Bluefield State College marketing students are working with area small businesses being assisted by the Community Services Block Grant’s Neighborhood Enterprise Center (NEC) in a collaborative effort that benefits all parties involved. Pictured (left-to-right) are Brenda Elmore (director/Community Services Block Grant’s NEC), Susan Mann (BSC marketing faculty member), and Terry South (administrative assistant/NEC).

Through NEC’s micro-loan program, small businesses (with ten employees or less) can obtain loans, business training, and opportunities for assistance that enhance their viability. Currently, two Bluefield businesses—The Breadman and Uptown Cleaners, and one Hinton business—New River Scenic Whitewater Tours—have received loans through the program. “The small business leaders we’ve interviewed have pointed to two pressing concerns--adequate funding and marketing/advertising,” stated NEC program administrative assistant Terry South.

NEC’s micro-loan program can address qualifying small businesses’ funding challenges. A partnership with Susan Mann, BSC marketing faculty member, and her students, will provide assistance on the marketing/advertising front. “Students in the ‘Integrated Marketing Communications’ class will work with small businesses in the NEC program,” Mann explained. “They will gather information and develop marketing plans and strategies. They’ll gain ‘real world’ experience by working with existing companies, and they will contribute to the success of those businesses, the communities they serve, and NEC.”

“The business owners we’ve talked to are very enthusiastic about the help they can get from the Bluefield State College marketing students, and we really believe this collaboration with BSC can expand into other areas, for example, enhanced business web sites, improved space utilization, etc.,” South added.

Additional information regarding the micro-loan program can be obtained by calling (304) 772-3381. The Monroe County Office, which operates the NEC, is a division of Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia (CASE). Community Services Block Grant provides administrative/operational funds to support this project.

August 11, 2005