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​Business Development​
Opening Soon, Inc. Business Development Program
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​This business development program is geared towards entrepreneurs/start-ups/small businesses. The program will provide education and guidance in launching participants business idea into a viable product or service. Webinars will be held each Saturday from 11 AM-1 PM starting on March 11, 2023. We cover various topics in product development; business plans; credit and financing; social media and marketing. Technical assistance such as one-on-one business coaching and mentoring will be provided to participants. You must register for all webinars via Zoom.
Funding provided by The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
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You Canva Do It! Build Your Brand + Business With One Simple Marketing Tool
Have you ever found it challenging to figure out where to start when it comes to marketing your business?
We get it! There are so many platforms and tools and strategies and it can all be a bit overwhelming. That's why we've put together a training on Canva, an online tool that we use for much of our marketing and design needs! Join the WVSU EDC and the WV Women’s Business Center for this interactive workshop to boost your small business marketing savvy.
In this hour-long training, you'll discover how you can use this tool to develop your brand, social media presence and a website. You'll also learn how this tool can be integrated with several other platforms and tools that you might already be using.
While this workshop will be just a brief overview of the platform, we believe you will walk away with new knowledge and insight that you can begin integrating into your marketing plans immediately. REGISTER TODAY!!
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Past Events Offered
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2022 Schedule
RECENT OSI WORKSHOPS OFFERED
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OSI Online/Website Marketing Webinar w/ Roxy Turner, MARZ Strategies
August 3-September 7, 2022 | 10a-12p
This five week "lunch and learn" workshop is to help entrepreneurs develop or refine their online marketing capabilities and tactics to enable success for their business. Topics each week will include; search engine optimization parts I and II, how to maximize your keyword search capabilities, how to get traffic to your website and how to create impactful facebook ads. We will also give you assistance with building effective content for your site. By the end of the workshop, you will have the ability to generate or grow your online business revenue based on where you are in your business life cycle.
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OSI Conflict Resolution Webinar w/ Clinton Arnold, CT Arnold Enterprises
July 20 & July 27, 2022 | 12-1p
Conflict affects everyone, every day. The ability to resolve conflict is increasingly vital to personal and professional success. Skilled conflict managers can positively influence a dispute's outcome and shape how participants feel about the problem, the organization, and each other in the conflict's aftermath. Well-managed conflict can actually strengthen relationships, build teamwork, encourage open communication and cooperative problem-solving, and increase productivity. This weekly webinar, will give the participants the skills needed to; calmly identify conflicts, discuss how to looking forward (to opportunities) not backward (by blaming), how to move from justification to resolution, learn how to attack the problem, not the person, learn how to define and limit the discussions to the key issues, developing creative win-win solutions and how to complete follow-up actions.
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OSI Writing the Business Plan w/ Clinton Arnold, CT Arnold Enterprises
February 9-March 2, 2022 | 12-1p
Description: This four week "lunch and learn" webinar is to help the experienced and novice entrepreneur take your business idea and create a written plan. A business plan is a comprehensive road map for your small business’s startup, growth and development. It communicates who you are, what you plan to do, and how you plan to do it. It also helps you attract talent, potential partners and investors. During the four weeks we will cover and create everything you need to write a successful business plan, step-by-step, and turn your idea into a reality. Even better, we know you are busy so we are doing this workshop as a lunch and learn for one hour, over a four week period. We will cover 10 steps to write a business plan; create an executive summary, compose your company description, summarize market research and potential, conduct competitive analysis, describe your product or service, develop a marketing and sales strategy, compile your business financials, describe your organization and management and explain your funding request. A failure to plan usually leads to a plan to fail. Join us so we can help make you a success story as you start or grow your business.
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OSI Online/Website Marketing Webinar w/ Roxy Turner, MARZ Strategies
March 9-April13, 2022 | 12-1p (offered again in August)
This five week "lunch and learn" workshop is to help entrepreneurs develop or refine their online marketing capabilities and tactics to enable success for their business. Topics each week will include; search engine optimization parts I and II, how to maximize your keyword search capabilities, how to get traffic to your website and how to create impactful facebook ads. We will also give you assistance with building effective content for your site. By the end of the workshop, you will have the ability to generate or grow your online business revenue based on where you are in your business life cycle.
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OSI Problem Resolution Webinar w/Dr. Marlene Hackett, Hackett Praxis
Dates: July 13 & 21, 2022 | 12-1p
We all face issues and problems at work and at home. What happens when you are faced with a show-stopping problem that grinds everything to a halt, a recurring problem that comes and goes, that you want to get to the bottom of, a customer or user problem, such as a pain point when using a service or product or even a high-level business problem, for example "too many customer complaints", "conversion rate is too low", or "operating costs are too high? Most people are outstanding at letting everyone around them know there is a problem, but do not have the skills to professionally and efficiently solve it. This webinar will help you become the "tip of the arrow."
Those who are prepared and skilled at solving problems can minimize the negative impacts before a molehill becomes a mountain and keep your company moving forward to achieve its key goals and objectives. This weekly webinar, will give you the basic tools needed to understand the root cause of a problem, generate ideas to solve it and finally evaluate, prioritize, test and implement solutions. This workshop critically assesses what’s going wrong and helps you find out what your options are to solve it, before you decide on a viable solution.
What You Missed...
Creators Program
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Special Effects w/Dale Morton Studio Mascot Costumes
July 1, 2021 | 7:00 p
Founded in 2001 and located in Hurricane, West Virginia DALE MORTON STUDIO MASCOT COSTUMES (DMS) designs and builds professional mascot character costumes for productions and schools of all levels. Come and learn how Dale creates his masterpieces and bring them to life.
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Creators Program: Terry Lively, Artist
June 24, 2021 | 7p
One of West Virginia’s most diverse creatives, Terry Lively’s career has produced award-winning paintings, writing and filmmaking. She is President Emeritus to two WV major art groups, won awards from the international level to the WV State Fair, with her work housed in private collections, the Library of Congress and the WV Archives Collection.
Terry shared past work, current path in New Jersey as an oil painter and ways of living as a creative person; ways she learned by trial and error and presented to the viewers to save them the trouble of those same mistakes.
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​Beyond the Poem w/Poetry Cafe's Josephus, III
Friday, April 9, 16, & 23, 2021 | 7p
Beyond the Poem is a series of exploratory workshops that build community through the art of spoken word poetry.
Participants will write, create and share together as they explore and expound upon the one thing they know they have in common; poetry.
Weekly we will meet and elaborate on prompts and concepts designed to inspire and highlight the beauty and strength in our differences while connecting us poetically, one line at a time.
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Missed, Overlooked, Upcoming w/WV Poet Laureate, Marc Harshman
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 | 7p
In his return to the Creators platform, Harshman wants to give attention to some of those authors whose book launches have been postponed during this pandemic or whose upcoming titles may likewise be denied their due celebration. The Creators talk will feature selected readings and biographical sketches as well as a discussion with host, Eric Douglas, about the role of the poet laureate. Some of the featured authors/poets include Ron Houchin, Carrie Conners, Timothy Russell, Anna Smucker, Bill King, [Keith Maillard, Meredith Sue Willis,] Joel Peckham, and Jake Strautmann.
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Street Photography w/Steven Rotsch
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | 7p
What a photographer should look for as they go through each day, the importance of talking to as many people as possible to find new leads, understanding your subject, being able to explain an entire event with one photograph and the variety of situations you may find yourself. ​
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Storytelling w/ W.I. "Bill" Hairston
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 | 7 p
Creators Program presents Storyteller W.I. “Bill” Hairston will talk about using stories to entertain and how to keep audience attention in this Creators Talk. He often uses stories about his personal life "Growing up Black in Appalachia" to remind people of how life used to be and where we still have to go."
Finding the heart of your story w/ Shelia Redling (This workshop has been postponed)
Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 7p
Novels are living things and bringing them to life can vary from wrangling them like dragons to administering CPR and hoping for the best. No matter how lively or inert your story is, it's always a good idea to know where the heart of your story is and how to keep it pumping life throughout the writing process. We'll discuss character evaluation, pacing, and tone, as well as other tragedies and adventures that can befall your novel as it comes into the world.
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Preserving Oral Histories in Writing w/ Stan Bumgardner
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 7p
So, now that you've interviewed someone, what's next? How can you take your interview and translate it into something you can share with family members or maybe even turn it into a magazine article? This session offers tips on how to transcribe your oral history and compose a more readable document that other family members and friends will cherish.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | 7p
Creator’s Talk focuses on the basic techniques for interviewing family members and recording oral histories. We’ll discuss how to ask leading questions, how to make your interview subject feel at ease and how to keep an interview on track. It will include excerpts from previously recorded oral histories, along with examples of how to edit and prepare your recordings for sharing.
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Economic Development
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Empathize-Finding Your Targeted Market (2 series workshop)
July 7, 2021 | 1:00 p (Part 1)
July 14, 2021 | 1:00 p (Part 2)
This two session workshop will cover Phase I of the Design Thinking Model for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses. These sessions will give you the steps and tools to research your potential customers in an affordable, purposeful and actionable way without having to pay a marketing or research firm thousands of dollars.
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July 20 | 10a
Facebook Ads is the most effective way to promote your business. Learn how to create the most effective Facebook Ads with a budget that works for you. This easy to use 1-hour session explores why Facebook is a key tool to advertising your business.
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How to Build a Website on a Budget
July 21, 2021 | 1p
Nothing makes your new business, idea, or venture feel more “real” than when it has its own website. But how do you even get started if you have no working knowledge of domains, hosting, and web design? Join speaker and strategist, Melody Belotte, to learn the basics of website development, online strategy, and how to do it all in a startup budget!
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Virtual Minority Business Expo
Thursday, May 6, 2021 | 9:00a-3:00p (Vendor/Exhibitors 3p-4p)
This Expo will feature presentations designed to connect entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses with resources and information. Come and listen to officials from the WV Secretary of State’s Office, U.S. EXIM Bank, Huntington Banks, Unlimited Future, Inc., local small business owners and consultants to help you take your business to the next level of growth and success. Level Up!
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​Own Your Future Homeownership Program
Thursday, January 13, 2021 | 6:30p
WVSU EDC in partnership with Element FCU, Better Homes & Gardens Central Real Estate, and Old Colony discuss:
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Home-buying process
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Money Wellness Program that includes free credit repair assistance provided by Element FCU
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Upcoming workshops on programs available to 1st time homebuyers with limited income and more.
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Health & Wellness
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Obesity & Nutrition Management
September 9, 2021 | 6:30 p
This workshop is about losing weight and the nutrition behind it.
Speakers: Timothy Wilburn & Stephanie Lanham
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September 23, 2021 | 6:30 p
This workshop is about herbal medicine as it relates to chronic diseases. You will learn how herbs and roots are a part of medicine and what part they can play in one's everyday health.
Speaker: Stephanie Lanham
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October 7, 2021 | 6:30 p
This workshop is about diabetes and the importance of avoiding this chronic disease and the nutrition behind its management.
Speakers: Luciana Britton, RN & Stephanie Lanham, Nutritionist
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The Change: Hormones and the Stages of Menopause
October 28, 2021 | 6:30 p
This workshop will be on general information regarding the different stages of menopause and the nutritional/herbal products that aid in the hormonal process.
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Transformation Thursdays:​Weight Management
Thursday, January 14, 2021 | 6:30p
In this workshops, participants will learn more about macros and exercises that can target those stubborn areas and holistically what herbs can aid in the process of weight loss.
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Business Development Workshops
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June 16, 2021 | 11:00a
For the first time ever - join the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC) covering Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia together with the West Virginia State University Economic Development Center (WVSU-EDC) for this FREE inaugural joint minority 'Meet and Greet' event - A PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS... FOR BUSINESSES!'
Minority business owners will learn how TSMSDC and WVSU-EDC can help their businesses to develop and grow, and be ready for contract opportunities!
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How to Write an Effective Business Plan (2 series workshop)
June 23, 2021 | 1:00 p (Session 1)
June 30, 2021 | 1:00 p (Session 2)
This two session workshop will walk participants through the process of writing a business plan that will capture the attention of lending institutions, investors and business partners.
Participants will receive a business plan template to use and have an opportunity to present their plan to prepare for a real presentation.
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Thursday, April 29, 2021 | 5:30p
SpreeWV is a shop local campaign that encourages and rewards you for shopping, eating and receiving services from local Charleston businesses. Join our workshop to find out more about this awesome program.
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​​​Supplier Diversity Forum
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | 9a-12p
The Supplier Diversity Forum helps minority suppliers pursue, win, and successfully maintain corporate and government contracts. Hosted by Advantage Valley, Truist, West Virginia State University EDC, and theWV Women's Business Center, this 3-hour virtual forum is designed to increase the number of successful minority-owned, woman-owned and other disadvantaged small suppliers in West Virginia.
Attendees will understand how to:
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Research and prepare for supplier opportunities
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How to obtain important certifications
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How to recognize the right opportunities for your business
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How to finance growth from successful contracts
SBA: 5 Easy Ways to Sell Online​
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | 10a
Are you looking for ways to sell your products or services online?
Our team will walk you through five options you can implement today to start selling online fast, even ones that don’t include the costs of a website. Training provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 | 10a
The art of blog writing, keywords and content creation. Learn the ins and outs of how to create and monetize your blog, increase traffic and create engagement.
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Growing Your Business w/Truist via WebEx
​Thursday, March 11, 2021 | 1p
​Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 6 p
Do you want to expand your business but don’t know how to finance that growth?
Could your cash flow be better managed?
Is new equipment, additional staff or a different location part of your future?
BB&T, now Truist, would like to help you grow your business. Our Growing Your Business seminar will teach you ways to make sure your business is ready for growth. You’ll learn about separation of business from personal finances, credit and borrowing options, and insurance needs.​
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | 10a
At any minute do you know how much money your business is bringing in along and how the money is being spent? Good recordkeeping is critical to the small business owner’s ability to manage their business—and to stay in the good graces with state and federal authorities. You can’t have a business and ignore recordkeeping, especially those related to your income and costs. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office will review basic recordkeeping requirements essential for every small business.
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Taking Your Social Media Posts from Good to Great to Awesome
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | 10a
Are looking for ways to improve your social media campaign?
Learn how to take your social media from Good to Great to Awesome.
Our team will show you examples of good social media posts and give you tips on how to take them to the next level to improve your engagement. Training provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office.
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Independent Contractors v. Employees
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 10a
Did you know that employers who deliberately misclassify workers to avoid paying taxes can be fined or even sentenced to up to one year in prison?
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office will provide the basic rules around employee and independent contractor classification from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the US Department of Labor (DOL).
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Budgeting During the Crisis w/Truist via WebEx
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | 12p
Join us for a special edition of Bank on Your Success w/ BB&T now Truist focused solely on “Budgeting During a Crisis.” This interactive session will provide you with the tools you need to assemble a crisis budget and provide you with valuable take-away resources to help you and others.
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The Basics of Blog Writing and Monetizing
Thursday, January 19, 2021 | 10a
The art of blog writing, keywords and content creation. Learn the ins and outs of how to create and monetize your blog, increase traffic and create engagement.