West Virginia fundamental business fundamentals workshops are free this summer, thanks to the sponsorship program of the Regional Development Funding Corporation (RDFC).
RDFC is sponsoring the WV SBDC online and in-person business fundamentals workshops throughout July, August and September. The sponsorship allows WV SBDC to offer the workshops without the standard $35 registration fee.
To register for an online or in-person workshop, visit www.wvsbdc.com and click on the Training Calendar.
“This business fundamentals workshop is so important to those thinking about starting a small business,” said RDFC Executive Director Rebecca L. MacBlane. “RDFC is proud to support the hard work of the WV SBDC team as they continue to create jobs and expand small businesses in the Mountain State.”
RDFC provides economic development financing for land, existing building, new construction, machinery and equipment and working capital needs that contribute to economic development. Also, RDFC is approved to offer SBA 504 loans, which provides approved small businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for expansion or modernization.
“Normally, WV SBDC relies on workshop registration fees to fund additional staff certifications, training and tools,” said WV SBDC State Director Erika Bailey. “The sponsorship makes it possible for us to offer these online and in-person classes to starting entrepreneurs at no cost.,”
The program launched with First Microloan as the first sponsor for the month of May 2018. Organizations interested in sponsoring a month, quarter or year can contact Liz Coffman with the WV SBDC Program Lead Center, elizabeth.a.coffman@wv.gov, 304-957-2080.
The WV SBDC workshops are designed specifically for people who are thinking of starting a business or have had a business for one year or less. The workshop covers topics such as how to develop a business plan, how to apply for a loan, and other essential information an entrepreneur needs to make their business a success.
After the participant completes an online or in-person workshop, the entrepreneur may want to take the next step by scheduling a meeting with a WV SBDC business coach. The confidential meetings are one-on-one between the entrepreneur and the WV SBDC business coach. The statewide network of WV SBDC coaches are skilled individuals with professional certifications that include exporting, innovation, technology and economic development, finance, management and marketing.
For more than 35 years, the WV SBDC has remained the premier resource for small business creation and expansion in the Mountain State. As a key economic driver, the WV SBDC offers a variety of services to entrepreneurs and small businesses to increase their profitability and customer base, enabling continued growth and prosperity for West Virginia’s diversifying economy.
