Timely Topics

2 minute read Energy, Enthusiasm & the Entrepreneurial Spirit It was a perfect autumn day in Vermont on Oct. 1 when more than 300 guests gathered at Vermont Technical College’s Randolph Center campus for the 25th annual Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference (WEOC). Founded and hosted by Senator Patrick Leahy and his wife Marcelle, the conference has a rich […]

2 minute read Helpful Questions from a Financial Consultant During these uncertain times, it may be challenging for small business owners to get a clear-eyed view of their financial picture. Not only is it critical to understand your finances today, but it’s essential to be prepared with a financial outlook for your business’ future. The Starting Point sat […]

2 minute read More than 1,400 attend America’s SBDC National Conference State Director Linda Rossi, business advisors Nancy Shuttleworth and Sarah Kearns, along with Associate State Director Heather M. Gonyaw and administrative assistant Elke Billig represented Vermont’s Small Business Development Center at the America’s SBDC National Conference which took place in San Diego Sept. 6-9, 2022. Attended by […]

4 minute read Vermont Tech’s Professor Greg Hughes reflects on VtSBDC’s 30th anniversary with a glimpse at the past and an eye to the future Then & Now A flourishing organization typically begins with a flicker of an idea. For Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC), a series of three blazing fires in Randolph in 1992 was a […]

3 minute read For residents and visitors alike, Vermont is an invigorating, scenic, and inviting destination for outdoor recreation…all year round. Behind the scenes, there is a thriving network of professionals and community organizations nurturing and growing the business side of outdoor recreation, fostering enjoyment and education for outdoor enthusiasts of every age and interest. The Starting Point […]

< 1 minute read LEARN WHY PROTECTING YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY is more important than ever If you are an innovator, inventor, or creator, your intellectual property (IP) is a vital component of your business and your livelihood. It is essential for you to understand what intellectual property is, and to know that your IP is a valuable component of […]

4 minute read VEOC Executive Director Matt Cropp shares thoughts on employee ownership and announces 20th annual conference When Vermont’s small business owners are at the crossroads of a transition, there are a myriad of options to consider. In a family-owned business, the next step may result in passing the business on to the next generation. An alternate […]

3 minute read What if the job candidate ghosted the interview? Or your employee was late for the third day in a row. Even worse, your office manager left the customer hanging with no follow up…again. Although these scenarios sound disheartening for the small business owner, there are resources available to achieve more positive outcomes. Human Resources professional […]