Business Bootcamp held in Weirton

More than 25 people were on hand at Undo’s in Weirton to participate in the first Business Bootcamp on Wednesday afternoon.

The Business Development Corporation partnered with First Micro Loan of West Virginia and the SBDC to offer the training to business owners in the area.

Discussions included a mix of finance, a business plan, permits and how to network and market.

“I’ve only been in business for about 8 months, so I figured this was a great opportunity and to kinda meet some other people that are business owners,” said Vanessa Beaver, owner of Sweet Temptations Pastry Shop.

“Now I know some more opportunities, city council meetings, the rotary club, some things that they talked about, and I think that’s going to be very helpful,” said Mike Wahlen, owner of Escape Works.

“The city of Weirton with its collaborative partners and with the Business Development Corporation beside us, we are moving aggressively to grow and develop business in this community,” Weirton City Manager Travis Blosser said.

“We want to make sure we spend an equal amount of time with the smaller existing businesses that only employ 3-5 people to make sure that they’re equipped to succeed just as the larger manufacturing jobs are,” said Pat Ford, executive director of the BDC.

Officials with the city want to make sure business owners know they’re here to help.