Brattleboro, VT — April 22, 2025 — As businesses across Southern Vermont contend with the unpredictable impacts of tariffs and shifting trade policies, the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is offering a new educational session designed to help business owners take the first step toward proactive financial planning.
Titled “Financial Forecasting in the Face of Tariff Uncertainty,” this basic, 101-level workshop will introduce the core concepts and tools needed to begin forecasting in times of economic instability. The session is designed specifically for small business owners and operators who are new to financial modeling and looking for simple, accessible ways to strengthen their planning.
This 60-minute session will be offered later this spring and will feature guest presenters from the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) and SCORE. These regional experts will provide context, answer questions, and offer follow-up support for attendees who wish to dive deeper into forecasting or one-on-one advising after the session.
Participants will learn how tariffs can affect everything from raw material costs to consumer behavior. The session will cover simple forecasting techniques including scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, and stress testing. In addition, participants will be introduced to tools and strategies for mitigating risk and improving communication with stakeholders during uncertain times.
It is important to note that this session will not resolve or predict changes to tariffs themselves. Trade policy continues to evolve and remains outside the control of local businesses. However, learning basic forecasting techniques can help business owners better understand their exposure to risk and build more flexible plans in response.
A short interactive case study will offer participants the chance to apply what they learn in a simple example scenario. The session will close with a Q and A period and summary of key takeaways, along with recommendations for how to access ongoing advising and additional resources. This session is free and open to any business owner, financial decision-maker, or nonprofit leader interested in gaining foundational forecasting skills. No prior experience is required.
This workshop will be held virtually on Thursday, May 22nd 2025 from 8:30-9:30 am. To register please fill out the form found here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/bdcc1/financialforecastinginthefaceoftariffuncertainty2025
For questions or to express early interest, contact Anthony Toscano at atoscano@brattleborodevelopment.com.
BizConnect and BDCC educational programming are designed to support a thriving, resilient economy through practical knowledge sharing, local collaboration, and accessible training for Southern Vermont’s business community.
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/
