Resources

VtSBDC advisors maintain a large toolbox full of helpful business resources. Feel free to browse through these tools and templates prior to and after contacting your area small business advisor as you chart your path to entrepreneurial success!

Jump to:

• Business Planning
• Management & Operations
• Financials
• Marketing & Sales
• Human Resources
• SBA Learning Center
• Business Transition
• More Business Resources

Business planning can be the key to turning a great idea into a successful business venture. The links below provide some of the tools to help get you there.

• Business Plan Template
• Business Model Canvas
• Does it Have Legs Template

Proper finances and bookkeeping are cornerstones to successful business ownership. The links below should help business owners keep things on track.

• Cash Flow Template
• Startup Costs Worksheet

Having a marketing and sales plan is integral to your small business success. The links below provide some important resources for ensuring your marketing efforts are maximized.

• Marketing Plan Template
• Online Presence Guide

Solid management and efficient business operations can be a challenge for many small business owners. The links below provide tools to ease that burden and ensure your business runs smoothly.

• Business Management Matrix
• Strategic Planning Guide

Managing staff and human resources obligations is a challenge many small business face, especially once they decide to hire employees. The links below provide answers to many of your human resources questions.

• Hiring Best Practices (This is a simple and comprehensive list of what you need to do to hire your first employee – it includes helpful hyperlinks to various websites.)
• Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) – is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR.
• State of Vermont Department of Labor
• Hiring Your First Employee?

WHEN IT’S TIME TO SELL OR PASS YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT GENERATION

Do you have a plan in place to transition your business?  Do you have questions about business value, taxes, financing, legal arrangements, and other areas?  Here are some helpful resources to review for a start. Your VtSBDC Area Advisor is ready to assist you when you’re ready to talk.

• An Owner’s Guide to Business Succession Planning
• Selling a Small Business and Succession Planning for a Small Business
• Understanding the Fundamentals of Succession and Transition Planning
• Why All Entrepreneurs Need An Exit Strategy (And How To Plan Yours)

VtSBDC has created specific business guides, and sourced helpful materials on other key business topics as listed below which can also be accessed through the navigation bar at the top of this page.

• Exporting/Importing
• Cyber Security
• Disaster Recovery
• Veterans Business Services
• Protecting Your Intellectual Property