Funding and Finances

Six Reasons Why Building a Good Credit Score is Crucial for Starting Your Small Business Dreams

Starting a small business can be an exciting and fulfilling journey for many entrepreneurs. However, it comes with a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to finances. One crucial aspect of financial stability that can make or break your business is having a good credit score. A good credit...

Removing Barriers: Enhancing Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs in 2023

Access to capital is a critical factor for the success of entrepreneurs, but traditional funding avenues have often presented challenges for many aspiring business owners, particularly those from marginalized communities. Fortunately, the Kauffman Foundation's recent report, "Access to Capital: Removing Barriers for Entrepreneurs 2023," offers insights into the current landscape...

WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Announces SBIR/STTR State Matching Funds Available

The WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) would like to remind any business who recently received federal SBIR/STTR funding that July 1st – 31st is one of only two windows of time annually to apply for potential State matching funds. This matching fund program is through the WV Entrepreneurship & Innovation...

Google Will Find Them – Now, How Do You Choose the Best Financial Professional for Your Small Business?

Top 10 Questions to Ask to Find the Right Fit As a small business owner, you're juggling multiple responsibilities like supply and demand, marketing, and understanding your customer base. However, managing finances and taxes can be overwhelming, which is why it's wise to call in the help of a financial professional....

5 Business Cost Hacks for New Entrepreneurs

Today's blog was submitted by Edgington Studio Co-Founder, Keegan Zacharie. Edgington Studio is a cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing studio based in Wheeling, WV.    For most people starting a new business, there is one key question on their minds: how am I going to afford all of this? Costs, both expected and unexpected,...

The Jumpstart Savings Program: A New Tool to Recruit and Retain a Skilled Workforce

We’ve all endured a high school award ceremony in a crowded gymnasium, where it seems that the same small group of whiz kids rake in all the trophies, certificates, and scholarships. Students at the Monongalia County Fair Supporting the Jumpstart Savings Program But as a former high school teacher, I often looked...

Military and Agriculture: A Symbiotic Relationship

Life After the Military Retired First Responder, Becky McCallister at My Way to My Roots Farm. For some veterans and active-duty members, agriculture offers an opportunity to gain back the camaraderie that many feel they lose in their life after military duty. For others, it offers a chance to be their own...

Cash flow – don’t plan your future without it!

For many, the term “cash flow” conjures up visions of a daunting task that requires the expertise of a team of accountants. In reality, however, it is a handy, easy-to-use planning tool. While we typically think of it as primarily used by corporate entities – again with a line-up of...

Using Business Loans to Your Advantage

The idea of applying for a loan can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority, we believe that loans are a fundamental part of business development. Whether you’re an established business or a startup getting ready to launch, loans can be the catapults...

SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Available to Help Small Businesses in the Mountain State

The U.S. Small Business Administration has stood side by side of small businesses during the COVID -19 pandemic, offering programs such as the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Paycheck Protection Program, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Data from the Paycheck Protection Program, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and Restaurant...