unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
The community of Gay, WV, faces significant challenges due to the lack of immediate access to essential goods and services. Residents must travel considerable distances for basic necessities like groceries, hardware, plumbing supplies, and toiletries. The nearest town with chain stores and grocery options is Ripley, 11 miles away, requiring a 25-30 minute drive each way, depending on the route and road conditions.
This distance poses an ongoing hardship, especially for those with limited resources. One resident shared their frustration: "I hate that I have to spend an hour driving there and back home just to get what little groceries I can afford once I get there." These difficulties are further compounded in fall and winter, when ice and snow make the already lengthy journey treacherous and time-consuming.
"We were able to get a Small Business Administration loan. We started contacting vendors and getting products delivered. That sounds simple, but it's not. All the regulations you have to follow are complicated but our SBDC coach helped us with everything."
Marsa Myers, a business coach with the WV SBDC, provided invaluable support to James Dunlap throughout the process of opening his store. She guided him in conceptualizing the business idea, shared insights on conducting market research, assisted in securing a loan, and collaborated with him on planning the store's launch. Additionally, she offered strategic advice on generating community excitement and awareness leading up to the grand opening.
On February 1, 2024, after seven months of dedicated effort—including renovating the site, building shelves, installing new doors, and securing vendors and food suppliers—D'z Country Market proudly opened its doors to an enthusiastic and grateful community. This is West Virginia at its finest, where residents come together to strengthen their community and ensure its growth and success.
The market is truly a family-run business. James Dunlap's two daughters manage and operate the store, while James and his wife pitch in during evenings and weekends, embodying the spirit of teamwork and commitment that defines the region.
At just 22 years old, Alexis Campbell faced significant obstacles in his pursuit of owning a $700,000 tool-sharpening business. As a college senior with no credit history and minimal savings, securing traditional financing seemed nearly impossible. These financial barriers, combined with the steep price of the business, created a daunting challenge for Alexis, who also had to overcome skepticism from potential supporters, including his family, about his ability to successfully acquire and manage the business.
"When you sit down with the bank and they ask for specific documents and you open your folder and can hand those to them, that is a powerful statement, and that is what the SBDC and Doug Harper were able to do for me."
Alexis turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance, and met Doug Harper, an experienced coach. Doug played a pivotal role in Alexis's journey, providing mentorship and strategic advice on crafting a compelling business plan and preparing a professional pitch for lenders. Doug's coaching refined Alexis's approach and boosted his confidence, helping him navigate the complexities of the financing process and secure meetings with potential investors, including Huntington Bank.
With a polished plan and support from his SBDC coach, Alexis successfully secured a loan from Huntington Bank with the additional backing of his family, who contributed to the down payment after being convinced by his passion and preparation. Alexis ultimately acquired the business, transforming his vision into reality. His success stands as a testament to his determination, the critical role of mentorship, and the power of a supportive community. Today, Alexis's business thrives, inspiring other young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
Riffle Farms faced several challenges as a female and veteran-owned business in a specialized industry. Navigating the complexities of small business ownership required overcoming barriers to establish credibility and secure financial resources. Operating the first commercial bison farm in West Virginia introduced unique logistical and regulatory hurdles, particularly with pioneering practices like field harvesting. Additionally, gaining the trust of lenders in a niche agricultural field proved difficult, further complicating the path to growth.
"In terms of obtaining funding for women and veteran owned businesses, you have to find the right people who are in it for you and that are on your side. The SBDC are folks who really wanted to help us out from that perspective."
The West Virginia SBDC provided essential support to address these challenges. Through personalized business coaching, SBDC Business Coach Frank Goldsborough guided Liz Riffle in managing the complexities of starting and scaling her farm. The SBDC also helped bolster her credibility, enabling her to secure financial backing critical for expanding operations. By connecting Liz to resources and programs tailored for small businesses, the SBDC played a pivotal role in helping her achieve significant milestones, such as obtaining state certification for field-harvested bison.
The assistance from the SBDC led to remarkable results for Riffle Farms. Liz successfully expanded her business, establishing it as a pioneering force in West Virginia's agricultural industry. She introduced innovative practices, becoming the first farm in the state to field-harvest animals for state-certified commercial sale. Her entrepreneurial journey continued with the launch of a second business, The Honest Carnivore — A WV Meat Collective, dedicated to sustainable meat practices. Liz also gained recognition as a Savory Accredited Professional, allowing her to teach Holistic Management nationwide. The success of Riffle Farms demonstrates its significant contribution to the local economy and highlights how collaboration with organizations like the SBDC enables small businesses to thrive and innovate.