Business Boot Camp’ set for June 21
JUN 15, 2017
CRAIG HOWELL
Managing editor
FINALIZING DETAILS — Officials with the City of Weirton and Business Development Corp. sat down Wednesday to help finalize details on the upcoming “Business Boot Camp” event, scheduled for June 21 at Undo’s in Weirton. Discussing the event are, from left, BDC Executive Director Pat Ford; city Planning and Development Program Manager Jessica Gumm; City Manager Travis Blosser; city Planning and Development Director Mark A. Miller; and BDC Office Manager Amber Nest. — Craig Howell
WEIRTON — With an apparent rising interest in business in the Upper Ohio Valley, local officials are working to give those interested in starting or expanding their own operation a helping hand.
A “Business Boot Camp,” has been planned for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., June 21 at Undo’s in Weirton. The cost is $10, with space available for up to 50 participants.
The event is being offered cooperatively by the City of Weirton, Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, West Virginia Small Business Development Center and First Microloan of West Virginia.
“Weirton is standing out across the state,” City Manager Travis Blosser said, pointing to hundreds of new jobs being created through two international corporations and several retail outlets locating to the city.
Pat Ford, executive director of the BDC, explained in increasing cooperative efforts to attract business to the Weirton area in recent years, it has been discovered some tools and opportunities have been lacking.
“What we found is that there’s some added capacity needed in the community,” Ford said.
Among the topics to be covered is establishing a business plan, working through the permitting process and zoning process, and financing opportunities. He explained specialists in all of the fields will be on hand to offer advice and assistance.
Ford also explained the two-hour “Boot Camp” will be packaged in a way to be as beneficial as possible, without requiring a large time commitment for those registered.
“They don’t have time to come back every week, for three of four weeks,” Ford said. “They’re going to get a crash course.”
Blosser explained, because of demand from those already registered, organizers also will be adding information on marketing and networking strategies.
The city manager noted, even though the event will be held in Weirton, it will be open to anyone from the area interested in opening a business, or expanding an existing business. He added if participants would need additional assistance following the “Boot Camp,” follow-up sessions could be arranged.
“We are looking forward to a full and productive day,” Blosser said.
For more information, or to register, contact Jessica Gumm at (304) 797-8500, ext. 1020, or jgumm@cityofweirton.com.
http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2017/06/business-boot-camp-set-for-june-21/