(Clockwise from top left; Senaida Bautista, Michael Floyd, Darcy Carter, Stephanie Huestis and Charlie Foster.)

Local business owners and regional financial professionals weigh in

The Windham County Business Plan Competition is in process following four Quick Pitch events throughout the region which have resulted in 5 semi-finalists who will compete for a $20,000 prize to start or grow their business. 

This competition is funded by the Windham County Economic Development Program to create opportunities for startups and existing businesses in the region to create and refine their business plans, hone their pitch, and compete to receive an award that will assist their project.

The intent of the 2023 WCEDP competition is to encourage new jobs with wages that  pay above  the average salary in the region while bringing in revenue from outside the region. Judges serve a crucial role in holding this intent. As independent third parties, Judges review and analyze participant businesses plans and financial projections. They bring professional experience and perspective which they use to provide participants with insight and feedback. Frequently judges have specific industry experience or knowledge which they leverage to make suggestions to participants.

This year’s judges panel is a great mix of local and regional professionals;

Senaida Bautista – Is a Financial Advisor and Co-Owner of Steadfast Wealth Management LLC in Greenfield Ma. She has worked on providing tailored investment services to individuals, families, and foundations for the past 18 years. Her focus is to provide a financial road map that addresses common concerns of income growth and liquidity.

Darcy Carter – Was appointed District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Vermont office July 7, 2008. As District Director, Carter is responsible for the delivery and management of the U. S. Small Business Administration’s financial and business development programs throughout the state of Vermont.

Michael Floyd – Moved to Vermont 7 years ago from Philadelphia, PA. He came with his family to start a new life, provide for his kids and accomplish his dreams. Cooking and feeding others is what he does best and where he thrives. Since joining the Brattleboro community, he worked hard to become co-owner of the Collective Bar & Lounge and soon after, started his own catering company, Misster’s Catering. Michael is involved with beloved programs, such as the Food Truck Roundup at the Retreat Farm, and serving his delicious hot dogs in downtown Brattleboro. His goal is to give back to the community as much as he can.

Charles Foster – Serves as the President of the SVDV Chamber and is a proud owner of The Wilmington Inn.  With a background in Hospitality, he enjoys meeting new people and introducing them to the area.Prior to moving to Wilmington, Charlie worked for Hyatt Hotels in Boston. 

Stephanie Huestis –  Vice President & Commercial Banking Officer, Brattleboro Savings & Loan. A Brattleboro native, Stephanie Huestis joined Brattleboro Savings & Loan as vice president and commercial banking officer in 2018. This role has responsibility for growing the bank’s commercial loan and deposit base and portfolios. A 33-year banking veteran, Ms. Huestis brings 20 years of lending experience. She currently serves on the following boards: Groundworks Collaborative, Thompson Housing Nursing Home, Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, Meeting House Cemetery, and Brattleboro Museum.

The panel will review the plans of 5 semi finalists and select which will move on to the Final Pitch event. They will be looking for participants to clearly articulate their competition, target market segment, barriers to entry, experience and capacity of the team, competitive advantage, product viability and pricing/revenue model, to name a few.

Windham County Economic Development Program

The WCEDP promotes economic development in Windham County. WCEDP provides funds to stimulate job creation through business start-up, expansion, or relocation. It encourages entrepreneurial activity, and invests in initiatives to strengthen the economic development infrastructure in order to ensure a strong foundation for transformational economic activity. WCEDP funds were secured through an agreement between the State of Vermont and Entergy Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant upon the plant closure announcement. The funds were intended to mitigate the negative economic impacts of the plant’s closure as outlined in the 2012 Vermont Yankee Task Force Report and the 2014 Windham Region S.M.A.R.T. CEDS. For more information please visit https://brattleborodevelopment.com/windham-co-economic-development-program/