The VT Department of Economic Development has recently been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment to help Vermont (OEA) businesses that have been impacted by DOD spending reductions over the last few years.
Although there are a number of state regulations, regulations and licensing requirements established by state law are sometimes administered at the local level. The federal government also regulates businesses and certain professions.
There are three main resource websites to register your business in Vermont, and the information on these websites is easily accessed and designed to be helpful for all types of businesses.
Vermont is a great place to grow a business! Whether you are relocating here from another state or starting your world class company in Vermont, we want to help you look at new market opportunities. The Vermont Department of Economic Development is staffed with professionals ready to assist new and expanding companies. We work in conjunction with the Regional Development Corporations (RDCs) and other strategic partners that together are your "one-stop-shop" for business relocation and expansion needs.
Thanks to the Department of Financial Regulation, Vermont now boasts the nation’s most progressive local investing regulations, making it easier for small businesses to raise much needed capital from their friends, families, customers and neighbors who want to invest in their local economy.
Regional Development Corporations (RDC)
The Department of Economic Development partners with the twelve Regional Development Corporations around the state to provide technical assistance. They can assist with access to state programs and resources, and are a local source of information on any technical assistance issue.
Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC)
VtSBDC combines one-on-one confidential advising with training programs to give clients the tools and insight they need to reach their business goals. They can assist with startup planning, financing, sales/marketing, growth strategies, financial management, and operations.
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) has operated statewide as a not-for-profit Center since 1995, collaborating with public and private partners in business, government and education to bring world-class assistance and resources to Vermont manufacturers and other enterprises of all sizes, helping them overcome ever-changing challenges, become more competitive and grow their profitability.
Vermont Employee Ownership Center (VEOC)
The VEOC supports business owners considering an exit to broad-based employee ownership via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), worker co-op, or similar model. The non-profit offers free pre-feasibility consulting, presents seminars, organizes an annual conference, and maintains a revolving loan fund to support the financing of such deals.
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program | Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program offers business planning and technical assistance to Vermont's commercial-scale farm, food, and forestry enterprises to help them achieve long-term success. Businesses seeking support with meeting their goals for expansion, diversification, transition, and more can apply for up to two years of one-on-one planning and technical assistance. In-depth services are carried out by a statewide network of advisors and can include: Comprehensive business planning, enterprise analysis, financial record management, marketing and sales, human resources management, and planning for transition or retirement.