RANDOLPH CENTER, Vt (Apr. 26, 2022) – Linda Rossi, State Director of the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC), has named Sara Munro Project Coordinator for the Community Navigator Pilot Program.
The recently launched Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) uses a “hub and spoke” model, with the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) as the hub, and nine spoke organizations that create collective impact throughout the state for targeted populations including BIPOC, rural, veterans, and women.
Munro coordinates programmatic activities taking place throughout the CNPP network. With support from diversity, equity, and inclusion consultants, she synthesizes the efforts of a team focused on providing professional development that will result in assistance that is more accessible and culturally competent to serve diverse and marginalized populations. Munro also contributes to the mission of VtSBDC by fostering leadership development and community initiatives among the spoke organizations.
“As a business owner myself, I know how isolating it can be if you don’t know what resources are available,” said Munro. “This is especially difficult if you don’t have a network of people to turn to, or if you don’t consider yourself an entrepreneur. I am excited to connect our spoke organizations with people who haven’t traditionally been part the CNPP’s collective services as well as those who want to get started to turn their ideas into successful enterprises.”
Munro brings a breadth of experience with Vermont’s small business and non-profit sectors, and has worked in digital marketing, housing, healthcare, community action, leadership development, and public policy. Her recent work has focused on youth innovation through STEM education, gender equity, and women’s entrepreneurship.
In 2015, Munro founded her business, Bay Haven Consulting/Starting Line Media, to work directly with small businesses and non-profits around program development, public relations, online fundraising, event planning, and marketing. She regularly presents social media and digital marketing workshops for new business owners and entrepreneurs. She is also the co-host of #SocialChatter, the longest running weekly talk show about social media news from Social Chefs.
Munro holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of Vermont. She is a long-standing volunteer with the Junior League of Champlain Valley and member of the Vermont Technology Alliance and Maine Women in Tech.
“We are excited to have Sara join this project,” said Rossi. “She understands the challenges of the small business owner and has a passion for supporting entrepreneurs. With Sara in this role, Vermont will be able to capitalize on the opportunities that exist through the Community Navigator Pilot Program.”
VtSBDC (Vermont Small Business Development Center), is funded in part by the SBA and the State of Vermont Agency of Commerce. To learn more visit vtsbdc.org. For more information on the Community Navigator Pilot Program, visit https://www.vtsbdc.org/community-navigator-pilot-program-cnpp/.