The SBA accomplishes their mission through the "three C's" of business – Counseling, Capital, and Contracts. The WV District Office and Branch Office are here to help you with any questions you may have. Below is a breakdown of services offered and the appropriate contacts. As always, you can contact the office at 304-623-5631 and you will be directed to the appropriate person.

Counseling
Are you thinking about starting a small business? Do you know where to start? The SBA and its nationwide network of resource partners help millions of potential and existing small business owners start, grow, and succeed.

Kim Donahue oversees the three West Virginia resource partners that provide counseling and training to West Virginia small businesses.

They are:

• West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC)
• Counselors to America’s Small Business (SCORE)
• Women’s Business Center and Training Center (WVWBC)

 We also have three economic development specialists that conduct trainings, presentations, or direct you to the appropriate resource partner. You can contact them at:

• Kimberly Donahue, Economic Development Specialist – Southern WV Counties
  Phone: 304-347-5220 Email: kimberly.donahue@sba.gov
• Larry Batten, Economic Development Specialist – Northern WV Counties
  Phone: 304-623-7447 Email: larry.batten@sba.gov
• Nikki Bowmar, Economic Development Specialist - Northern WV Counties
  Phone: 304-623-7445 Email: nikki.bowmar@sba.gov

Capital
Many small businesses need financial resources to start or expand a business. The SBA offers a variety of loan guaranty programs made by the bank. Click here to learn more about the programs provided. The West Virginia District Office has two Lender Relations Specialists who conduct trainings, presentations, or direct you to the appropriate resources.

• Rick Haney, Lender Relations Specialist
  Phone: 304-623-7449 Email: richard.haney@sba.gov
• Leo Lopez, Lender Relations Specialist
  Phone: 304-347-5220 Email: leo.lopez@sba.gov

Contracts
The Federal Government is the largest single buyer of goods and services in the world, buying everything from armored tanks to paper clips. The SBA works closely with the Federal Government to ensure that small businesses obtain their fair share of government contracts and subcontracts.

Small business certification programs can be a way to help firms grow and succeed within the government contracting arena. These programs support women-owned, service disabled veterans or veteran owned and other minority-owned small businesses. Firms may also be eligible for HUBZone or 8(a) certification and can apply for certifications with the SBA.

For government contracting or SBA certification program assistance, contact:

• Melissa Loder, Business Opportunity Specialist
  Phone: 304-623-7448 Email: melissa.loder@sba.gov

Leadership and Support Staff

• Judy McCauley, District Director
  Phone: 304-623-7441 Email: judy.mccauley@sba.gov
• Karen Friel, Deputy District Director
  Phone: 304-623-7442 Email: karen.friel@sba.gov
• Emma Wilson, Branch Manager – Charleston Branch Office
  Phone: 304-347-5220 Email: emma.wilson@sba.gov
• Barbara Carder, Program Support Assistant
  Phone: 304-623-5631 Email: barbara.carder@sba.gov