Advantage Valley Offering Support for Certification
Funded by Truist
Purpose:
The purpose of this mini-grant program is to increase the number of certified Woman-owned (WBE), Minority (MBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in WV by defraying the costs associated with the certification process. A limited number of grants are available on a first come basis.
Eligible Applicant:
Qualified women, minority or disadvantaged businesses with annual revenues under $1 million or that meet the SBA size test for their industry NAICS code.
Grant Amount:
Up to $500 in costs will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the grant requirements
COMING SOON: Webinar on July 21, 2022 at 6pm about how to obtain certification! Register HERE!
For Business Coaching and Technical Assistance Contact:
Tyler Brandstetter
WV Small Business Development Center
FASTER WV Business Coach
Tyler.l.brandstetter@wv.gov
(304) 553-9692
Boone, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha,
Lincoln, Putnam Counties
Jules Bills
Unlimited Future, Inc.
FASTER WV Business Coach
jules@unlimitedfuture.org
(304) 697-3007
Cabell and Wayne Counties
The Process:
1. Review the requirements for certification with the appropriate certifying agency:
Small Business Administration Contracting Assistance Programs Program for Disadvantaged Businesses
2. If you need assistance, call one of the business coaches at the agencies listed above.
3. Fill out the mini-grant application for pre-approval:
Mini-Grant applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until funding has been exhausted. Fill out the grant application and Advantage Valley will pre-approve your application. The applicant will then have 6 months to obtain certification in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Submit the application to:
Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165
4. Attend a Financing Growth Training
Once pre-approved, attend a 1-hour virtual “Growing Your Business” seminar hosted by BB&T, now Truist with a Q&A session on financing contracts and growth. Register for one of the following sessions by contacting Marlo Long, SVP, CRA & Community Development BB&T, Now Truist Office: (304) 353-1682 Mobile: (304) 549-1570 Email: long@truist.com
5. Final Approval & Reimbursement
Submit application for certification to the appropriate certifying agency, and provide Advantage Valley with the receipts for all expenses related to the certifying process up to $500. Also, provide the date of attendance at the Growing Your Business workshop. Send information to the address below and allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement upon final approval. Submit all documentation to:
Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165