Best Small Business Resources in the Burlington Area

Description

LaunchVT has several organizations that support startups and entrepreneurs in different ways. The organization's namesake program, LaunchVT, is an early-stage accelerator that accepts 7 Vermont startups each year and offers 6 weeks of mentorship and workshops. Collegiate is a student-focused pitch competition, and Jump/Start is a 12-week accelerator for startups with a physical product, offering workshops and makerspace access. Most of LaunchVT's services are focused on startups that have the potential to scale and create jobs in Vermont.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

The Fletcher Free library in Burlington offers access to print resources and a tech center with computers, printers, and internet access. 

Restrictions

A library card may be required to access certain services.

Description

The Intervale Center is a 350-acre farming incubator that boasts four decades of experience promoting sustainable agriculture. The center has six mentor farms in residence, these are for-profit farms that operate out of the center and provide mentorship to new farms seeking incubation assistance. Their business planning services are available to farms all over the state and can help with legal issues, funding, and financial planning to ensure long-term prosperity for existing farms.

Restrictions

Applicants should have a couple years of previous farm experience.

Description

Study Hall is an elegant coworking space perfect for freelancers and small startups who need flexible office space. The coworking area offers both shared work areas and private desks. A meeting room seats 8 and is rentable to members and the public. Study Hall hosts evening social networking events that are open to members and the public. There is one membership plan available for the coworking space and day passes available as well. The private desks offer 24/7 access and additional amenities, all for a higher monthly fee.

Description

VCET is an entrepreneurial assistance organization that operates three coworking spaces. Member companies have access to mentor and funding networks. VCET also leverages contacts in local universities to provide technical and business resources to members. Members have access to as much mentorship and consulting as they require. 

Description

This community development fund offers funding and financial advising to startups that may have difficulty securing financing through conventional channels. Their advisors will work with anyone who wants to learn more about financing options and better understand the loan market. They offer services to many different types of community organizations as well as both for- and non-profit businesses.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.