Tag Archive: Entrepreneurship

people waving a flag

Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Celebrating July 4th and the American Dream in West Virginia

July 1, 2024 6:00 am

The American Dream has long been a beacon of hope for those looking to carve out their own path and achieve success through hard work and determination.The Oxford English Dictionary defines the American dream as “the ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative.” In West Virginia, this dream is alive and well, with a growing community of entrepreneurs who are taking risks, pursuing their passions and building businesses from the ground up. As we celebrate July 4th and reflect on the values of[...]

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How Networking Can Fuel Business Growth and Increase Your Customer Base

July 1, 2024 6:00 am

Even in a digital age like we live in today, networking is still a vital marketing tool to launching and growing a business. If you’re not embracing the power of networking, profit margins and customer numbers can dip because you’re not making new connections on a regular basis.  If you’re looking to network more effectively, here are a few ideas on how you can use networking to help grow your business… Re-connect with existing connections If it’s been a while since you’ve contacted a customer or prospective customer, chances are they’re forgotten about you and what you can offer them.[...]

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Entrepreneurial Alertness: How to Spot Opportunities Hidden in Plain Sight

January 1, 2024 6:00 am

Trivia Day brings to mind the most popular and best-selling trivia game of all time, Trivial Pursuit. In fact, it lands the number seven spot for the top 10 selling board games, with more than 100 million units sold!    Trivial Pursuit involves 2-6 players or teams of players and the goal is to be the first player to collect a wedge from each of the six categories and reach the center of the game board. Players roll a die to move around the board which has colored spaces that align with the categories. When you answer a question correctly,[...]

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Happy West Virginia Day: How WV Small Businesses Are Making Their Mark

June 2, 2023 9:00 am

On June 20th, we celebrate West Virginia Day – a day to reflect on the state’s history, culture, and achievements. Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia has much to be proud of. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways in which our state’s small businesses have thrived in the face of adversity, and the role that entrepreneurialism and innovation have played in driving growth and prosperity. In this blog, you’ll learn: The impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in the US and West Virginia How West Virginia’s small businesses have been[...]

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WVCAP Client Spotlight: Endolumik

June 1, 2023 9:00 am

West Virginia has a thriving startup scene, with several companies making groundbreaking discoveries and bringing innovative products to the market. One of these companies is Endolumik, a Morgantown-based surgical device company. Companies like Endolumik are succeeding in part thanks to new grants and funding opportunities offered by the West Virginia Capital Access Program (WVCAP) and associated programs that administer its grants.   In this blog, you’ll learn: What the West Virginia Capital Access Program is and how it helps small businesses How strategic partnerships with economic development organizations like the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust help small businesses achieve their[...]

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Going Solo: How To Be A Solopreneur That Actually Gets Things Done

May 9, 2023 9:00 am

In recent years, more and more people have opted to become self-employed and work as solopreneurs. While self-employment offers many advantages, it also presents unique challenges that can impact a solopreneur’s ability to get things done. In this article, we will explore the impact of being a solopreneur on productivity, efficiency, time management, and some WV resources for solo entrepreneurs. In this blog, you’ll learn: The rise of self-employment and the advantages it offers The challenges faced by solopreneurs The impact of being a solopreneur on productivity and efficiency and how to make the best use of your valuable time[...]

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WVCAP Client Spotlight: Americarbon Enterprises, LLC

May 2, 2023 9:00 am

West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT), in partnership with C.C. Dickinson Family Holdings and PointSquared Ventures, has announced the closing of initial capital investment into AmeriCarbon Enterprises, LLC. Morgantown-based AmeriCarbon has developed a patented and proprietary Eco-PitchTM chemical process that produces a tailored carbon pitch material. In this blog, you’ll learn: What the West Virginia Capital Access Program is and how it helps small businesses How strategic partnerships with economic development organizations like the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust help small businesses achieve their goals How seed investments, like the one led by the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust for[...]

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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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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[...]

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