West Virginia Department of Commerce Using West Virginia’s Business Resources

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Using West Virginia’s Business Resources



Going Into Business in West Virginia
GOING INTO BUSINESS IN WEST VIRGNIA    

USING WEST VIRGINIA'S
BUSINESS RESOURCES

WEST VIRGINIA MAINTAINS a staff of business assistance professionals to offer a number of development incentives that create a climate favorable to attracting new business into the state. Through the West Virginia Development Office, the state offers a comprehensive business assistance program. It offers assistance to domestic and international businesses, ranging from pre-venture counseling for new business start-ups to locating new facilities and expanding existing businesses.

The Development Office is an economic assistance “umbrella,” which covers the state’s other business resource programs. As such, the Development Office can provide information on a wide range of business topics, including licensing, taxes, site selection, labor and wages, and industrial and employee training programs. Special incentives administered by the Development Office include super tax credits, small business tax credits and financial assistance programs especially tailored to the needs of small businesses.

This chapter provides a listing of business resources and incentives available to assist new and existing businesses in West Virginia. To get additional information or assistance in identifying the business resource or incentive most appropriate for your business, contact:

  West Virginia Development Office
State Capitol Complex
Building 6, Room 553
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2234
www.WVDO.org

BUSINESS RESOURCE AND
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Business and Industrial Development Division
The Business and Industrial Development Division works to strengthen West Virginia’s business climate, to retain and expand existing industries and to attract new business into the state.

The division provides development assistance to existing business and industry to help retain and expand those companies in the state. Site location assistance is an integral part of the Business and Industrial Development program.

For more information on the resources available for businesses and the assistance programs, go to www.WVDO.org and click on any of the links listed.

International Division
The International Division spearheads marketing efforts through trade and investment representatives at the West Virginia offices in Asia and Europe. Go to the West Virginia Development Office Web site www.WVDO.org for complete information on the services of the International Division. Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide network providing assistance in all 55 counties. Business coaches provide free confidential assistance in the creation of new business as well as to assist existing businesses with problem-solving and expansion issues.

The SBDC can provide all of the preliminary information and paperwork needed to open a business legally, including information on licensing, taxes, insurance, recordkeeping and the forms needed for hiring employees. SBDC also operates the Business “Ask ME!” Line. Businesses anywhere in-state or out of state can call the toll-free number (888) 982-7232 (1-888-WVA-SBDC) to connect with information on business services available in the state. The program was designed to enhance delivery of essential services and resources to West Virginia’s entrepreneurs. The Business “Ask ME!” Line is staffed during normal work hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SBDC can also assist with evaluating a business idea for feasibility and projected success. Areas of consideration include an examination of proposed products or services, potential competitors, pricing, location, marketing and management. If outside financing is needed, staff will assist in determining the loan amount required, identifying suitable funding sources and preparing a loan request or application.

All of these services are available to existing businesses. The SBDC will assist businesses in analyzing cash flow, determining better marketing strategies, planning for expansion of product lines or work force, and analyzing other small business requirements. Using the latest in computer software, they can compare a company to industry standards, find problem areas and make suggested improvements using real-time “what if” scenario changes.

  Program Lead Center
State Capitol Complex
Building 6, Room 652
Charleston, WV 25305-0311
(304) 558-2960
(888) 982-7232
www.wvsbdc.org

Charleston Area Alliance
1116 Smith Street, Suite 401
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2960

Eastern Panhandle
142 North Queen St.
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 596-6642

Potomac Highlands
PO Box 209
223 N. Main Street, Suite 102
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 530-4964

MountWest Community &
Technical College Center
348 15th St.
Huntington, WV 25701
(304) 399-1040

Pierpont Community
& Technical College
320 Adams St., Suite G-01
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 367-4931

Pierpont Community
& Technical College
Upshur Center
99 Edmiston Way, Suite 204
Buckhannon, WV 26201
(304) 439-1290

Region 1 Workforce – Welch
110 Park Avenue
Welch, WV 24801
(304) 767-0532 		Region 1 Workforce /
The Business Center
602 New River Town Center
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-4022

Region 1 Workforce – Summersville
830 Northside Drive, Suite 166
Summersville, WV 26651
(304) 872-0020

Southern West Virginia Community
& Technical College Center
2900 Dempsey Branch Road
Mt. Gay, WV 25637
(304) 767-0532

West Virginia Northern
Community College Center
1704 Market St.
Wheeling, WV 26003-3699
(304) 214-8973

West Virginia University – Morgantown
Chestnut Ridge Research Building
886 Chestnut Ridge Road
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-5839

West Virginia University –
Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104
(304) 424-8391

Community Development Division
The Community Development Division of the West Virginia Development Office encourages strong civic engagement in the administration of programs designed to improve the quality of life in communities throughout West Virginia.

State and federal funding sources and programs promote private-sector investment, revitalize commercial and residential areas, provide public services and facilities, and assist state and local governments in developing solutions within our communities.

Another important program of the Community Development Division is the West Virginia Main Street Program. The program provides technical assistance to designated state programs that continue to meet the national criteria for recognition as Main Street communities. The Main Street program uses a common-sense approach to tackle the complex issue of downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization, capitalizing on the history and the resources of the community itself.

For more information, contact:

  Community Development Division
West Virginia Development Office
State Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-4010
wvdo.org/community

As we said in the beginning, owning your own business is the most exciting and enjoyable thing…if you do it right. This guide can help you do that. Good luck!
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Going Into Business in West Virginia
Going Into Business in West Virginia
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