To meet growing demand, BDCC loan programs continue to adapt. We recently approved bridge funding for Ethan Illingworth, founder of Westminster Wagyu in well (in Westminster) enabling Ethan to secure critical livestock investments while waiting on a federal loan disbursement. This was made possible through collaboration with Community Capital of Vermont and the Farm Service Agency.
These are not just financial transactions. They are the beginning of long-term relationships and built with the understanding that local entrepreneurs need flexible, timely tools to reach their goals.
We are also working internally to keep pace. Our loan monitoring process is now more intentional and more responsive to the evolving needs of our clients. BDCC is focused on reducing the time between application and approval, while expanding technical assistance and offering more consistent check-ins. It is not always a smooth process, but we all have our rough edges. Working on these processes matters.
At the same time, we are designing new microloan pathways to make funding more accessible to early-stage businesses. The bookkeeping program is designed to support early stage business owners in accessing professional bookkeeping professionals. J and J Transportation, for example, used a recent infusion of capital to purchase a second bus for their growing fleet in Vernon. Through ongoing collaborations with SEVCA, Community Capital of Vermont, the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast and traditional local commercial lenders, we are collaboratively helping more businesses access creative financing options that support long-term success.
About BDCC Launch
BDCC presents a suite of services, programs, and ecosystem development activities focused on small and emerging businesses. Previously referred to as our INSTIG8 program, BDCC Launch is the region’s center for quality entrepreneurship training, scale-up services, and innovation. Our entrepreneurially focused programming strategically fosters a safe environment for creative entrepreneurs to try, fail, learn, build, explore, and connect to other like-minded individuals while developing their business concepts and models. We offer a series of workshops, events, and spaces for intentional co-working. BDCC is a catalyst for an engaging, business-minded, creative community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and instigators as they start and grow. https://brattleborodevelopment.com/businessassistanceservices/startup-and-growth/
