Special opportunities available to small businesses

Kimberly A. Donahue

Donahue works to change that with legal knowhow and years of experience in small business development. With her skills in training and marketing, she serves the southern part of the state as a specialist with the US Small Business Administration.

Over half of the private sector workers in West Virginia are employed by small businesses, Donahue told the group.

Most of the new jobs in the state are generated by small businesses, and employees in small businesses are 13 to 14 times more innovative than their big business counterparts.

The Small Business Administration is a "resource partner, " says Donahue. In addition to financial assistance and contract opportunities, the SBA offers training programs and counseling assistance.

A valuable source of advice and information in a national network known as SCORE, a Service Corps of Retired Executives. The service is free and quick, Donahue said.

Speaking to banking executives in the audience, Donahue noted that financial assistance was supported by the SBA. Guarantees for up to 85 percent of the total are available for loans to small businesses.