Business Briefs
Online business filings doubled over same period in 2011
CHARLESTON — The number of business owners who have filed their annual reports online in 2012 has nearly doubled over the same time period last year.
From Jan. 1 to Feb. 9 of this year, 10,245 annual reports have been filed online using the business portal www.business4wv.com. During the same time period last year, 6,198 annual reports were filed online.
That’s an increase of 4,047.
The Secretary of State’s Office offers a live online interactive chat helpline that allows business owners to talk one on one with a business and licensing specialist. The helpline feature is available from 9 to 11 every weekday morning and from 2 to 4 every weekday afternoon. Hundreds of business owners have logged on and gotten quick answers to their questions since the chat feature launched in December of 2011.
There is also a tutorial video that takes business owners through the online filing process step by step. This four minute video has been watched nearly 1,000 times since it was posted to the Secretary of State’s website on January 6.
The filing period ends June 30. Last year 28,640 annual reports were filed online at www.business4wv.com.
Matching mini-grants available for service projects
CHARLESTON — Small businesses and nonprofit organizations are now eligible to apply for matching mini-grant funding that will assist with the cost of conducting a service project in the communities where they live and work.
The West Virginia Business Volunteer Council (BVC) will provide a direct cash match of up to $500 to eligible and approved applicants. The purpose of the matching mini-grant program is to encourage corporate and employee volunteerism by enabling small businesses and organizations to actively engage in their communities to solve problems or make improvements that they deem important.
Eligible applicants include businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations and associations. The funds will be provided as reimbursement for documented, allowable expenses as they relate to service projects.
No more than two mini-grants will be awarded each quarter. The first round of grant awards will be awarded during the second quarter (April – June) of 2012. The application deadline for this round of awards is March 30. Application requirements can be found by visiting www.volunteerwv.org.
Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate support and participation from the community, associations and labor organizations; promote workplace volunteerism, meet a need deemed important by the community; or provide an opportunity for volunteers to network.
For more information on the BVC, contact Kellie Aikman at 304-558-0111 or kellie.l.aikman@wv.gov.
To become a member of the BVC, an application must be submitted to Kellie Aikman along with a one-time fee of $25. Visit www.volunteerwv.org for more information about Volunteer West Virginia.
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