Entrepreneurial Support
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is always looking at new ways to provide support and guidance for entrepreneurs. Several ways in which we already do so include:
Business Plan Competition
In 2006, BDCC launched the first annual Business Plan Competition with multiple goals in mind: to help raise awareness in the community about small businesses and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards.
According to BDCC Executive Director Jeffrey Lewis, “The finalists represented a wide and inventive vein of creativity in the Windham County area, and the contest was such a success, we knew we had to make it an annual event.”
The second annual Business Plan Competition offered a new twist — two prize categories, one for “Existing Businesses” and one for “Start-Up Businesses.” Visit the BPC website to read more about the Business Plan Competition and to see profiles of the 2007 and 2006 winners.
Education and Training
BDCC’s business assistance partner, the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VTSBDC), offers free as well as affordable educational, training, and counseling opportunities for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Counseling is completely confidential.
The list of topics and services covered by seasoned business professionals can include: acquisition, business basics, business start-ups, business plan development, capital formation, entrepreneurial finance, environmental assistance, expansion, financials, marketing, record-keeping, taxes, and workers compensation.
Visit the VTSBC website for a list of currently available training events.
An additional resource for workforce training and development can be found on the Vermont Department for Economic Development website.
Occasionally, BDCC co-sponsors special lectures and other informational events. If you would like to be notified of these future opportunities, please contact us. We would be happy to have you join us.