Tips and Tools

< 1 minute read “A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.” – Francis Bacon, English philosopher and statesman Whether you are starting, growing, or transitioning your small business, asking questions at every stage is critical to success.  The experienced team of business advisors at the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) has welcomed and answered thousands of questions on every […]

4 minute read Every small business owner in Vermont has come to expect that when they click open their inbox, they will likely see a collection of email newsletters, promotions, and sales pitches from near and far. The question arises: should I be adding to the cascade of messages? It turns out if done properly, the answer is […]

3 minute read Uptown Cow owner Jacob Dubois offers helpful tips on how to ramp up cybersecurity to protect your business The idea that cybersecurity measures are only for large, global businesses can potentially result in a dangerous situation for small business owners. Why? According to Jacob Dubois, owner of Burlington-based website design and e-commerce firm Uptown Cow, […]

3 minute read Here’s what you need to know about the extended deferment of payments By early 2021 the SBA had provided more than 3.7 million U.S. businesses with loans through the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), more than 6,500 of them in Vermont. COVID funding for businesses is now closed, but the SBA has recently […]

2 minute read *total number of hours in a week VtSBDC’s Weekly Schedule Resource offers a stress-free way to manage your time At VtSBDC, we know how hard it is to run a small business. We also recognize that it’s even harder when you must deal with supply chain issues, staffing challenges, and ongoing COVID-related matters. Imagine if […]

< 1 minute read As a small business owner, you know more about your product or service than anyone. You have developed an item or a concept to meet your highest standards, and you are ready to bring your goods or services to market. But one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face is how to set your pricing. Why […]

< 1 minute read Introducing Buying & Selling a Small Business, a new resource from VtSBDC that provides you with a Step-By-Step Guidebook to help both buyers and sellers navigate the process. Both buyer and seller should seek additional guidance from a business advisor. The sale of a business requires time, research and careful planning.  Buyers must do their […]

< 1 minute read Introducing The Plan, a new resource from VtSBDC that provides you with a Step-By-Step Guidebook to Planning for your Business. Planning is your map to success in the business world. You need to write a business plan if you are:– Starting or buying a business– Financing or refinancing your business– Raising debt or equity capital […]