WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 24, 2018 — West Liberty University’s Small Business Center, located at the WLU Downtown Center, is now open for business. 
Offering resources to business start-ups, the center is part of the vision of President Stephen Greiner and is located in the West Liberty University Foundation offices at 1100 Main St.
“Since 1837, West Liberty University has supported the community and provided the Northern Panhandle with business students, professional educators, health science practitioners and so many other professionals. We are pleased to be able to continue to meet the needs of our region by assisting entrepreneurs in this convenient downtown location,” Greiner said.
“We want to be a partner in downtown Wheeling’s revitalization,” he added.
Dr. Rickard Briggs, assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the Gary E. West College of Business, is leading the center and offering his expertise and guidance for new business owners who have questions.
“We’ve already assisted a number of individuals who have reached out to us. One was looking for tax help, another was seeking advice on starting up and creating a business plan,” Briggs said.
Briggs teaches entrepreneurship and business management at WLU. A native of New York City, he has been a full-time faculty member at WLU since fall of 2017. Briggs also plans on having a business incubator on the WLU main campus in the fall that will involve students.
With the opening of the Small Business Center downtown, WLU also has unveiled a bright new logo designed by WLU graphic design student Kelsey Hayden of Charles Town, W.Va.
“Four students in my graphic design class participated and designed logos but Kelsey’s was selected by the committee and we congratulate her. It is a strong design,” said Professor Moonjung Kang, assistant professor of art.
“The Small Business Center is open to all individuals, not just WLU students or alumni. The WLU Foundation is committed to helping the University in its community outreach in this area of innovation and growth. We all benefit from a vibrant downtown,” said Angela Zambito-Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation.
For more information on the WLU Small Business Center, please contact the WLU Downtown Center at 304.336.5635.