RBS facilitates small business development in southern West Virginia through several projects. Some areas of focus are artisan development, value added agriculture, sustainable tourism development, expansion of the specialty food industry, and small business training opportunities.
 
PROJECTS:
 
Marketing Instruction to Small Business:
In partnership with the RBS program, the Women’s Business and Training Center provides marketing instruction to small business owners.
www.westviriginiawbc.org
 
West Virginia Recipe Challenge:
The innovative Recipe Challenge involves a partnership with WV State University, WV Department of Agriculture, WV State Fair, and the Tamarack to develop and expand the specialty food industry in West Virginia. Together these groups prepare a prize package valued at over $10,000 to be awarded to the most promising new food entrepreneur following a judging by food professionals at the annual WV State Fair.
 
The package provides business development support provided by WVSU and the WVDA and marketing assistance by Tamarack, the state's premier retail outlet for specialty products. There is also an existing entrepreneur category with a prize package valued at over $2000.
 
The 2008 Recipe Challenge was held Sunday, August 10, 2008 at the State Fair of West Virginia. This year's event was only one of several items during a day of food entertainment. The theme for the day focused on healthy eating/cooking with a focus on locally grown.
 
For more information visit:
http://www.statefairofwv.com/
Read about the success of our very first Recipe Challenge Winner. More...
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mary E. Legg
RBS Coordinator
West Virginia State University
200 Value City Center
Suite 608
Beckley, WV 25801
304-619-8111
leggme@wvstateu.edu
 
Also visit:
USDA Rural Development home page at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
USDA Rural Development--West Virginia home page at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/WV/