Above: Depicts a large group of people seated around a U-shaped table setup in a meeting room. There are approximately twenty people, with a mix of ages and genders. Photo Courtesy of the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance

How is the BDCC Planning for “Business as Unusual”?

The Answer: Cooperation and Connection.

For business owners in rural Vermont, starting a business, starting over, and maintaining a legacy of success are often intertwined. The pandemic and frequent severe weather events have impacted every aspect of operations—from workforce and housing to supply chain uncertainties—making it overwhelming to navigate these challenges. With rising costs across the board, even formulating a short-term strategic plan feels daunting, especially when new, unprecedented challenges seem to emerge quarterly.

Organizations like the BDCC, which support business owners, cannot simply return to business as usual. We must reflect on the current economic climate and draw on past experiences—without becoming overly reliant on them—to navigate the future effectively.

A recent BizConnect event in Bellows Falls, VT, exemplified this approach. Twenty-five local business owners came together to discuss community-driven solutions. The event emphasized that no one person should be seen as the sole expert; rather,  collaboration to drive meaningful change. Participants tackled issues ranging from parking to collective marketing, shifting from the vague question “Why don’t you just do this?”—where “you” lacks clarity—to a strategy that emphasizes collective action. The event, co-hosted by the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance and the Town of Rockingham Development office, will be held again in February and May of 2025 to maintain momentum.

The BDCC is committed to fostering collective and decentralized action led by business owners, not only through BizConnect events but also in revitalizing our business transition programming.

This month we announce our award of a 2024 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to expand cooperative business services in Southern Vermont. This initiative will identify businesses at risk of closure or transition and provide targeted technical assistance to avert closures and increase cooperative formation. While this work is not new to the BDCC, the grant allows us to approach cooperation with a renewed lens.

This lens has two main aspects:

1. Cooperatives as a Business Model: With October being National Cooperative Month, it’s fitting to announce our grant award and our strong partnership to deliver services with the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (VEOC). The initiative aims to increase access to technical assistance for business owners, including legal services, business valuation, and specialized financing. Ina addition to increased business transition awareness campaigns, Sellers and Buyers Working Groups will also begin in February.
2. Cooperation Among Business Organizations: The Windham Business Support Coalition begins in November and aims to unite dedicated professionals and organizations committed to supporting local businesses. Our coalition will focus on three key objectives:
   • Co-create initiatives for business startup, transition, and growth.
   • Share resources and align calendars.
   • Provide ongoing peer and expert learning opportunities.

By embracing these principles of cooperation and connection, the BDCC is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of “business as unusual” and support the resilience and growth of rural Vermont businesses.

For those already working in a cooperative or looking to start one, we hope you will join BDCC’s Dani Delaini in attending a fun evening of bowling with the Vermont Employee Ownership Center on Wednesday, October 30th. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow cooperators and share ideas in a relaxed setting. 

For more information about upcoming BDCC initiatives and programs, please contact Dani Delaini ddelaini@brattleborodevelopment.com or check out the BDCC’s upcoming events.

Alt:Text for Header Image: depicts a large group of people seated around a U-shaped table setup in a meeting room. There are approximately twenty people, with a mix of ages and genders. The attendees appear engaged in discussion, with some holding coffee cups and papers. The room’s walls are adorned with large, framed historical photographs and informational panels. The lighting is bright, enhancing the details of the room and the individuals present.

Alt-text for Secondary Image: A whiteboard with green handwritten notes about community solutions and local business strategies.

About BDCC

The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization with the mission of investing in the drivers of the regional economy so that people, businesses, and communities in Southern Vermont can thrive. BDCC serves as the State of Vermont’s certified Regional Development Corporation (RDC) for the greater Windham County area (including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Winhall and Weston). BDCC is one of 12 RDCs throughout Vermont. BDCC activity is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. For more information visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/

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