Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 1, 2022) – WVU Parkersburg is excited to announce that the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) has relocated its regional center to WVUP on Market in Downtown Parkersburg.

“This partnership with WVU Parkersburg and the WV Small Business Development Center illustrates our commitment to support the community’s economic development and foster entrepreneurship in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Having the SBDC downtown will increase accessibility to their coach, workshops and training programs.”

The WVSBDC is a statewide network that provides tools, training and connections for successfully starting and growing a small business. It plays a vital role in West Virginia’s economic development initiatives by:

• Assisting entrepreneurs in every stage of the business cycle, from prospective entrepreneurs to mature businesses looking for growth opportunities and more.
• Working with firms in all industry sectors.
• Being a member of a nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers that share resources in our mission to start and grow small businesses.
• Following the Baldridge Principles of performance excellence in achieving accreditation by America’s SBDC, as required by Congressional mandate. These principles include managing for innovation, entrepreneurship, customer-driven excellence, integrity, visionary leadership, creating value, agility, societal responsibility and a focus on the future.

Marsa Myers, WVSBDC coach, serves the Mid-Ohio Valley and will be available to help the small businesses downtown and across the seven-county region, from her offices at WVUP on Market, 414 Market Street, Parkersburg, W.Va. She can be reached at marsa.c.myers@wv.gov.