Applications open for 'MyBluefield Website Development Program' as part of COVID-19 recovery

Bluefield, WV – The Bluefield WV Economic Development Authority (BEDA) is accepting applications for the MyBluefield Website Development Program. Businesses physically located in the city limits of the City of Bluefield, WV are eligible to receive a new e-commerce site, a new static/informational site, or updates to their existing website through the program. The program is being funded by a Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In response to COVID-19 and the shift of consumers purchasing goods and services online, BEDA conducted a Local Business Website Study which tracked 80+ businesses physically located in the City of Bluefield and found that among them, 43% did not have a website, and 35% had poor quality or minimally functional websites. The data collected showed 78% of City of Bluefield businesses need help with their online presence.

This program will aid Bluefield businesses with their online presence as well as training and technical assistance to ensure website longevity, potential job creation, and future sustainability. The goal of this program is to accommodate the trend of mass digitalization and provide Bluefield businesses with the resources to meet their customers’ needs – especially online.

The program will aid 25 businesses in the City of Bluefield with creating or improving their online presence. 5 businesses will receive a new e-commerce website with basic functionality, 10 businesses will receive a new informational/static website, and 10 businesses will receive updates to their already existing website. Businesses accepted into the program must attend (or delegate a qualified staff member to attend) all pre & post-training, financially contribute to their new site by way of purchasing web hosting and domains as necessary, provide high-resolution photos/videos and copy for the site, and consider enrolling in the Small Business Success Center Entrepreneur's Bootcamp "Starting a Business" or "Business Expansion" course.

Interested parties can view eligibility requirements and apply here: www.mybluefield.org/website-development-program

Questions regarding the program and/or eligibility can be directed to Jim Spencer at jspencer@bluewv.org

– Savannah Carabin, Business Operations & Marketing Coordinator (scarabin@bluewv.org)