Tips and Tools

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 […]

2 minute read If you’re looking to update and refresh your company’s website, look no further! This online presence guide is a great tool for both existing and new businesses. No matter what stage of business you’re in, this tool will offer best practices for your website and help set you up for success as you continue to […]

2 minute read The Weekly Schedule is a crucial resource for any business owner. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting a side hustle, time is the most valuable resource you have. No matter what stage of business you are at, it’s important to consider how your personal life fits with your business responsibilities. We recommend using […]

4 minute read Rising COVID-19 case counts. Travel restrictions. Quarantine. Reports on repeat that keep Vermont’s small business owners awake at night. And with the long winter months ahead, the increasing uncertainty about the future may seem daunting. But let’s pause here…and take a breath. The fact is that there are many things that are within our control, […]

3 minute read The Entrepreneurial Skills Matrix is an excellent tool for self-reflection. After completing this exercise, carefully analyze the results and set goals for yourself and your business. Think about the types of businesses or industries that would benefit from your current skills. Is your business included? Would your business struggle because of the skills you lack? […]

3 minute read For more than a decade, VtSBDC has actively supported veterans and service-connected Vermonters. VtSBDC works with service members as well as their families and business partners to prepare the business to be as healthy as possible going into a deployment, mitigating the threats of closure or severe stress. VtSBDC advisors also assist the person who […]

3 minute read You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it.” This quote, originally said by Simon Sinek, is for entrepreneurs looking to inspire action as a mechanism for growing their business. The following article will speak to the importance of PURPOSE as the foundation […]

2 minute read Operational 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 […]