All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Small Business Development Center announces new regional coordinator positions to enhance delivery of coaching services

From left are Mitchell, Schramm and Spaulding. / Photos courtesy WV Development Office

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) announces the creation of three regional coordinator positions.

A division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the WV SBDC serves the state’s small businesses, from entrepreneurs with start-up concepts to established companies ready to expand, and every point in between. WV SBDC heads a statewide network of business coaches who provide no-cost, one-on-one consultations, training and connections to financial, technological, and other resources.

“Regional coordinators will provide leadership to help achieve our vision of being the most trusted resource to grow West Virginia’s economy through small business success,” said WV SBDC Director Debra Martin. “Part of their responsibilities will be to enhance our strong team approach, encouraging collaboration among our business coaches and delivering efficient and effective coaching services to WV SBDC clients throughout the state.”

The new regional positions will strengthen the connection between the WV SBDC Program Lead Center in Charleston and the business coaches in centers across the state. The coordinators will be involved in developing and carrying out strategic plans, disseminating policies and procedures, and conducting outreach to the small business community and service providers.

WV SBDC selected the new regional coordinators from within its ranks of experienced business coaches. They are Shannon Mitchell, Southern Region; Donna Schramm, Northern Region; and Douglas Spaulding, Eastern Region.

“As current or former small business owners themselves, they can empathize with the struggles and celebrate the successes that other small business owners deal with every day,” said Martin.

Shannon Mitchell joined WV SBDC in January 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary. She has owned and operated several businesses with revenues from $200,000 to $10 million a year, and has experience in several industries, including food service, construction, government contracting, and insurance. Mitchell is a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, a certified Historic Real Estate Finance Professional and licensed West Virginia contractor and insurance agent.

Donna Schramm graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After serving in various roles with a financial institution, she joined WV SBDC in 1999. She is a Certified Business Advisor and holds an Export and Trade Counseling Certificate. An experienced entrepreneur, she and her husband launched Grown at Home in WV LLC, selling spicy seasonings in a wide range of flavors and heat levels across the country.

Douglas Spaulding joined WV SBDC in 2011. He graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a Certified Business Advisor and a QuickBooks Pro Advisor. In the private sector, Spaulding has held managerial and executive positions in fields that include chemical, insurance, staffing and human resources. He has firsthand experience launching and expanding several successful small businesses.  

To learn more about the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit WVsbdc.com.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man arrested after police find fentanyl stamps in vehicle

A man was arrested for felony possession with intent to deliver after police allegedly discovered wax stamps in his vehicle that tested positive for fentanyl.

Buckhannon pair charged after road rage incident leaves car damaged

A Buckhannon man and woman were arrested after a road rage incident in which they allegedly threw bottles at another vehicle, causing over $5,000 in damages and threatening the driver.

Buckhannon-Upshur environmental students experience exciting legal battle with mock trial

Buckhannon-Upshur environmental students participated in a mock trial at the Upshur County Courthouse, learned about Parkersburg v. DuPont, and received advice from renowned lawyer Robert Bilott.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: April 24, 2025

The Upshur County Commission has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for April 24, 2025.

City of Buckhannon Water Department announces service interruption on Thursday, April 24

Water service for parts of Vicksburg Road, Pine Street, Royalty Road and Tripp Drive will be interrupted starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 24, for repairs.

Alert: Ritchie Street paving to start Wednesday, April 23

Paving of Ritchie Street from College Avenue to Camden Avenue will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, with residents asked to remove vehicles beforehand to facilitate the work.

Baseball Bucs come up short in McDonald’s Classic games

The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers baseball team went winless in the McDonald’s Classic, losing three closely contested games against Washington, Wheeling Park, and Parkersburg South, despite several strong performances at the plate.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar features a full slate of baseball, softball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, and track and field events for local high school and college teams, with some schedule changes due to cancellations.

WVWC’s Stoffel named MEC Softball Pitcher of the Week

Kendall Stoffel of West Virginia Wesleyan was named Mountain East Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week after earning three complete-game victories, including a one-hit shutout, and striking out 17 over 21 innings.

Tennis Lady Bucs have impressive showing in northern panhandle

The Buckhannon-Upshur tennis Lady Bucs bounced back from an initial 7-0 defeat to sweep both John Marshall and Brooke, finishing their northern panhandle trip with a strong 7-4 record.

Tennis Bucs down Brooke on northern panhandle trip

The Buckhannon-Upshur boys tennis team finished a busy northern panhandle trip with a 4-3 win over Brooke after losing matches to Wheeling Park and John Marshall, bringing their season record to 5-6.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Wesleyan track and field teams shine in home event

West Virginia Wesleyan College’s track and field teams turned in a dominant all-around performance at their home Jasmine Claggett Invitational, earning numerous victories, personal bests, and nationally ranked marks across both men’s and women’s events.