Tag Archive: Informational Blog

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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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[...]

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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[...]

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Groundhog Day: How To Avoid Repetition & Take Action To Meet Your Business Goals

February 1, 2023 8:00 am

The movie Groundhog Day tells the story of a weatherman who is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. While the movie is a comedy, repetition, and stagnation can be too real for many business owners. Just like the weatherman in the movie, you can break out of the cycle and achieve your goals. This blog post will explore identifying signs of repetition and the importance of setting specific goals and taking action to meet your business goals. In this blog, you’ll learn: How you can identify signs of repetition in your business and[...]

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One Big Reason To Compliment Your Business Today

January 6, 2023 6:30 am

Complement Your Customers & Employees As we move into the new year, it’s a great time to look at how you can start 2023 with positivity in your business. The start of the year is an opportune time to reflect on what you achieved in the previous 12 months and set yourself up for success in the coming year. Whether you’re starting a new business or looking to grow your current startup, there are a few key emotions and strategies you can take to ensure that 2023 starts off with a bang. This blog post will cover how you can[...]

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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[...]

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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[...]

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Spring Cleaning for Your Small Business  

April 19, 2022 6:00 am

Spring has arrived, and that means ‘tis the season for spring cleaning! Your small business is no exception when it comes to the need for refreshing. At 3 Steps to Startup, we are in the business of providing support for entrepreneurs throughout West Virginia at all stages. If you’re hoping to start a new business, there’s no time like the present! Jump in with support from our program! If you’re a first-time entrepreneur already in business, utilize these 4 strategies to do some “spring cleaning” for your business.   Update and refresh your website and social media pages   Your website[...]

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Adversity: What Our Experience Has Taught Us

April 5, 2022 6:00 am

Despite the adversity businesses face today, West Virginia’s economy is doing well in 2022. Unemployment in the first part of this year reached 3.9%, an all-time low. State leaders are optimistic about what 2022 will bring, even though we are still feeling the effects of a pandemic after two years: effects that small business owners have felt the most. The three main complications affecting small businesses in 2022 are COVID-19 (the threat of new variants), inflation, and supply-chain issues. At 3 Steps to Startup, we understand issues like these because we’ve experienced and overcome them! Below, we identify 5 helpful[...]

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March TAX Madness for Small Business in West Virginia 

March 15, 2022 8:00 am

March Madness is upon us… and so is the madness of tax season. If you’re a small business owner, and especially if you’re new to entrepreneurship, this time of year can be overwhelming. At 3 Steps to Startup, we want to provide you with the know-how to make it through this tax season with a win! Here are some pointers for making sure you lead your business through March tax Madness without any upsets.   1) Know how much time is on the clock:  One of the most important things to know as a small business owner is the timing of[...]

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