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Small Business and Microloan Programs

Fueling Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth in Southern Vermont

At BDCC, we believe small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy. Whether you’re starting up, expanding operations, or stabilizing your cash flow, we offer flexible, accessible financing options designed to meet your needs, right here in your community.

As an authorized intermediary for federal programs like the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, you don’t need to navigate those agencies on your own. We handle that for you.

At BDCC, we:

Administer these loan programs locally
Help you determine the right fit for your goals
Guide you through every step of the application process

There’s no need to go it alone or get lost in red tape. BDCC brings federal funding opportunities directly to you with personal guidance and community-rooted support.

Visit our Funding Fundamentals page to explore how we can help move your business forward.

Bookkeeping loan opportunity for new borrowers

To foster inclusive capital access opportunities in Windham County, BDCC has created a loan opportunity to:

Support businesses setting up their accounts and forming a relationship with a bookkeeping professional.
Encourage entrepreneurial activity driven by financial empowerment.
Jumpstarting new business development

The loan opportunity is to benefit the Windham County Region by nurturing an environment that promotes entrepreneurship and business startups. The eligible fund program are predetermined and participants must meet initial and ongoing technical assistance requirements to qualify and receive support.

Business applicants can borrow up to $3,000 and can be forgiven up to 20% of the loan amount upon successful completion of technical assistance milestones.

Qualified Applicants:

Businesses located in Windham County
In good standing with the State of Vermont
Proof of business bank account with at least three months of business-related transactions
Successful screening from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Credit Alert System (CAIVRS)
Attended either: BDCC’s Funding Fundamentals Series or LaunchPad Program (substitutions can be made for other VT-based business support programs upon recommendation from a small business counselor or upon the discretion of BDCC staff)

This opportunity can only be applied for once.

The process involves three stages to set up and manage a business financial accounting system

Stage One: Reach out to at least three bookkeeping service providers to get quotes for the best accounting system, chart of accounts, and ongoing support for 3-6 months, including reconciliation of bank accounts and financial statements. Choose a bookkeeping application (e.g., QuickBooks) and submit and executive summary and quotes to BDCC for approval.

Stage Two: Work with bookkeeper to handle daily transactions and meet monthly with BDCC or another approved agency for additional business support, submitting invoices directly to BDCC for payment.

Stage Three: Evaluating whether to continue with the bookkeeper after 3-6 months and deciding if it’s time to take over the services or complete an approved training program in bookkeeping/financials. Required submissions include a business technical assistance inquiry form, an executive summary, proof of business banking account with transaction history, proof of state registration, and a soft credit pull.

Interested in applying? Fill out this form.