Photo: Participants of the SEVCA Small Business Cohort at a summer cookout to celebrate their achievements

Over the spring and summer, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and SEVCA partnered to create and run the SEVCA Small Business Cohort, a hands-on initiative designed to assist people using self employment and entrepreneurship as a pathway to achieving their financial goals. 

Over the course of the program, participants learned the fundamentals of starting and running a successful business in southern Vermont. They explored everything from marketing and business planning to financial management, while also building the confidence to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. For many, this meant not just understanding the language of entrepreneurship, but believing in their own skills and vision.

The results speak for themselves — since the program began, six new businesses have opened their doors and are already contributing to our local economy.

“It’s really about education and making sure that everyone in this community understands that entrepreneurship and self-employment is a viable methodology when it comes to an annual income,” said Anthony Toscano, BDCC’s Small Business Solutions and Transitions Manager. “Programs like this are so  important to the Southern Vermont economy.” 

One piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Help is out there. And it’s often free. Vermont is home to a network of organizations, advisors, and programs ready to provide guidance at every stage. All you have to do is ask.

If you’re ready to explore your own business idea — or take your existing business to the next level — reach out: to Anthony Tocano, atoscano@brattleborodevelopment.com or visit https://brattleborodevelopment.com/what-we-do/business-assistance/. 

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 also 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’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 SEVCAOur mission is to empower and partner with individuals and communities to alleviate the hardships of poverty, provide opportunities to thrive, and eliminate root causes of poverty in Southeastern Vermont. For more information visit: https://sevca.org/