Supplier Diversity Mini-Grants

This mini-grant program increases the number of certified Woman-owned (WBE), Minority (MBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in West Virginia by defraying costs associated with the certification process.

Funding Source: Funded by Truist

Availability: A limited number of grants available on a first-come basis

Eligible Applicants:

• Qualified women, minority, or disadvantaged businesses
• Annual revenues under $1 million OR meet the SBA size test for their industry NAICS code

Geographic Scope: West Virginia (statewide)

Grant Amount: Up to $500 in costs reimbursed upon successful completion of grant requirements

Certifications Supported:

• Women's Business Enterprise (WBE): Through Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) - https://www.wbecorv.org/about-wbecorv
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE): Through Tri-State Minority Supplier Diversity Council (TSMSDC) - https://tsmsdc.com/
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE): Through SBA Contracting Assistance Programs - https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program

Contact Information:

• For Business Coaching and Technical Assistance:
  • Boone, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam: Tyler Brandstetter, FASTER WV Business Coach, WV Small Business Development Center, Tyler.l.brandstetter@wv.gov or (304) 553-9692
  • Cabell and Wayne: Jules Bills, FASTER WV Business Coach, Unlimited Future, Inc., jules@unlimitedfuture.org or (304) 697-3007
  • Statewide Women's Business Center: Nora Myers, Director of WV Women's Business Center, nora@wvwomen.org or (304) 825-5000
• Application Submission: Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165
• Training and Financing: Marlo Long, SVP, CRA & Community Development, Truist, Office: (304) 353-1682, Mobile: (304) 549-1570, long@truist.com

Application Process

1. Review Certification Requirements
   • Contact with the appropriate certifying agency:
   • WBEC ORV for WBE certification
   • TSMSDC for MBE certification
   • SBA for Disadvantaged Business programs
   • Contact one of the business coaches listed above for assistance
2. Submit Mini-Grant Application for Pre-Approval
   • Mini-Grant applications accepted on an ongoing basis until funding exhausted
   • Submit to: Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165
   • Applicant has 6 months after pre-approval to obtain certification to be eligible for reimbursement
3. Attend "Growing Your Business" Training
   • Once pre-approved, attend a 1-hour virtual "Growing Your Business" seminar hosted by Truist (formerly BB&T)
   • Seminar includes Q&A on financing contracts and growth
   • Register by contacting Marlo Long, Truist, at long@truist.com, (304) 353-1682, or (304) 549-1570
4. Obtain Certification
   • Submit application to the appropriate certifying agency
   • Complete certification process within 6 months of pre-approval
5. Submit Documentation for Final Approval & Reimbursement
   • Submit to: Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165
   • Required documents:
   • Receipts for all expenses related to certification process (up to $500)
   • Date of attendance at the "Growing Your Business" workshop
   • Proof of certification
   • Allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement upon final approval