BDCC leads, connects and supports efforts that strengthen the resilience and long-term prosperity of Southern Vermont communities. Through strategic planning, partnerships, and targeted capacity-building, we help towns, organizations, and businesses respond to critical challenges such as workforce shortages, housing needs, demographic shifts, and infrastructure gaps.
Our work is rooted in data, shaped by local voices, and guided by a commitment to equity, adaptability, and sustainable growth. By providing technical assistance, training, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors, BDCC equips communities with the tools and relationships needed to build stronger regional economies and improve quality of life across the region.
BDCC supports strategic planning and research that help Southern Vermont communities chart a course for long-term economic resilience. Through partnerships and data-informed processes, this work identifies regional priorities, builds shared goals, and mobilizes coordinated action. These efforts connect municipalities, regional organizations, and the private sector to plan for future growth, strengthen local economies, and adapt to changing conditions.
SEVEDS
Launched by BDCC in 2007, Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies (SeVEDS) develops long-range strategies to strengthen and diversify the regional economy. As a nonprofit affiliate, SeVEDS leads the development of the Southern Vermont CEDS in coordination with Bennington County representatives. BDCC implements the strategies through regionally aligned projects and initiatives.
Southern Vermont Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
CEDS is a federally approved, region-wide action plan that outlines shared goals and strategic priorities for economic development across Windham and Bennington Counties. Guided by SeVEDS and coordinated through BDCC, the CEDS engages municipal, nonprofit, business, and regional partners in identifying opportunities, addressing challenges, and aligning efforts to build a stronger, more resilient Southern Vermont economy.
Updated every five years through an inclusive public process, the CEDS is a key tool for securing federal resources and advancing projects that reflect regional needs and community input.
The Southern Vermont Zone
The Southern Vermont Zone was established by the Vermont Legislature in 2015 to strengthen economic collaboration between Windham and Bennington Counties. As a formal regional framework, the Zone brings together economic development organizations, planning commissions, and community leaders to align efforts, share resources, and coordinate strategic planning across county lines.
Through this partnership, the Zone supports the development and implementation of the Southern Vermont CEDS.
EDD
The Southern Vermont Economic Development District (EDD) is a proposed multi-jurisdictional non-profit entity, recognized at the local, state and federal levels, which will lead planning and development of the Southern Vermont Zone Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and coordinate funding and implementation for locally based and regionally driven economic development capacity and projects within the Southern Vermont Zone.
SEVEDS
Launched by BDCC in 2007, Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies (SeVEDS) develops long-range strategies to strengthen and diversify the regional economy. As a nonprofit affiliate, SeVEDS leads the development of the Southern Vermont CEDS in coordination with Bennington County representatives. BDCC implements the strategies through regionally aligned projects and initiatives.
Annual SeVEDS Town Funding
Each year, SeVEDS requests $3 per resident from the 27 towns in the Windham Region to support regional economic development. BDCC staff meet with Selectboards and attend Town Meetings to report on how these funds are used and the return on investment they generate. This grassroots funding model reflects strong local commitment and enables SeVEDS and BDCC to leverage those dollars many times over—often 5 to 20 times—with additional support from philanthropic, state, federal, and private sources. The funds are then invested in high-impact community, workforce, and economic development programs that address regional needs beyond the scope of any single municipality.
Annual Call for RPP and CEDS Project Submissions
Southern Vermont and BDCC solicit two key project types: CEDS Projects are submitted annually and show how local initiatives align with regional economic goals. These projects may include infrastructure, workforce, housing, and business development efforts. Regional Priority Projects (RPPs) are selected by Vermont’s 12 Regional Development Corporations based on planning progress and regional impact.
The Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP)
The Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP), a key initiative of BDCC, plays a vital role in empowering nonprofit boards and community leaders across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone, which includes Bennington and Windham counties and the town of Weston. From large, region-wide events like the Southern Vermont Economy Summit to smaller, topical trainings (like grant writing and board development workshops), network building events, and on-call consultation for community project help, SVEP enhances the ability of local project champions to meet the evolving challenges outlined in the Zone’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Summit
This annual Spring Summit is the flagship event of BDCC’s Southern Vermont Economy Project, which helps build capacity, expertise, and shared resources across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone. The Summit is the best opportunity of the year for Southern Vermonters to connect with peers, listen to experts, ask questions, and learn effective ways of dealing with the myriad economic challenges faced by the region.
Disaster Services
Since 2011, BDCC has played a vital role in helping Southern Vermont recover from disasters—economic and natural. From Tropical Storm Irene to the 2023 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, BDCC has delivered direct support to impacted businesses and nonprofits through rapid relief funding, federal grant administration, and technical assistance.
We work closely with state and federal partners to ensure that Southern Vermont’s small businesses and communities can access the resources they need to recover and rebuild.
EDD
The Southern Vermont Economic Development District (EDD) is a proposed multi-jurisdictional non-profit entity, recognized at the local, state and federal levels, which will lead planning and development of the Southern Vermont Zone Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and coordinate funding and implementation for locally based and regionally driven economic development capacity and projects within the Southern Vermont Zone.
Post Vermont Yankee
The Post-VY Task Force was formed to assess and plan for the economic impacts of the eventual closure of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon. Recognizing the plant’s significant regional role, the Task Force developed strategies to mitigate disruption and support long-term economic resilience in Windham County.
Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP)
The Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP), a key initiative of BDCC, plays a vital role in empowering nonprofit boards and community leaders across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone, which includes Bennington and Windham counties and the town of Weston. From large, region-wide events like the Southern Vermont Economy Summit to smaller, topical trainings (like grant writing and board development workshops), network building events, and on-call consultation for community project help, SVEP enhances the ability of local project champions to meet the evolving challenges outlined in the Zone’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Summit
This annual Spring Summit is the flagship event of BDCC’s Southern Vermont Economy Project, which helps build capacity, expertise, and shared resources across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone. The Summit is the best opportunity of the year for Southern Vermonters to connect with peers, listen to experts, ask questions, and learn effective ways of dealing with the myriad economic challenges faced by the region.
BDCC provides data, support, and coordination to help municipalities and nonprofits adapt to changing realities and move forward.
QUESTIONS? REACH OUT TO MEG!
Have questions about rural economic development, CEDS planning, or upcoming training events? Meg is here to help guide your community’s growth.
