3 Steps to Startup is honored to have worked with.   Greenbrier Technical Services:    Greenbrier is a tech company founded on serving the restaurant, banking, and mining industries. They manufacture circuit boards and other parts in[...]

Read more

An Ode to Small Business Fatherly Advice

June 7, 2022 10:00 am

“What’s long, brown, and sticky?” If your dad is particularly inclined to tell dad jokes, you have probably heard this one before. The answer, of course? “A stick.” [Slow clap]   Dads can lend a special light to our lives, not least of which is bad humor. On the other hand, they are also sources of immense wisdom if we can tap into that wisdom. They’ve experienced so much more than we have! We can observe the same phenomenon when it comes to older, wiser mentors in the business. Some entrepreneurs are lucky enough to count their father as their mentor[...]

Read more

Social Media Dos and Don’ts for Your Small Business

June 7, 2022 6:00 am

One of the ways we support West Virginia small businesses at 3 Steps to StartUp is by spreading useful knowledge. Our venture fairs and LIINC events last year brought innovators and entrepreneurs together to share their technical knowledge with aspiring small business owners. We also strive to provide information through our blog with posts like this one!   Social media cannot be ignored in today’s business world. With widespread social media use by consumers, a small business would be making a mistake to skip participating in social media. Business social media pages are a primary source of inbound marketing in today’s[...]

Read more

Let’s Celebrate West Virginia Small Business! 

May 17, 2022 1:11 pm

Earlier this month, we celebrated National Small Business Week, and West Virginian entrepreneurs have much to celebrate! In West Virginia, our small business climate has been steadily growing. Specifically, between 2018 and 2021, we’ve seen a 50% growth year-over-year in business filings. When you keep in mind that this span of years also played host to a global pandemic, it is clear West Virginia truly is a land of opportunity for small business entrepreneurs.   Our state has claimed this success by moving the business registration process online, making it easier to access the means to start a business. We have[...]

Read more

6 Ways to Shop Local this Mother’s Day 

May 3, 2022 8:01 am

Whoever the special mom is that you’re shopping for, you know you’ve got to get it right this Mother’s Day. One of the goals we have at 3 Steps to StartUp is to help small businesses survive and thrive in our state. We know that living in West Virginia gives us access to high-quality and unique options for spending our hard-earned money, and that includes gift-giving. What better way to say “Happy Mother’s Day” this year? Here are six ideas for your Mother’s Day small business shopping.  Flowers   The classic Mother’s Day gift, flowers are always an appreciated treat. Finding[...]

Read more