Beckley, W.Va. (August 21, 2024) – The West Virginia Hive is offering 10 discounted CO.STARTERS Core extensive business training sessions between September 12 and November 14. Cost of the 10-week hybrid training is $75 per person (discounted from $500), thanks to the WV Hive.

Mary Legg, Senior Business Advisor at the WV Hive, said those interested in starting or expanding an existing business would gain the most from this program.

Participants should register for the CO.STARTERS Core training series: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wv-hive-costarters-core-training-fall-2024-tickets-995352073847

Legg said the first and last Thursday sessions (September 12 and November 14) are in person, and the other eight are virtual. Each session will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. She said the workshops will help participants work together to explore their ideas through the CO.STARTERS Core business modeling canvas, learn how to refine their models through meaningful customer feedback, and define next steps.

Other crucial needs faced by new entrepreneurs will also be addressed:

• September 12 -IN PERSON (Business Hub ) – Kick-off Event – Session 1: Knowing Yourself – Introduction, Assumptions, Working Styles, Team Building, Obstacles
• September 19 – VIRTUAL – Session 2: Knowing Your Customer – Customer, Problem, Alternatives, Idea Testing
• September 26 – VIRTUAL – Session 3: Finding the Right Solution – Solution, Benefit, Advantage, Starting Small, Brand Identity
• October 3- VIRTUAL – Session 4: Getting the Relationship Right – Marketing & Message; Getting, Keeping & Growing Customers
• October 10 – VIRTUAL – Session 5: Building Blocks – Distribution, Revenue, Typical Offering, Price
• October 17 – VIRTUAL – Session 6: Structures & Systems – Legal & Accounting Considerations
• October 24 – VIRTUAL – Session 7: Discovering the Bottom Line – Startup & Ongoing Needs, Fixed & Variable Costs, Break-Even Point
• October 31 – VIRTUAL – Session 8: Financial Modeling – Break-Even Point, Sales Projections, Cash Flow, Raising Capital
• November 7 – VIRTUAL – Session 9: Planning for Growth – Growth Plans, Goal Setting, Celebration Prep
• November 14 – IN-PERSON – Session 10: Celebration – Participants are recognized, and the group celebrates their achievements.

Judy Moore, deputy director of the NRGRDA and executive director of the WV Hive, said, “The WV Hive offers comprehensive free business advising and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs take their business ideas from concept to reality. We have assisted hundreds of new start-ups in all 13 southern West Virginia counties we serve, and the added benefits of CO.STARTERS Core training are significant.”

The WV Hive is the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. Its 13-county service area includes Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster,

Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan, and Mingo counties. More information about the WV Hive can be found at wvhive.com.