Brattleboro, VT – Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC), in partnership with the Vermont Specialty Food Association (VSFA) and the Vermont Employee Ownership Center (VEOC) will host a free, in-person program focused on transition and success planning for food-related businesses on Wednesday, May 20th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the BDCC Offices (76 Cotton Mill Hill, Brattleboro). Lunch will be provided, but optional food and beverage donations are welcome.
This interactive session builds on a successful pilot program in Northern Vermont and whose specialized food succession curriculum is now being brought to our region by VSFA. Designed for business owners who are thinking about or preparing to sell their business, the session helps participants gain a clear understanding of the transition process and take practical steps toward a successful next chapter. Attendees will explore a range of ownership transition pathways; including employee ownership, family succession, third-party sale, and industry acquisition, while also learning key elements of preparation such as valuation, timing, and overall readiness.
The program will bring together experienced advisors, business owners, and industry partners to share insights on valuation, deal structures, timelines, and preparing a business for sale. The session will also feature the former owners and buyers of businesses that have successfully transitioned and a presentation from Venture 7 Advisors to provide a balanced view of the process.
Created for a wide range of food-related businesses, this program is open to food producers, manufacturers, cafe and restaurant owners, and other businesses that see themselves in the food industry.
Registration is required as space is limited.
This transition programming is part of BDCC’s broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across Southern Vermont by providing accessible education, technical assistance, and connections to capital.
For more information or to register, please visit https://brattleborodevelopment.com/event/food-business-transition/ or contact BDCC’s Business Services team.
About BDCC
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. In addition to its private nonprofit leadership role in regional business acceleration and expansion programs and projects, economic, workforce, and community development programming, BDCC is also contracted to carry out the work of one of the twelve the State of Vermont’s certified Regional Development Corporations (RDC) for the greater Windham County area (including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Winhall, and Weston). BDCC’s 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/
About BDCC Next
BDCC presents a suite of services, programs, and ecosystem development activities focused on businesses in transition. BDCC Next is the region’s center for quality reorganization and succession training, services, and support. Our business transition-focused programming strategically supports business owners with exit planning processes, supports aspiring entrepreneurs in their journey to take over a business, and provides pathways for sufficient capital and financing options that make it possible for potential buyers to acquire rural businesses. In 2024 BDCC received a Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to expand cooperative business services in Southern Vermont as part of our transition efforts. This initiative will identify businesses at risk of closure or transition and provide targeted technical assistance to avert closures and increase cooperative formation. https://brattleborodevelopment.com/reorganization-and-succession/
