Accelerating the Development of Vermont's Green Economy

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Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

Why Go It Alone?

Why Go It Alone?

CEOs and entrepreneurs have a natural tendency towards self-sufficiency, which often breeds success. However, that same self-sufficiency can also lead to decision making in a vacuum or the feeling that “no one understands what I’m going through.” Where can an entrepreneur talk frankly about tough issues, or think strategically about the direction of their business?

In Vermont, you don’t need to go it alone.

We understand the value of relationships in connecting businesses with the resources and capital they need to grow in Vermont. We’re all about entrepreneurs learning from other entrepreneurs and business leaders. We partner with regional development corporations, the Vermont Small Business Development Center, higher education, state agencies, the investment community, and many others to build capacity in Vermont’s natural resource and green markets. We make it our business to look ahead for new market trends and find key connections to help enterprises and markets grow.

The links below, while not exhaustive, offer you access to the great partners and networks dedicated to helping companies grow, stay and be successful in Vermont.

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Peer to Peer Collaborative

The Peer to Peer Collaborative, is a CEO advisory program under the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, that gives growing companies access to a confidential, supportive team of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who have been in your shoes and can share lessons learned (often the hard way) and strategies for success. Peer to Peer matches accomplished Peer Advisors (CEOs, COOs, and CFOs) in teams of three with CEOs of growing companies. Peer Advisors work over a 12- to 18-month period to help CEOs define business strategy, better understand company financial drivers and opportunities, and grow their leadership skills in keeping with the company’s needs. Peer to Peer companies complete the program with a strategy for building a stronger operational structure, improving profitability and supporting livable wages for their Vermont employees.

As a Peer to Peer Client, you’ll gain instant access to Peer to Peer’s network of 17 alumni companies and over 20 peer advisors who, in turn, have their own extensive peer networks. To learn more about the Peer to Peer program, click here.

Vermont Agricultural Development Program

The Vermont Agricultural Development Program (VADP) will provide critical venture coaching to a small number of select businesses each year to help them obtain the right match of growth capital for their stage of business.  VADP’s services are designed to help these promising enterprises reach success and scale sooner than they otherwise might. Eligible applicants include value-added producers, processors and distributors of Vermont-grown food and fiber and agricultural infrastructure businesses such as cheese aging, on- or off-farm processing, composting, marketing or distribution. In addition to adding value to Vermont’s working landscape, preferred companies will have seasoned managers, at least two years of operating history and average annual sales in excess of $250,000.

To learn more about VADP, click here.

 

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Partners and Resources

Community and Economic Development Lenders

Venture Capital and Angel Investors

Other Non-Traditional Financing Sources

Grant Funding

Agricultural Lenders

Federal Funding Programs

Business Assistance

Education and Training

Networks and Associations

For a link to the VSJF’s comprehensive Business Assistance Directory, click here.

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