Tips and Tools

2 minute read In the start-up stage of a business, having access to capital will often be a key factor in determining its success. An important part of that capital structure can be the effective use of debt. In fact, borrowing is often necessary to grow or effectively manage cash flow. The essential part of managing debt is […]

2 minute read The numerous COVID Loan and Grant options offered by the Feds and the State of Vermont can be easily confused. To help business owners document and organize important information on each loan and grant your business has received, VtSBDC has designed a dashboard tool. Using the COVID-19 Grant and Loan Dashboard, you will have the […]

3 minute read In a three-part series focusing on communications and marketing planning, we shared the “why” behind having a well thought out plan in part 1. In part 2, we highlighted specific strategies. Finally, in part 3, we take a look at the tactical side of a sound communications plan. Assess, Strategize, Implement: Putting Your Communication Plan […]

5 minute read In Part 1 of our blog series on Communications, we shared the Why behind having a well thought out, strategic plan to assess and reflect upon your business’ unique value proposition, target audiences, branding, and messaging. While most of us love to plunge right into the energetic, fun side of tactics, let’s take a pause […]

4 minute read When four experienced, well-connected bankers decided to join forces and start a small community bank, their intended marketing plan was to open the doors of their flagship location and reach out to their contacts to say, “we’re open,” a frequently used approach that assumes, “build it and they will come.”  However, something happened during the […]

< 1 minute read In February, we hosted a webinar with Vermont Law School on Small Business Bankruptcy and Reorganization. The goal of this webinar was to clarify the available options, demystify the legal process and destigmatize common misconceptions about bankruptcy. One question that was frequently asked during this webinar was, “How should I prepare for a consultation about […]

2 minute read How do I choose a bookkeeper? We are asked this question frequently, during our workshops on “Starting Your Own Business” and individual client meetings. The bookkeeping function IS an essential part of your business. Bookkeepers help keep your business financials organized and correct, allowing you as the business owner to stay in compliance and make […]

3 minute read With so much information to consider given the importance of your online presence, we divided our suggestions and resources into two parts. Part one encourages you to conduct an assessment of the current state of your website using a Check-Up and Homepage Review.  If you haven’t taken this initial step yet, you can find it […]