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SOUTHERN VERMONT ECONOMY PROJECT (SVEP)

The Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP), a key initiative of BDCC, plays a vital role in empowering nonprofit boards and community leaders across the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone, which includes Bennington and Windham counties and the town of Weston. Through a robust suite of training opportunities, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs, SVEP enhances the ability of local project champions of all kinds to meet the evolving challenges of rural economic and community development.

Now in its fourth operational cycle and funded in part by the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative, SVEP has steadily evolved since its launch in 2016 to meet the region’s changing needs. Its programming, ranging from webinars and small conferences to focused mini-summits and the annual Southern Vermont Economy Summit, provides community and nonprofit leaders with the tools and insights needed to drive effective governance, strategic planning, and sustainable growth.

SVEP is committed to building up local leaders and fostering networks that strengthen collaboration and community-based connections across Southern Vermont. By supporting the creation and maintenance of nonprofit and municipal leader networks aligned with regional priorities identified in the SoVermont Zone Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), SVEP cultivates a shared foundation for long-term impact. These networks serve as vital ecosystems for shared learning, resource exchange, and unified action, helping local government and nonprofits take their place as strong, integrated partners in building rural prosperity.

UPCOMING EVENTS & WEBINARS

Knowledge Bites, Southern Vermont Economy Project

Knowledge Bites: Data Resources for Your Town or Community Projects

March 12, 2026

Southern Vermont Economy Project

9th Annual Southern Vermont Economy Summit

May 12, 2026

AVAILABLE & PAST EVENTS

SoVT Get on Board – Local Leadership Program

SoVermont Get on Board is a course designed to offer practical skills for effective and active participation in the civic life of Southern Vermont communities. Learn from statewide experts and longtime local leaders, get big-picture knowledge to inspire and inform, and most importantly, find connections to support your journey.

We have trained 45 active and aspiring local leaders from Pownal to Vernon, and Winhall to Dummerston, and everywhere in between. “Graduates” are exploring plans to run for town office, protect local wetlands, and implement strategic planning protocols with their nonprofit boards.

Each session takes place in a different Southern Vermont community. Topics covered include: (note: no links just list topics)

Session 1: Working Together as a Community
Session 2: Local Government in Vermont
Session 3: Nonprofit Organizations; Inclusion and Community
Session 4: Taking Action from the Course

Throughout the course, participants determine what opportunities they might like to explore, with follow-up support and helpful connections from BDCC staff.

KNOWLEDGE BITES WEBINARS

COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT PROJECT NAVIGATION

Need help, resources, direction or advice about your community project? Contact Meg Staloff to set up a 30 minute call or Zoom.

Southern VT Economy Summit

The Southern Vermont Economy Summit is an initiative of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP). SVEP works to stabilize, improve and expand the rural economic and workforce development network in the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone. The Summit’s goal is to increase capacity and collaboration among partnering organizations and communities. SVEP is funded by the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative, as a program of BDCC & SeVEDS.

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOPS

August 22, 2024 – Wilmington, VT
SVEP organized a comprehensive grant writing workshop at the Old School Community Center in Wilmington. The event attracted 45 participants from various sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and municipal infrastructure. The workshop featured breakout sessions on researching funding opportunities, crafting compelling narratives, and managing grant compliance. Experts like Jed Blume, Elisabeth Marx, and Maggie Foley led these sessions, providing attendees with actionable insights.
March 22, 2019 – Bellows Falls, VT
In collaboration with the Vermont Community Foundation and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, SVEP hosted the “Making Fund Finding Fun!” workshop. This day-long event offered grant writing tips and tools suitable for a broad range of expertise. Attendees engaged with expert grant writers and funders, gaining valuable advice on successful grant applications.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

June 17 & 24, 2025 – Winhall, VT
Held at the Winhall Community Arts Center, this two-session workshop aimed to help participants build effective nonprofit boards. Attendees discussed best practices, engaged in peer-learning environments, and developed plans to strengthen their organizations’ boards.
February 26 & March 5, 2025 – Bellows Falls, VT
Conducted at the Waypoint Center, this workshop series provided insights into building robust nonprofit boards. The sessions emphasized peer learning and practical strategies for board improvement.
November 13 and 20, 2024 – Bennington, VT & December 2 & 9, 2024 – Brattleboro, VT
This two-part workshop at the BDCC offices focused on nonprofit board development. Participants explored best practices, gained new skills, and created actionable plans to enhance their boards’ effectiveness.
November 15, 2023 – Virtual Webinar
As part of the “Knowledge Bites” series, this webinar provided straightforward advice on nonprofit board development best practices. It also guided local nonprofit boards on accessing development resources and training opportunities.
March 25, 2022 – Brattleboro, VT
Titled “Badass Your Board,” this event featured Jeff Siegler of Revitalize, or Die. The session offered a candid discussion on creating successful, sustainable, and meaningful nonprofit organizations through effective board development.

Interested in having your board participate in an upcoming Board Development Workshop?
Reach out to Meg Staloff to find out if we have one scheduled, or SVEP can work with you to schedule a workshop for 10-16 participants in your part of Southern VT. Ideally this will represent members from several boards.

Project Development Series

SVEP’s Project Development Series helps organizations and municipalities turn great ideas into effective projects, with sustainable funding, successful implementation, and management.

Sometimes all it takes is one successful project in a community to spark positive change. Southern Vermont does not lack great ideas. Be we can all use a little help!

Review our archived training series from 2020 and 2021. Feel free to reach out to the SVEP program manager directly for a consult for your project: mstaloff@brattleborodevelopment.com