Tag Archive: creative thinking

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[...]

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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[...]

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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[...]

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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[...]

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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[...]

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Lady holding images of lightbulbs

Nurturing Success: The Power of Vision on World Dream Day

September 1, 2023 8:00 am

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the significance of having a clear and compelling vision cannot be overstated. As we celebrate World Dream Day on September 25th, it’s an opportune moment to delve into the profound impact that a strong vision can have on the success of both new and existing businesses. A vision serves as the North Star, guiding a company’s strategies, decisions, and actions. It not only provides direction but also inspires stakeholders to work towards a common goal. This article explores the importance of vision and how it shapes the trajectory of businesses. In this blog, you’ll[...]

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Fight Procrastination Day: Practical Tips for Tackling Critical Yet Difficult Tasks

September 1, 2023 8:00 am

Procrastination is a common struggle that many individuals face when confronted with challenging or uncertain tasks. The tendency to put off important responsibilities can hinder productivity and lead to increased stress levels. Recognizing the impact of this habit, Fight Procrastination Day serves as a reminder to overcome procrastination and embrace effective strategies to accomplish critical tasks that may appear difficult or uncertain. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips to help you overcome procrastination and make significant strides toward your goals. In this blog, you’ll learn:  Discover strategies to conquer procrastination and enhance productivity around challenging tasks. Explore effective[...]

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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[...]

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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[...]

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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[...]

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