The Small and Family Business Program is a joint effort of The Center for Entrepreneurship and local business leaders.
MISSION
In cooperation with the West Liberty University Foundation, national and regional foundations, the regional business community, and other resources, The Center for Entrepreneurship at the Gary E. West College of Business at West Liberty University operates a Small and Family Business Program responsive to the needs of business start-ups by students and new graduates, as well as established small and family businesses.
The entrepreneurial curriculum of the Gary E. West College of Business influences and reflects this unique relationship, giving its graduates distinctive qualifications to enter the world of business. The Small and Family Business Program then provides post-graduate support with economic planning, mentoring, and technical assistance for new entrepreneurs and existing businesses in order to increase economic activity in the region and create jobs.
VISION
The vision of the Small and Family Business Program is to impact the economy of Wheeling and the Ohio Valley by strengthening the small business community in the region and to bring the Gary E. West College of Business and the business community into close, continuous, and mutually beneficial contact.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Major Annual Events
Presentations, workshops, seminars, and panel discussions will be conducted by top experts in the field of small and family business, as well as by locally recognized leaders who have key roles in their own family and small businesses. Member firms can bring an unlimited number of family members, as well as key non-family employees.
Check out our Upcoming Events page for more information!!
Affinity Groups
Members who have a common perspective, such as belonging to the small and family business leading the next generation or serving as a key non-family executive, will have an opportunity to meet periodically to discuss topics and issues of mutual interest and to learn from each others’ experience. In a comfortable atmosphere of trust and confidentiality, affinity group participants can share their triumphs and challenges with peers who understand and relate to the unique dynamics of belonging to a small or family business.
Sponsor Roundtable Workshops
Representatives from the Small and Family Business Program sponsor firms draw on their unique business expertise to present a timely, relevant topic, designed to have immediate value and application to Small and Family Business Program member firms.
Private Consultations
Member firms may be able to schedule one-on-one time with visiting national experts before or after program presentations (depending on availability).
MEMBERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP
To become a member firm or a program sponsor of the Small and Family Business Program, please contact Carrie White, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, at [email protected] or call 304-336-8159.
SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Leslie P. DeFelice, President and CEO, DeFelice Care, Inc., Chairperson
Carrie White, MBA, JD, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship at West Liberty University
Craig Crow, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Management, Gary E. West College of Business
Brad Blair, Market President-Northern West Virginia and Wheeling/Steubenville, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
William Hehr, President, Hehr & Associates
Salene Kraemer, Esq., MazurKraemer Law Offices
