Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is now accepting applications for its new Strategic Planning Working Group, beginning January 2025. This initiative is designed for employers who have built teams of at least four employees, have been operating for three or more years, and are ready to take on a significant growth initiative.
The program will convene a small, select group of 8 to 10 employers for a series of confidential, peer-based working sessions. Participants will bring forward specific projects or strategic goals, such as expanding into new markets, launching a product, or strengthening internal systems and leadership capacity. The format draws on the mastermind approach, offering both structured facilitation and one-on-one mentoring opportunities.
To ensure the best experience for all, the final session dates will be set in consultation with the selected participants once registration is complete.
Supporting Employers at a Critical Stage
In Southern Vermont, many businesses are reaching the stage where the focus shifts from survival to growth. Employers who have successfully built teams and weathered early challenges often find themselves balancing new opportunities with the complexity of managing people and processes. The Strategic Planning Working Group provides time, space, and tools for leaders to step back from daily operations and invest in long-term planning.
“Employers who are at least 3 years into operations and are looking to expand are in a pivotal moment. They have stable teams and emerging opportunities, but they need structured support and trusted peers to help move their businesses forward,” said Adam Grinold, Executive Director. “This Working Group is designed to meet that need by combining practical tools with confidential peer exchange and mentoring.”
Application Details for Strategic Planning Working Group
Applications are now open. Selection will prioritize employers who:
- Have at least four employees
- Have been in operation for at least three years
- Are committed to growing their business and workforce
- Have a specific project or initiative to focus on during the program
Program Dates: January–February 2025
Location: BDCC, Brattleboro
Cohort Size: 8–10 businesses
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/BDCC1/_20252026StrategicPlanningGroupInquiryForm
or contact Anthony Toscano, atoscano@brattleborodevelopment.com
Building on Skills and Local Resources
The Working Group builds on BDCC’s professional development and training programs, designed for local businesses with employees that are ready to refine strategies, increase efficiency, and position their teams for growth. This fall, BDCC will host two workshops in partnership with the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) that may also be helpful to growing employers:
- Lean 101 Workshop
Wednesday, October 29, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Brattleboro
$98 per person (a $325 value)
- The 5S System: Workplace Organization and Standardization
Wednesday, November 19, 8:00 am – 12 Noon
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Brattleboro
$98 per person (a $325 value)
VMEC workshops introduce tools that help organizations improve efficiency and adaptability. The Strategic Planning Working Group extends this learning environment, focusing on the leadership and project-level planning that employers need to convert operational improvements into long-term growth.
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 BDCC BizGrowth
BDCC provides expert guidance and resource navigation to businesses of all sizes—from startups to established enterprises—looking to grow or relocate. Whether a business is expanding its workforce, boosting profitability, or increasing its market share, it will find a broad spectrum of support, financing, and location services available through our experienced staff and extensive network of partners. We empower businesses to thrive by providing access to capital and strategic support aligned with the regional economic development plan (CEDS). We can help businesses navigate the complex landscape of public and private programs and services, developing a customized roadmap to achieve specific growth objectives. BDCC has a proven track record of supporting businesses with their growth needs, whether that involves expanding operations, funding new equipment to increase production capacity, relocating to larger facilities to accommodate growing teams, or securing working capital to scale marketing efforts and reach new customers. As Vermont’s first Regional Development Corporation (RDC), BDCC’s comprehensive support includes access to a suite of tools made available through Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, The Department of Economic Development, Department of Labor, and numerous government-affiliated organizations supporting business planning, expansion capital, state incentives, and worker training funding. BDCC can assist with development and review, connections with strategic partners and consultants, navigating capital access and securing lending, and identifying and accessing local, regional, and state financing and incentive options. We leverage partnerships with agencies like the USDA and SBA, as well as local initiatives, to maximize business growth potential.
For more information visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/businessassistanceservices/
About VMEC
Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “To Strengthen and Empower Vermont Manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC provides proven systems and solutions focused on strategies, processes, products, technologies and people.
