WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON -– The deadline for entrepreneurs and business service organizations to register for the WVBizBuilder.com directory has been extended to April 1. Only businesses that register will be in the searchable directory.

Working in collaboration with the West Virginia Small Business Development Centers (WVSBDC), A Vision Shared in February launched www.WVBizBuilder.com, a project to network businesses and promote West Virginia economic growth. The project allows businesses and service providers to market their goods and services to entrepreneurs and businesses statewide. When complete, entrepreneurs will be able to use the searchable online directory to quickly find the necessary services and support to grow their businesses.

A Vision Shared and the WVSBDC are encouraging state businesses of all sizes, service providers and organizations, such as chambers of commerce, to register so they will be included in the completed directory.

"At the WVSBDC, we work with clients each day who are looking for reputable companies and service providers to help with all aspects of their businesses," said M.E. Yancosek Gamble, WVSBDC state director. "WVBizBuilder.com will provide that opportunity as well as give our clients a chance, at no charge, to market their own products and services."

To register, organizations simply logon to www.WVBizBuilder.com and complete a short form about goods and services they offer. Registration is free.

The directory will also serve as a key tool for the WVSBDC. They will use the database of registrants when making referrals for their business clients.

"Businesses who do not register are missing an opportunity that will bring them new customers and referrals. This tool will provide such a great resource at your fingertips, new businesses start out with the services they need to be successful," said Jenny Fertig, A Vision Shared Direct Rural Strategies Team Leader and Community and Economic Development Program Leader for West Virginia State University Extension.

A Vision Shared is currently mailing out letters and emails to businesses and other organizations, such as chambers of commerce, across the state to remind them to register with www.WVBizBuilder.com.

To learn more about this new program, visit www.WVBizBuilder.com. If you are unable to access the Internet, contact Nikki Williams at (304) 346-7635 for more information or to request a paper copy of the registration.