If you are a local business owner or manager, chances are there are times when you need help, advice, mentoring, financing or just another person in the know with whom to bounce ideas around. And, chances are, you don't know where to turn to seek out this sort of assistance. Never fear, help is on the way. The Lamoille Economic Development Corporation is sponsoring a business assistance forum on Tuesday, April 30th from 9:00 am to noon in the Community Room at the Green Mountain Technology and Career Center in Hyde Park. Representatives from the following organizations will be making short presentations on the nature of the assistance available to you:
● Small Business Administration – small business financing and technical assistance
● Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center – LEAN procedures used in all businesses, innovation and export training
● Vermont Training Program – financial assistance for employee training programs
● Vermont Global Trade Partnership – import/export and the EB-5 investment program
● Vermont Economic Development Authority – business financial services
● Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program – economic incentives for business recruitment, expansion and growth
● Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance program – selling to the government, federal, state and local
● Vermont Small Business Development Center – business planning assistance, coaching, training, advising for existing businesses and start-ups
● USDA, Rural Development – loans, loan guarantees, technical assistance, grants for small businesses, municipalities and non-profits
● Fresh Tracks Capital – venture capital
● Community Capital of Vermont – small business alternative lender
● Vermont Community Loan Fund – small business alternative lender
● VSJF Flexible Capital Fund – royalty financing
There will be an extended period for questions and answers and informational material will be available from every agency. Everyone will also be provided with information on how to make one-on-one appointments to meet with representatives from any and all agencies present. The Forum is free to all attendees but reservations must be made in advance. Please visit www.vtsbdc.org and click on TRAINING to register on line or email Vicki Blanchard at dblanchard@vtsbdc.org.. For more information call John Mandeville at 888-5640