The Main Street White Sulphur Springs group and the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation co-sponsored the WSS-Caldwell Small Business Forum on June 27,  at The Greenbrier’s Crystal Room. There were approximately 30 people in attendance representing over 10 small businesses.

In the last year, small business owners have been adversely affected by the devastation of the floods and other economic downturns. The Main Street WSS and the GVEDC have partnered to ensure resources are available to area business owners. Presentations were completed by Shannon Mitchell, small business coach of the WV Small Business Development Center; Ruthana Beezley, business advisor of the WV HIVE; Sharon Toney, OJT job developer of Region 1 Workforce Development; Ashley Vickers, executive director of Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce; Beth Gill, marketing director of Greenbrier County CVB; Travis Ingram, regional sales manager of First Citizens Bank;  Deborah Parker, vice president of First Citizens Bank; and Pat Harper, executive director of Main Street WSS.

The presentations included the availability of free professional services to small business owners through direct services and other supportive programs. Harper closed the presentations with the announcement of small business matching grants available to White Sulphur Springs and Caldwell small business owners.

Contact Harper at 304-536-1454 for more information regarding the matching grant. Contact the GVEDC at 304-497-4300, or gvedc.com, for more information regarding any of the other small business services.