--- title: "Celebrating #SBDCDay, WVSBDC helps owner find the right fit with shoe business" description: "Celebrating #SBDCDay, WVSBDC helps owner find the right fit with shoe business" image: https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2543534/SBDCDay-Logo-JPG-416483-edited.jpg --- Search ... - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wvcommerce) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wvcommerce) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-virginia-department-of-commerce) [Contact Us](http://westvirginia.gov/our-team.html) [![logo.png](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2543534/hubfs/WestVirginia_Oct2016/Layout/logo.png?width=300&height=100&name=logo.png "logo.png")](http://westvirginia.gov/) ![](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2543534/WestVirginia_Oct2016/Images/mega-about.png) # [About the State](http://westvirginia.gov/about-wv.html) West Virginia is located in the heart of Appalachia, strategically located and connected to major metropolitan areas up and down the Eastern U.S. and Canada. Learn how our low cost of living and pro-business tax climate coupled with a high quality of life make life better here. ![](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2543534/WestVirginia_Oct2016/Images/mega-key.png) # [Key Industries](http://westvirginia.gov/key-industries.html) West Virginia's diverse economy has moved beyond our history of resource extraction to include a robust array of products and services. Learn about the key industries that have taken a foothold here and learn why leading companies make their home in the Mountain State. ![](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2543534/WestVirginia_Oct2016/Images/mega-business.png) # [Business Assistance](http://westvirginia.gov/business-assistance.html) The West Virginia Development Office works hard to make the process of locating in West Virginia smooth and seamless. Our team walks with businesses every step of the way to locate a new site, expand facilities, export goods, train to employees, and much more. ![](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2543534/WestVirginia_Oct2016/Images/mega-global.jpg) # [Global Engagement](http://westvirginia.gov/global-engagement.html) West Virginia is home to more than 130 businesses representing 27 countries from around the world, and West Virginia businesses export goods and services to more than 95 countries. Learn how our international team works out of three worldwide office to foster global engagement. ![L5R_2256 (1)-149448-edited-331006-edited.jpg](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2543534/hubfs/L5R_2256%20(1)-149448-edited-331006-edited.jpg?width=3296&name=L5R_2256%20(1)-149448-edited-331006-edited.jpg "L5R_2256 (1)-149448-edited-331006-edited.jpg") # Newsroom **[ All News Releases ](https://news.westvirginia.gov) # Celebrating #SBDCDay, WVSBDC helps owner find the right fit with shoe business Wednesday, March 22 2017 West Virginia native Carla Siburt always wanted a business of her own. She found the right fit with Allen’s Bootery, a cornerstone of business in Moundsville for nearly 70 years. When the business was handed from father to son, the store kept up the traditions of customer service, providing precise measurements to find a comfortable fit and offering a selection styles. When the son was ready to retire, Allen’s Bootery was in jeopardy of being permanently shelved. That’s when Carla stepped up to buy the business. She decided to keep the established store name and traditional sit-and-fit service. Other areas, however, needed a modern makeover. She got help from Business Coach Donna Schramm with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC).   > ##### “The WVSBDC helped put together an updated business plan, financials and cash flow,” Donna said. “Our office was a sounding board for Carla’s innovative ideas and new marketing plans.” The entrepreneur connected with financing that allowed her to purchase the building, install computer software systems and invest in expanding the inventory. With a little help from WVSBDC, Allen’s Bootery’s new owner is getting her business off on the right foot. ###  Did you know? > ##### Since January 1, 2017, the WVSBDC has helped clients open 16 new businesses, access $5,177,097 and create or retain 196 jobs. Today SBDCs are celebrating #SBDCDay across every state and territory with facts and figures about their impact. America’s SBDCs is the nation’s proven, cost effective and accredited infrastructure focused on small business. The SBDC network has more than 35 years of experience and touches more than 1 million small businesses every year. Follow #SBDCDay or watch the video below to learn more about SBDCs. [![SBDC Video-216619-edited.png](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/2543534/hubfs/SBDC%20Video-216619-edited.png?width=260&height=147&name=SBDC%20Video-216619-edited.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot5VOiMBlnc&list=PLAZk7uynOZHJCn9bW2mkNcxs5cUO7FUz0&index=1)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### Subscribe to our newsletter ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Advantages (1)](https://news.westvirginia.gov/topic/advantages) - [Exports (1)](https://news.westvirginia.gov/topic/exports) - [Sites & Buildings (1)](https://news.westvirginia.gov/topic/sites-buildings) - [natural gas (1)](https://news.westvirginia.gov/topic/natural-gas) - [west virginia development office (1)](https://news.westvirginia.gov/topic/west-virginia-development-office) ### STAY CONNECTED Follow our social channels for our latest news and updates - [![](https://2543534.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2543534/WestVirginia_Oct2016/Layout/subscribe.png)](http://info.westvirginia.gov/stay-connected) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/wvcommerce) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wvcommerce) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-virginia-department-of-commerce) ### CONTACT US (304) 558-22341900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Charleston, West Virginia 25305 ### NAVIGATE The **WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE** is an agency of the West Virginia Department of Commerce. 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