CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) announces Mark Burdette as its new Deputy Director.
A West Virginia native, Burdette has devoted his career to starting and growing companies in the state, helping to advance entrepreneurship and innovation as an important economic development strategy throughout West Virginia.
“We are excited to introduce our new Deputy Director, Mark Burdette. His proven track record in launching and scaling innovative ventures will greatly benefit the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, said WV SBDC Director Will Miller. “Mark’s focus on mentoring will help us support small businesses in the Mountain State.”
Since joining the WV SBDC in 2022, Burdette has strengthened WV BusinessLink by expanding its network of resource partners and improving access to critical services for entrepreneurs. He also earned the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). In his new role, he will continue to lead WV BusinessLink.
Prior to that, he worked in the private sector, most notably as co-founder of Citynet and served as General Manager of the Advantage Valley Entrepreneurial League System®.
“I’m honored to step into this new role and continue the important work of supporting West Virginia’s entrepreneurs,” said Burdette. “Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and I believe the key to West Virginia’s economic future lies in how well we identify and develop our entrepreneurial talent. That belief drives my work every day, and I look forward to building on that mission with our incredible team and resource partners across the state.”
As Deputy Director, Burdette will lead strategic initiatives to expand the WV SBDC’s reach and impact across all 55 counties, supporting business advisors statewide, and ensure the seamless delivery of business coaching and training programs that empower small businesses and startups. Central to his vision is the belief that West Virginia’s long-term economic success depends on how effectively the state identifies, nurtures, and develops its entrepreneurial talent—a commitment that will guide his efforts to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The WV SBDC, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources, and coaches. WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from Certified Business Advisor® (CBA), Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), MBAs, design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, and exporting, along with experience in technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR and marketing.
For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.
