In Focus: Some resources like schemes, initiatives and grants for women entrepreneurs in West Virginia
#WomenInBusiness #WestVirginiaEntrepreneurs #EmpoweringWomen #MountainStateSuccess #WomenWhoLead
Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is more than its rolling mountains and scenic beauty. In fact, it is becoming a center for women’s entrepreneurship. With over 36% of businesses in the state owned by women, the “Mountain State” is seeing a surge of dynamic, innovative & driven women entrepreneurs carving out paths to success – in industries ranging from healthcare to hospitality.
Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Exploring West Virginia’s Growing Business Ecosystem
The journey to entrepreneurial success, however, isn’t without its challenges. That’s where West Virginia’s robust support network for women entrepreneurs – steps in. Resources like the West Virginia Women’s Business Center provide critical tools, such as training, counseling, and access to capital. Competitions like the West Virginia Women’s Business Plan Competition offer aspiring business owners not just funding but also a platform to showcase their ideas.
Meanwhile, state-backed initiatives like the Entrepreneurial Tax Credit Program and federal programs through the Small Business Administration (SBA) further bolster women entrepreneurs with grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These efforts aim to empower women – to build businesses, fuel economic growth & lead their communities into a more prosperous future.
Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling your dream business, West Virginia is ready to support you every step of the way.
Let us now look at some resources like schemes, initiatives and grants for women entrepreneurs in West Virginia.
> VW Women’s Business Center
The West Virginia Women’s Business Center supports anyone with an idea to set up a business. It provides the right tools to get it off the ground or take it to the next level. The WV WBC’s mission is – to empower women and other groups that traditionally face extra barriers to starting and growing businesses.
They help in Training, which is Designed to equip you with the skills and tools you need to take the next step; Advising – to guide you; Funding + Financing – to help you find the capital & Mentoring – by connecting small business owners with experienced professionals.
West Virginia Government Agencies
> West Virginia Government – Business Services
The official Web site for the State of West Virginia is West Virginia government business services or WV.gov.
It includes everything you need to know – to start, expand or relocate a business in West Virginia. The resources include – Starting a Business, Permits and Licensing, Training and Events, Taxes, Filing Wages, Contractors, Finding Financial Assistance, Learn Employer Responsibilities, Building Availability & much more.
> West Virginia Women’s Commission
The West Virginia Women’s Commission’s mission is – to elevate the power & potential of West Virginia women and girls. They promote the empowerment and equality of all West Virginia women – to ensure their full participation in society.
The Women’s Commission focuses on projects in the categories of – leadership, legislation, recognition, research & education. They also sponsor annual events for women and girls that teach – advocacy, encourage involvement in the legislative process, and provide information on educational opportunities for women.
> West Virginia Small Business Administration – SBA
The West Virginia SBA is supported by a main district office in Clarksburg, plus an additional location in Charleston. They provide services including – funding programs, counseling, federal contracting, certifications & disaster recovery. They can also connect you to – partner organizations, lenders & other community groups that help entrepreneurs and their small businesses succeed.
Examples of educational programs and events include – Veteran Business Q&A, Access to Capital, Basics of Federal Government Contracting, and Resources for Small Businesses.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/west-virginia-women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business
West Virginia Agencies & Non-profit Organizations
> West Virginia Women Work
A nonprofit organization, West Virginia Women Work empowers women with essential job skills training – paving the way for promising careers.
The primary focus of the organization’s activities is – to help women explore, train & secure employment in nontraditional occupations, especially the skilled trades. They offer pre-apprenticeship training in – construction and manufacturing, mentorship, and workforce support to businesses, unions & organizations that employ or serve women.
The SkillUp program is designed to give you the necessary career skills in a condensed format. It offers:
– Free Enrollment: SkillUp is completely free and open to all women
– Flexible Timing: In the first week – morning & afternoon classes & evening
classes in the second week
– Expert-Led Instruction: Industry professionals bring real-world experience to
the classroom.
– Immediate Impact: Apply now and you can walk away with practical skills.
> West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC)
The West Virginia SBDC is a nationally recognized resource for – business consulting, providing no-cost business coaching and low-cost training to both new & existing businesses. It plays a critical role in helping small businesses all the way – to start, grow & thrive.
Most staff members have direct small business experience, have worked for small businesses in the past or own their own small businesses. They do understand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
Business coaching services include:
– Sales and Marketing
– Funding
– Business Planning and Management
– Technology Commercialization
– Human Resources
– Succession Planning
– Cybersecurity
– Financial Analysis
– International Trade
– Government Contracting
– Disaster Recovery
> SCORE West Virginia
Whether you are in the planning stages, or are ready to take your business to the next level, SCORE West Virginia gives you the guidance you need – with free mentoring & low-cost training.
Volunteers are successful real-world business professionals, who share their expertise to help existing and startup businesses succeed; and they are experts with experience in areas such as – accounting, finance, human resources, consulting, import/export, law, operations, production, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, sales, marketing, management, business plan preparation, strategic planning & many other disciplines.
So, SCORE West Virginia provides:
– volunteer mentors who share their expertise across many industries.
– free, confidential business mentoring in person, via email, or by video.
– free business tools, templates, and tips.
– inexpensive or free business workshops (locally) and webinars (online 24/7).
> Upshur County Economic Development
The Upshur County Development Authority is a local organization, that is dedicated to helping businesses grow in the county. They offer a variety of services – including business counseling, marketing assistance & access to financing. They also host events and workshops – that help small business owners network & learn about new opportunities.
The staff at the Upshur County Development Authority Innovation Center can also provide invaluable guidance & assistance in opening and growing your small business.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/west-virginia-women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business
Funding – State and Federal Sources
> U.S. Small Business Administration – Funding Sources
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get the funding they need. Funding resources include:
– Loans: Start or expand your business with loans guaranteed by the SBA.
– Investment capital: Find an investor for your business. Investors make both debt and equity investments.
– Disaster assistance: Get help after a disaster with low-interest disaster loans.
– Surety bonds: Protect your work and your client with an SBA-guaranteed surety bond.
– Grants: Look for government grants that help businesses do scientific research and development.
https://www.lisamasiello.com/west-virginia-women-entrepreneurs-start-a-new-business
> 84 Women Grants for West Virginia
These are grants for women entrepreneurs, seed money to individual women, college grants for women, small business grants for women, enterprise grants and grants for minority women.
https://westvirginia.grantwatch.com/cat/39/women-grants.html
> Amber Grant
WomensNet provides Amber Grant for Women, which also makes the usually tough grant process much easier; and they understand the time constraints facing small business owners. They have a simple 2-question application. And they get enough info to evaluate your company for one of our three $10,000 Amber Grants, which they award each month.
If you win one of the monthly grants – you will be automatically eligible for one of their three year-end Amber Grants ($25,000). That means you could get $35,000 for your small business idea this year!
https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/business-grants-women-west-virginia/
Key Funding Programs for Small Businesses in West Virginia
Small business owners in West Virginia have access to a variety of funding options, ranging from loans and grants to tax incentives, to help grow and sustain their businesses.
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority offers various funding programs -designed to support small businesses; and this includes – low-interest loans and loan guarantees that can assist with capital investment and operating expenses. By reducing startup and expansion costs, these programs aim to – enhance business productivity & competitiveness.
Additionally, the state’s Economic Opportunity Tax Credit incentivizes businesses that generate new jobs, further encouraging growth and economic development.
> SBA Loan Programs
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are a critical resource for small businesses in West Virginia. These federally backed loans offer favorable terms and lower interest rates compared to conventional loans.
SBA loans can be particularly beneficial for women, minority entrepreneurs & those in rural areas, providing the support needed for long-term success.
> Grant Programs and Tax Credits
West Virginia also provides several grant programs and tax credits to small business owners. For instance, the Small Business Assistance program – offers grants up to $10,000, especially targeting rural and minority-owned businesses. And, technical assistance and access to technology and broadband are additional benefits.
The state also offers aggressive tax credits to reduce operational costs, supporting businesses in achieving sustainable growth & enhanced productivity. These incentives make starting and expanding a business in West Virginia more accessible and financially viable.
> Entrepreneurial Support and Resources in West Virginia
West Virginia offers various programs and resources that are tailored to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. These include expert guidance from development centers, personalized business coaching, and assistance with marketing and business plan development.
> West Virginia Small Business Development Center
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) provides great support to entrepreneurs & small business owners. Staffed with experienced business coaches – the center offers one-on-one counseling, workshops & training programs.
These services aim – to help new and existing businesses navigate challenges, secure funding, and develop effective strategies. The WVSBDC has multiple offices across the state, ensuring accessibility and localized support for entrepreneurs in all regions.
> Business Coaching and Counseling Services
One important initiative is – the FASTER WV program; and this program offers – comprehensive business coaching, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide tailored advice.
This coaching covers various aspects such as – financial management, market analysis, and operational efficiency. Such personalized guidance helps improve business performance and sustainability.
> Marketing and Business Plan Development
Marketing and business plan development are critical for any startup. The West Virginia BusinessLink connects entrepreneurs – with necessary resources to craft robust business plans and effective marketing strategies.
They provide a number of facilities like – templates, step-by-step guides & direct access to marketing experts who can assist with brand visibility and customer outreach. This support system ensures that businesses have a solid foundation and a clear roadmap for growth.
https://resolvepay.com/blog/post/small-business-funding-programs-westvirginia
– West Virginia Women’s Commission
The West Virginia Women’s Commission encourages women of every age, background, and stature – to get involved and help leave the world a better place.
– West Virginia Women Work
West Virginia Women Work is ideal for the woman who are interested in the primarily male-dominated construction and/or manufacturing industries.
– WomensNet – West Virginia
Small Business Grants for Women in West Virginia encourages all women who are small business owners – to enter for a monthly chance to win the Amber Grants being offered.
– Women Moving Forward
Women Moving Forward encourages women of various backgrounds – to get involved and do their part to decrease the wage gap, break down workplace barriers & secure equal educational opportunities for all.
– Small Business Administration (SBA) West Virginia District Office
The SBA West Virginia District Office, located in Clarksburg, is an important resource – for all small business owners. Their targeted programs offer facilities like – mentoring, contracting, and funding guidance, with a focus on Veterans, Native Americans, LGBT, and women-owned businesses.
– West Virginia Small Business Development Center
Entrepreneurs, who are in all stages of their careers (from start to finish), can utilize this invaluable resource.
https://startupsavant.com/womens-business-resources-west-virginia
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
