OFFERING ADVICE – Steve Roberts, business coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, discussed some of the processes of registering as a business in West Virginia as part of the opening session of the “Business Bootcamp” series, held Thursday in Weirton. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Area entrepreneurs had a chance to go back to basics Thursday, as part of an education series organized to expand the opportunities for local businesses.

The “Business Bootcamp” series, organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Weirton, Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, and First Microloan of West Virginia, kicked off with the first of seven sessions to be held at the Millsop Community Center.

“This series was designed with a simple goal; to help entrepreneurs succeed,” noted BDC Executive Director Anthony Clements in welcoming those in attendance.

Thursday’s session, titled “Where Do I Start? Licensing Requirements for Weirton and West Virginia,” was presented by Steve Roberts, business coach with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, and Mikeal Maguschak, program manager for the City of Weirton’s Business and Rental Registration.

Roberts noted 98.8 percent of businesses in West Virginia are considered small businesses, recognized as those with fewer than 500 employees, with 47 percent of those working in the state employed by a small business.

“Small business is a big part of what we do,” he said, noting the SBA worked on 96 small business startups in 2024, and assisted with 1,005 small businesses in the last five years.

West Virginia has developed a one-stop online portal to assist those wishing to establish a business in the state – at www.business4wv.com – which will send information on registered businesses to both the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office and the state Tax Department.

Roberts also noted the state has been paying greater attention to cottage industries and smaller operations, visiting county and state fairs and other community events to encourage people register as a business, whether they are opening a brick-and-mortar location or doing something as a hobby.

“If you’re doing something for financial gain, it’s probably going to trigger a need to register as a business,” Roberts said.

Maguschak provided a rundown on some of the services provided through the city’s Planning and Development and Inspections departments, explaining there are more than 2,000 businesses registered to operate in the city. He noted, it is important for those wishing to open a business within the city limits to obtain licenses for both the City of Weirton and the State of West Virginia.

“If you’re starting any venture, you should check with the Planning and Development Department,” he said, explaining there are varying processes whether you open a storefront, own or rent, work as a vendor, are home-based or online.

Many of those options may also include approval from several municipal departments prior to a license being issued.

The “Business Bootcamp” series will continue through May, offering individual sessions on topics to be presented by experts in the field.

They include:

Oct. 16: “Before You Buy: Zoning Regulations and Owning Versus Leasing,” presented by Tony Viola of the Weirton Area Board of Realtors, Anthony Clements of the BDC, and City of Weirton Planning and Development Director Mark Miller.

Nov. 20: “Building Your Brand: Strategize Your Marketing and Social Media Presence,” presented by Rachel Keeney of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Feb. 19: “Show Me The Money: Alternative Financing Options,” presented by Tim James of First Microloan of West Virginia.

March 19: “It’s Tax Time: Understanding Your Financial Statement,” also presented by James.

April 16: “Growing Your Business: Workforce Development,” presented by Erin Kittle of the Northern Panhandle Workforce Development and Jennifer Rohrig of West Virginia Economic Development.

May 21: “Handbooks, Employee Files and More: HR Compliance,” presented by Amy Grant of WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center.

Each session will cost $10 to participate, and pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce at (304) 748-7212.