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Business Management Coaching

Vermont Business Coaching

Express your values and see around corners while building a stronger company. Access new networks of professionals and capital. Navigate critical transition periods successfully with the help of our team of successful entrepreneurial coaches who have been in your shoes.

Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) provides tailored business management coaching, entrepreneurial support, and training to position Vermont entrepreneurs and small businesses for growth and long-term success. Whether you’re navigating a transition, scaling operations, or refining your leadership, our coaching helps you work on your business—not just in it.

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VSJF Business Coaching by the numbers

14
Capital raised by coached businesses
2.5
Increase in payroll
260
Jobs created or retained through business coaching services in 2025
178
Businesses coached between 2005-2025
43
Businesses received coaching in 2025

Recent Business Assistance News

Business CoachingStaff Articles
May 15, 2026

Forging Ahead: A 135-Year Old Vermont Toolmaking Business Plans for the Future

After the 2023 floods forced a shutdown, Trow and Holden used the moment to reimagine its future. With support from VSJF business coaching, the 135-year-old company is investing in a…
Kelly Nottermann
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Business CoachingForestryPress Releases
April 1, 2026

The Forest Business Accelerator seeks entrepreneurs for 2026 cohort

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is now accepting applications for the 2026 Forest Business Accelerator, a four month program supporting innovative forest and wood industry startups from across the U.S.
Kelly Nottermann
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The 2026 cohort of Tools of the Trade – Business Coaching for Energy Pros gathered for a recent work session in Waterbury, VT. From left to right: Sarah and Will Reed of Vermont Foam Insulation, Eric Solsaa of Solsaa Building and Energy Solutions, Martin Bean of Earthshare Construction, Stephen Perkins of Peak Efficiency, and Steven Gruner of Gruner Builders. Not pictured: Colin Doolittle of On the Dot HVAC, and Adam and Tara Lang of Lang Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Photo courtesy of Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund.Business CoachingEnergyPress Releases
March 18, 2026

Seven Vermont Energy Contractors Selected for Tools of the Trade Business Coaching Program

Seven Vermont energy contractors have been selected for Tools of the Trade, a nine‑month business coaching program supporting weatherization and energy service businesses.
Kelly Nottermann
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Read all our Business Coaching news

Tailored Support for Vermont Entrepreneurs

Explore other excellent statewide resources for business support:

Our clients include Vermont-based businesses in:

  • Value-added food and agriculture
  • Forest products
  • Renewable energy
  • Waste management
  • Environmental and clean technologies

Types of Coaching Services

We offer three types of coaching, each designed to meet the different needs of our clients and their desired depth of engagement. Not sure which service is right for you and your business? We will help you find the right fit.

Deep Dive Business Coaching

12 to 18 months of structured monthly sessions with a cross-functional team of coaches. Designed to guide businesses through major growth or transition.

Short-Term Intensive Coaching

3 to 4 months of focused support for urgent needs or specialized challenges. Can lead to deeper engagement or serve as a follow-up to previous coaching.

Small Group Coaching

When funding allows, small cohorts meet regularly for presentations, peer support, and 1:1 coaching on topics like marketing, strategic planning, and workforce development.

Hear from our Business Coaching Clients

“

As small business owners, my wife Karen and I worked with VSJF for a year-long consultancy and business guidance in one-on-one meetings with seasoned business leaders to assist us during a critical time of rapid growth for our company and a major capital expansion. VSJF helped us plan carefully as we developed and implemented a new strategic plan, and grew our company from a team of 5 people to well over 40 employees! We will be always grateful for the guidance and coaching offered through VSJF.”

Sean LawsonCo-Founder, Lawson’s Finest Liquids
“

We’re super thankful. Harvard Business School could not compete with the ‘education’ we received through this business coaching program. Don’t
be afraid to let your priorities change and don’t wait to ask for help from someone who has been there before.”

Joe PimentelCo-Founder, Luce Farm Wellness
“

You get to a point where you just need a fresh set of eyes. That’s what business coaching did for us—it pointed out things we were missing, things we didn’t even think to consider, and pointed us in the right direction.”

Damaris HallCo-Founder, Global Village Foods

Work With Us

We are currently accepting full-pay coaching clients and may have additional subsidized slots available in 2026 dependent upon funding. If your business meets the criteria below, we encourage you to reach out. We can explore options for working together now or keep you in mind for future opportunities.

We work with entrepreneurs with businesses that are:

  • Vermont-based
  • In sustainable agriculture and food-related, forest or fiber products, renewable energy, environmental technologies, or waste management sectors
  • Operating for 3+ years
  • Generating $250,000+ in annual gross income
  • Led by owners/operators with at least 3 years of experience in this or a similar role
  • Facing or planning for significant transitions (e.g., revenue and/or employment growth, expanded facilities, entering new market channels, developing or expanding their management team, succession planning or implementation)
  • Open to outside perspectives and collaborative leadership development

How Much Does It Cost?

Thanks to support from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s Farm and Forest Viability Program, we offer coaching at below-market rates to help companies stay and grow in Vermont.

Typical Client Contribution:

  • $6,000-$10,000 – depending on scope of work and available underwriting
  • $8,000-$20,000 – depending on the scope of work and if no subsidized funding is available, and the client covers the full cost
  • Flexible payment plans are available over 12-18 months

Questions?

Email Ellen at ellen[at]vsjf.org.

Other Business Coaching Resources

Business Sen$e:
Next Level Tools for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners

A no-fluff resource series written by our coaches, offering practical tools & advice in:

  • Financials
  • Operations
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership & Governance

Learn more about our Business Sense modules

Tools of the Trade:
Business Fundamentals for Energy Pros

Tools of the Trade is an in-person, 9-month business training program designed to support the needs of weatherization contractors by improving executive business skills, enhancing core operations, expanding workforce capacity, and promoting work-life balance.

The 2026 cohort has been selected. Please check back in late 2026 for information on applying to the 2027 cohort, pending available funding.

Learn more

Current and Former Client Map

By Location

Legend

Agriculture and Food Systems

Forest & Fiber

Renewable Energy

Environmental Technology

Waste Management

Other

By Industry

Agriculture & Food Systems

Forest & Fiber

Renewable Energy

Environmental Technology

Green Mountain Antibodies

Kalow Technologies

Nathanial Electronics

Senix

Waste Management

Other

VSJF Business Coaches

Our business coaches provide support, advice, leadership training, and access to extensive network contacts to help business leaders like you recognize ways to improve the effectiveness of your business.

When needed, we can help our clients explore and prepare for the right match of growth capital (e.g., debt, equity, royalty financing) for their scale and stage of business helps Vermont businesses not only survive but thrive.

We can assist you in establishing an on-going Advisory Board, so you can continue to benefit from the expertise of outside advisors.

VSJF Business Coaches

Tabitha Bowling

Bio +
Tabitha is an entrepreneur, founding partner and former COO of SCOUT Bags (www.scoutbags.com), a $25M lifestyle and casual goods company headquartered in Washington D.C. In addition to her continued engagement with SCOUT Bags, Tabitha co-owns a local meat shop in Lyndonville, Libbey’s Meat Market, that she acquired in 2019 and continues her efforts to expand premium wood pellet production in Vermont with Vermont Wood Pellet Company. Passionate about knowledge and skills sharing, mentoring and coaching, Tabitha also provides broad-based consulting services to small businesses and served as a coach for the VSJF Forest Products Cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also served as a Co-Starters facilitator at the DoNorth Co-Working Space in Lyndonville, VT and taught financial literacy classes at Vermont State University-Lyndon Campus (formerly NVU). Tabitha serves on the Board of Directors for the Northern Forest Center where she served as Vice Chair and Chair from 2021-2024. Tabitha is a graduate of Hamilton College.

Peter Cole Vermont Business Coach

Peter Cole

Bio +
Peter Cole is the founder and principal of Cole Consulting and has been in private practice as an organizational development consultant since 1994, focusing on strategic assessment and planning, business development, executive coaching and leadership development. The foundation of the work Peter does is built on developing and integrating emotional intelligence – understanding ourselves, understanding others and cultivating connection through the practice of behavioral flexibility. Before going into private practice, Peter spent 16 years in the energy management industry, pioneering energy conservation and renewable energy efforts for commercial and industrial businesses. He founded and led a number of successful businesses and community-based organizations. He has held senior management positions in large and small companies, including directorships in IT, customer service and in sales & marketing, as well as COO and CEO. With a love for growing collaborative teams, Peter’s focus has been helping teams find their strength-based sweet spot, enabling them to scale rapidly while staying grounded in their core values.

Carolyn Cooke

Bio +
Carolyn Cooke is a Vermont-based business strategist, leadership coach, and long-time brand builder who supports organizations navigating growth and change with clarity and care. As Co-Founder and President of the pioneering women’s outdoor apparel company ISIS, she helped guide the business from early concept through expansion, financing, and acquisition, shaping brand, sales, and operational strategy along the way. Today, through Triple C Strategy, Carolyn works alongside business owners and leadership teams to step back, see the bigger picture, and make thoughtful decisions that strengthen financial clarity, authentic market presence, and resilient, values-driven leadership.

Beth Gilpin

Bio +
Beth Gilpin brings 30 years of experience in providing HR, executive search and general recruiting services to Vermont companies and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about helping employers attract, hire, engage, and retain the right people at all levels of an organization; successfully navigate the world of employee relations; and create and/or simplify people-related processes, policies and procedures. Beth pays close attention to ensuring that anything HR-related strategically supports the organization’s mission, aligns with stated values and the desired employment brand, and help strengthen the desired workplace culture.

Jean Kissner

Bio +
Jean Kissner is a proven leader in operations, project management, and IT, with more than 25 years of experience supporting fast-growing consumer products and eCommerce organizations. In senior leadership roles, she has guided companies through growth and change by implementing enterprise systems, improving processes, and strengthening team capabilities. Through her consulting practice, Excellence in Operations, Jean works with organizations to improve effectiveness and efficiency by aligning people, processes, and technology. Known for her practical, collaborative approach, she helps teams translate strategy into clear, actionable plans that drive results.

Lawrence Miller

Bio +
Lawrence Miller is a long-time member of the VSJF coaching program. He comes to this with the varied perspectives of his life as an entrepreneur, as a community and economic development professional, and as a funder. In his independent consulting practice, he provides strategic consulting and executive coaching to businesses and organizations, including. He is also a Director at the National Bank of Middlebury and Senior Advisor for Mission Investments at the Vermont Community Foundation.

VSJF Business Coach Matthew Mole

Matthew Mole

Bio +
Matthew Mole is a global operations leader with experience across textiles, apparel, and specialty wood products. He brings a systems-oriented approach grounded in sustainability, operational efficiency, and responsible sourcing. As Chief Operating Officer at Vermont Wildwoods, he oversees finance, production, and sales operations, helping scale innovative wood products for leading hospitality and retail brands. Matthew’s career includes global sourcing and product development leadership at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, founding Sustainable Fiber Solutions, and advising agricultural businesses on strategy and financial planning. Known for building collaborative teams and practical systems that deliver results, he is committed to helping businesses grow with integrity.

Kathy Murphy Moriarty

Bio +
Kathy Murphy Moriarty knows that great marketing and communications is about understanding people deeply – and creating products or experiences that move them. She’s led growth and innovation across both consumer and mission-driven brands: building, executing and evaluating messages, products and programs for internationally recognized brands in specialty outdoor, snow sports, sporting goods, destination travel/resort and healthcare industries. In addition to her 30+ years in the private sector, she served as the State of Vermont’s Chief Marketing Officer for six years and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Norwich University.

Victor Morrison

Bio +
Victor Morrison is a dynamic leader known for his ability to utilize intuition, emotional intelligence, innate appreciation of each person’s unique contributions and a ‘whole person’ approach to his work as a leadership coach and business consultant. Drawing on a successful career encompassing experience with local, international and foreign companies and organizations in senior leadership capacities (CEO, COO, CFO), he brings a wealth of expertise building, managing and motivating teams to excel. By focusing on increasing participants’ self-awareness and confidence, he succeeds in increasing potential, individually and within teams.

Thanks to the generous support of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, the Vermont Department of Economic Development’s Vermont Training Program, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, we are able to competitively price these services, allowing us to provide top quality advisory services at below-market rates to help companies stay and grow in Vermont.