Michelle Wiegers Coaching
2 minute readPandemic Helps Life Coach Narrow Her Business Focus By Amanda Kuhnert This summer Michelle Wiegers, a life coach based in Bennington, Vt., offered 30 hours of free coaching to 20 people suffering with chronic pain. “When COVID hit, I really wanted to reach people that are in pain because I know increased stress increases body […]
The Great Unknown: Risk and Financial Planning During COVID-19
2 minute readCOVID-19 is forcing small businesses to make high consequence decisions about the health and safety of their employees and customers while maintaining their long-term financial viability. Confidently managing cash flow and allocating grants and loan money seem impossible in an environment where factors change daily. However, VtSBDC advisor, Steve Densham affirms that risk-taking is crucial […]
14 Tips for Boosting Operational Cash Flow
2 minute readOperational cash flow is what your business has and uses to represent its value. It is based on the everyday activities of a business: buying and selling. It can be used to offset risks and navigate debt. “Cash flow is the basis for all financial success and challenges,” says VtSBDC advisor, Steve Densham. Learning how […]
Middlebury Salon Reconfigures Business Plan Through COVID-19
2 minute readA Dream Fulfilled When Lisa Phelps and Megan Mandigo opened Parlour in August 2016, their vision was clear: to bring high quality hair and spa services to Middlebury, VT. They also aimed to build and nurture a talented team of stylists and spa professionals who provide an extraordinary experience for every client. During the early […]
The Starting Point – VtSBDC Blog
2 minute readThe Vermont Small Business Development Center is excited to launch The Starting Point, our new online blog. As a natural extension of virtual advising, the blog will be the new home for existing “Client Features” and include two new sections: “Business News” and “Tips and Tools.” As the demand for small business advising increased significantly […]
Nu Chocolat
3 minute readBurlington chocolate shop moves its business online By Amanda Kuhnert On March 15th, the day before Governor Scott ordered the closure of all restaurants due to the evolving Covid-19 crisis, the Toohey family temporarily closed their chocolate shop and café on Burlington’s Battery Street to customers. The following day, instead of filling retail cases with […]
The Flower Basket
3 minute readA Vermont Florist Spreads Sunshine during the Covid-19 Crisis By Amanda Kuhnert “This has been an incredibly trying time to be a small business owner,” said Nora DeMuth, owner of the Flower Basket in Hardwick, Vt. “I can’t remember ever needing to think through major decisions so many times and within such a short period […]
Tavernier Chocolates
2 minute readChocolatiers Pivot from Retail to Mail Order during Covid-19 Crisis By Amanda Kuhnert Less than three months ago, Dar and John Tavernier of Tavernier Chocolates, based in Brattleboro, Vt, relied on in-store sales for the bulk of their revenue. You could find their gourmet chocolates in shops and markets throughout the Northeast. Today, with diminished […]