News & Events

Valley Ventures
Thursday, February 26, 2009

Valley Ventures Inc., the Weirton-based business development organization, recently completed its first year of operations assisting businesses throughout the entire Upper Ohio Valley. Valley Ventures has been working with hundreds of businesses and entrepreneurs in Jefferson, Hancock, Brooke and Ohio counties helping its clients expand their existing businesses or starting new businesses.

Lou Stein, Valley Ventures executive director, has been working with a wide variety of existing businesses and new business start-ups, assisting them in finding financing, writing business plans, finding or expanding their facilities, acquiring new equipment and marketing or management assistance.

"It has been a great first year in assisting dozens of clients in new business start-ups and businesses expansions throughout our four-county focus area," said Stein. "I have been working closely with a wide variety of businesses from mom-and-pop companies to large corporations representing retail, service businesses and professional organizations. What many people do not realize is that Valley Ventures is busier than ever in a difficult economy. Many folks who have been laid off, their company has closed or they simply cannot find the job they want in this area make the decision that it is time to own and operate their own business. They are tired of working for someone else and they have a product, service or an idea that they want to use to start their own company. That is where Valley Ventures steps in to help take them from their business ideas to getting their business started, usually within three to four months," Stein continued.

Valley Ventures Inc. handles all of its clients on a strictly confidential basis. There is no charge by Valley Ventures to its business clients for marketing, management or financial services. In addition, the Valley Ventures staff has 30-plus years in hands-on, goal-oriented business and real estate development experience throughout the mid- and upper Ohio Valley.

Valley Ventures Inc. is launching a network of professional service providers comprised of established professionals in their fields such as accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, Web designers and graphic artists to help serve all of the needs of its business clients. Having this extended team of professionals supporting the Valley Ventures client base helps ensure the clients' success.

Valley Ventures Inc. also recently introduced its own revolving loan fund to assist small businesses that may have some difficulty getting the financing they need from banks or other traditional sources.

"We launched this fund in August of 2008 and have already made five loans to five new and existing businesses," said Stein. "The revolving loan fund has been a great addition to our network of financing partners who are currently funding our start-ups and expansions," continued Stein.

"Another exciting project which will be launched in the spring of 2009 is a prestigious 10-week program to teach entrepreneurship," added Stein. "This exciting curriculum will certify students on all aspects of planning, owning and operating their own business. This will be a terrific course for both new entrepreneurs as well as current business owners. We are excited to be offering this valuable curriculum for the first time in the Upper Ohio Valley," said Stein.

Another business development project in the works is the formation of a regional business incubator in the Weirton-Steubenville market.

This incubator will serve a 120-mile radius and be of great assistance and support to new business start-ups and existing growth business expansions. More will be released regarding this project later in the year.

For anyone wanting information regarding Valley Ventures Inc., the organization has recently launched a new, in-depth Web site that outlines in detail the services it offers.

To obtain information log on at valleyventures.org. Valley Ventures office is at 3224 Main St. in Weirton and the phone number is (304) 748-1525. To inquire by e-mail, send to loustein@valleyventures.org.