Business Services
General Info~Main Page | Business Services | Sites Availability Listing | Permits & Permit Processes |
everal organizations and programs are available in the Montpelier area to assist with financing, site selection, training, promotion, and other services:
| Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce George Malek, Executive Director P.O. Box 336 Paine Turnpike Barre, VT 05641 (802) 229-5711, FAX: (802) 229-5713 E-mail: CVChamber@aol.com Web: http://www.central-vt.com/chamber |
The Central Vermont Chamber provides information and assistance to business. In addition to helping develop websites, they provide economic data, demographic information and personal consulting teams among other services. Their website has information about loans to guide businesses through the various of sources of aid. |
Tax Incentives: http://www.Access-Vermont.com/incent/econadv.htm
| Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc. (CVCAC) 195 US Rte. 302-Berlin Barre, VT 05641 1-800-639-1053, (802) 479-1053, FAX: (802) 479-5353 Web: http://www.cvcac.org Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) E-mail: cflint@cvac.org Web: http://www.vtmicrobusiness.org |
The CVCAC offers several programs to help low-income people become economically self-sufficient. Funding for programs comes from private foundations, federal, state and local governments, local businesses and private individuals. Programs include the micro business (5 or fewer employees) development program, small business loans for start-ups and expansion, training in job skills and business management, mentoring, and technical assistance. |
| Central Vermont Economic Development Corp. (CVEDC) Richard Angney, Executive Director P.O. Box 1439 Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: (802) 223-4654, FAX: (802) 223-4655 Toll Free: (888) 769-2957 (U.S. & CANADA) E-mail: cvedc@together.net Web: http://www.central-vt.com/cvedc SBA 504 Program: http://www.central-vt.com/cvedc/loan.htm |
The CVEDC is a certified development corporation designated by the Small Business Administration to provide long term fixed-rate loans for real estate and/or machinery and equipment acquisitions plus associated project costs under the SBA 504 program. Maximum loan amount is $1,000,000. Interest rates are generally slightly below market rate. Also available are consultations to businesses (e.g., financial packaging, locating space, making contacts, marketing, and business planning). It receives funding from regional municipalities and from the Vermont Department of Economic Development and is affiliated with the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VSBDC) and the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC). |
| Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) Susan Sinclair, Executive Director 29 Main Street, Suite 4 Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: (802) 229-0839, FAX: (802) 223-1977 E-mail: cvrpc@cvregion.com Web: http://www.centralvtplanning.com |
| City of Montpelier Department of Planning & Community Development Gwendolyn Hallsmith, Director 39 Main Street, City Hall Montpelier, VT 05602-2950 Phone: (802) 223-9506, FAX: (802) 223-9524 E-mail: ghallsmith@montpelier-vt.org Web: http://www.montpelier-vt.org/cda |
Montpelier's Business Loan Fund (MBLF) provides up to $9,000 to income-eligible businesses in the downtown area. The City also offers a low-interest loan program for handicapped accessibility improvements, with priority given to downtown buildings. The City has successfully obtained grant funds through the Vermont Community Development Program to assist projects that create or retain jobs, provide housing, or provide other services to benefit low and moderate-income persons. For businesses seeking to expand in or relocate to Montpelier, the City may be able to assist in finding a suitable location. Tax stabilization may be available to business expansions or relocations that meet City policies. Projects in the downtown may be eligible for incentives and other benefits through the Vermont Designated Downtown Program. |
Commercial Banks
A variety of commercial lending institutions are located in Montpelier offering competitive rates and programs.
List: http://www.montpelier-vt.org/services/#banks
| COMMUNITY CAPITAL of Central Vermont (CCCV) Emily Kaminsky, Fund Manager Olivia Gay, Loan Officer Mailing Address: c/o CVCAC, PO Box 43, Barre VT 05641 Physical Address: 107 N. Main St. #7, Barre, VT 05641 Phone: (802)479-1067 FAX: (802) 479-2867 Email: ekaminsky@CVCAC.org Web: http:www.cvcapital.org |
Mission statement: "To contribute to a strong Central Vermont community by helping small businesses prosper through the provision of flexible financing and ongoing technical assistance." CCCV makes capital available to support business development and the creation and retention of employment opportunities. The program connects borrowers with technical assistance providers. Maximum loan $50,000. Uses: working capital, real estate acquisition and/or improvement, inventory, machinery and equipment, and start-up expenses. CCCV was founded as a consortium of local municipalities, with funds from HUD and the Vermont Community Development Program. |
| Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Vermont Agency of Transportation Office of Civil Rights and Labor 133 State Street Attn: Nancy Bruce Montpelier, VT 05663-5001 Phone: (802) 828-2715, FAX: (802) 828-1047 E-mail: Nancy.Bruce@state.vt.us Web: http://www.aot.state.vt.us/CivilRights/DBE.htm |
The Disadvantaged Enterprise Program (DBE) is federally funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in Vermont by the Agency of Transportation. VTrans is the only federally mandated certification program in the state. The purpose of the program is to encourage and support participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts. To participate in federally aided contracts under the requirements of the DBA program, firms must be first certified by VTrans. A DBA is a business which is at least 51 percent owned by socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals who own it. |
| Governor's Commission on Women 126 State Street Montpelier VT 05633-6801 1-800-881-156, FAX: (802) 828-2930 E-mail: info@women.state.vt.us Web: http://www.women.state.vt.us |
The Governor's Commission on women provides an information packet for those who are interested in starting a business or obtaining funding for an existing business. The packet also includes information on education, support and mentoring programs for women, and information on professional organizations for business women. |
| Montpelier Downtown Community Association (MDCA) Heather Shouldice, Executive Director 39 Main Street, City Hall Montpelier, VT 05602-2950 Phone: (802) 223-9604, FAX (802) 223-9519 E-mail: heather@mdca.org Web: http://www.mdca.org |
The MDCA is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for people who live, work and visit Montpelier by helping the downtown develop into the 21st century as a vital and diverse community center for retailing, cultural and entertainment activities, education, recreation, business and professional services, dining, government, and residential use. Through board, committee, and member activities, the MDCA provides direct and indirect support to the Montpelier business community. |
| Northern Vermont Lending Partners (NVLP) c/o Economic Development Council of Northern Vermont, Inc. 155 Lake Street St. Albans, VT 05478 Phone: (802) 524-4546, FAX: (802) 527-1081 E-mail: edcnv@sover.net Web: http://www.edcnv.org/microloans.htm |
Loans from $500 to $25,000 are available for existing and start-up businesses in Washington county (as well as Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle and Lamoille counties) with gross receipts of less than $500,000 and with less than ten full-time employees. Financing is available for machinery, equipment, and working capital (including inventory, supplies, accounts receivable, advertising, marketing, product development). Financing is not available for real estate, leasehold improvements, or refinancing existing debt. |
| Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Montpelier SCORE - Chapter 0275 c/o Small Business Administration P.O. Box 605 87 State Street, Room 205 Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: (802) 828-4422, FAX: (802) 828-4485 Web: http://www.score.org |
SCORE volunteers are people with valuable business experience who help local businesses one-on-one with management counseling for start-ups and existing businesses. An SBA loan guarantee is not a criterion for assistance. All individual and team counseling is free. |
| U.S. Department of Commerce Office of U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service National Life Building - 6th floor Montpelier, VT 05620-0501 Phone: (802) 828-4508 Web: http://www.commerce.gov/vermont.html |
| U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Vermont District Office 87 State Street, Room 205 Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: (802) 828-4422 Web: http://www.sba.gov and http://www.sba.gov/vt Especially recommended is the SBA's publication: Vermont Small Business Resource Guide, 2000 edition (31 pages). The Guide includes information on hints for starting a small business, loans, finances, and other matters. Also worth checking out is the Vermont Business Start-up Kit at http://www.sba.gov/vt/vtstartup.html. Small Business Tax Guide The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service have issued their newest free information tool - a CD resource guide that will help small businesses manage their tax issues. The Small Business Resource Guide 2002 is available at www.sba.gov. Start by clicking item number five "SBA/IRS CD Small Business Resource Guide." The 2002 CD is also available for free by calling 1-800 U ASK SBA or 1-800-TAX-FORM. |
Under the SBA's loan programs, a business borrows from a bank or other approved institution (28 in Vermont in FY99) and the SBA guarantees the loan. Under the 7a program, for example, the SBA can guarantee up to 80% on loans up to $100,000 and 75% above that. The maximum guarantee is usually $750,000 (75% of 1 million). There are specialized loan programs: veterans, women, minorities, low documentation (up to $100,000), Y2K fixes, SBA express (expedited loans), working capital, exports, defense, 504 (lower down payment), smaller business, non-profits, etc.) relevant government regulations insurance, taxes (local, state, federal), Act 250, environment, exports, employees, health & safety etc. 4) local assistance sources 5) general assistance publications, videos, minority & disadvantaged enterprise contracting assistance, marketing surety bond (SBA can guarantee bids) electronic search engines, and disaster loans. |
| Vermont 503 Corporation 56 East State Street Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: (802) 223-7226 E-mail: info@veda.state.vt.us Web: http://www.state.vt.us/veda SBA 504 Program: http://www.state.vt.us/veda/html/program_sba_504.html |
The Vermont 503 Corporation is a non-profit corporation created by VEDA in 1984 to promote economic growth through its administration of several economic development finance programs, including the Rural Economic Activity Programs. The Vermont 503 Corporation and VEDA share a common directorate and staff. The Vermont 503 Corporation is the statewide CDC for Vermont for the issuance of SBA 504 Debentures. Rural Activity Loans (REAL) are available to businesses in communities of 25,000 or less population for such activities as acquisition of fixed assets and/or to fund growth in inventory and accounts receivable. Loans up to $100,000. Loans may not be made for motels, hotels, tourist home, convention centers, agriculture or refinancing existing loans or assets. |
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
E-mail: info@vtchamber.com Web: http://vtchamber.com |
| Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) 15 State Street P.O. Box 827 Montpelier, VT 05601-0827 Phone: (802) 223-1448, FAX: (802) 223-1455 E-mail: vclf@vclf.org Web: http://www.vclf.org |
The VCLF lends money to business that increase economic opportunities for lower income and/or disenfranchised Vermonters by creating or saving jobs which pay a livable wage and foster quality in the workplace. In addition, the business should support the local economy and build on the resources of the community. Loans are from $2,000 to $250,000. Funds may be used for fixed asset financing, real estate purchase and working capital. Terms range from several months to 20 years. Flexible terms, rate and repayment schedule are project specific and are based on the project needs and strength of the proposal. |
| Vermont Department of Economic Development National Life Building, Drawer 20 Montpelier, VT 05620-0501 Phone: (802) 828-3211, FAX: (802) 828-3258 Toll free: 800-VERMONT Web: http://www.thinkvermont.com |
Assistance to new and existing companies for sites selection, expansions, financing resources, business development, permits and environmental issues, marketing, contracting opportunities with federal state, and local governments, Vermont Business Assistance Network, training of employees, issues dealing with world trade, tax issues etc. |
An online guide to starting a business by the Vermont Department of Economic Development is available at:
http://www.thinkvermont.com/start
| Vermont Department of Labor P.O. Box 488 5 Green Mountain Drive Montpelier, Vt. 05601-0488 Phone: (802) 828-4000, FAX: (802) 828-4022 E-mail contacts by topic: Jobs & Training: Dave Copeland at dcopeland@det.state.vt.us Labor Market Information: Mike Griffin at mgriffin@det.state.vt.us Unemployment Compensation: David Tucker at dtucker@det.state.vt.us Web: http://www.labor.vermont.gov |
Formerly known as the Department of Employment & Training, this department provides a wide range of information regarding such services as the Job Bank, Talent Bank, Labor Market Information, Employer Resources, UC Claimant Information, Work @ Home Job Opportunities, Career Resource Centers, Unemployment Compensation, Welfare to Work Programs, Workforce Education & Training Fund, Commuter Assistance, and more. |
Vermont Department of Public Safety |
The former Vermont Department of Labor & Industry was reorganized in April 2005 and the Division of Fire Safey was combined with the Department of Public Safety. The Fire Safety Division is based in four regional offices located in Barre, Rutland, Springfield and Williston with the main office located in Montpelier. Each office provides regional problem solving, review of construction documents, electrical permitting, safety inspections, public safety education, data management, product or site investigation and emergency response to hazardous materials or other incidents. |
| Vermont Department of Taxes Pavilion Office Building 109 State Street Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: (802) 828-2501, FAX: (802) 828-5787 Web: http://www.state.vt.us/tax |
The tax department will help identify and explain relevant taxes whether it be personal income tax, corporate tax, withholding tax, sales tax, or rooms- and-meals tax. |
| Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) 58 East State Street, Suite 5 Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: (802) 828-5627, FAX (802) 828-5474 E-mail: info@veda.state.vt.us Web: http://www.state.vt.us/veda |
VEDA administers a variety of financing programs, including low interest loans for construction, and/or purchase of buildings, land, machinery and equipment: |
- Direct Loan Program
is to finance establishment or expansion of industrial facilities up
to $800,000.
- Industrial Revenue
Bonds for aid to business through VEDA's issuance of tax exempt,
low interest bonds up to $10 million.
- Local Development
Corporation Loans are available to nonprofit local development corporations
through VEDA's Subchapter 3 program. "Spec" buildings and incubators
can provide low cost, flexible leased space for businesses which prefer
not to own their own facility.
- Mortgage Insurance
Program insures bank loans up to $2 million per project.
- Financial Access Program (FAP) is designed to enhance opportunities for small businesses
to access commercial credit for loans up to $200,000 for businesses
with sales of $5 million or less.
- Vermont Job Start
Program is for development of self employment opportunities for
Vermonters with low and moderate incomes.
- Export Finance Programs provide financial assistance to Vermont exporters.
VEDA has been officially designated as an Intermediary for SBA and a
City/State Partner for Export-Import Bank programs.
- Vermont Small Business Development Corporation (SBD Corp.) is for loans of $2,500 to $50,000 for existing businesses who cannot access traditional sources of credit. It does not lend money for startups and there is no upper income limit for borrowers as with the Vermont Job Start Program.
- SBA 504 Debenture
Program is for loans up to $1,000,000 for businesses whose net worth
is $6 million or less and average net profit after taxes does not exceed
$2 million for the previous two years.
- Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation (VACC) offers low interest loans to family farmers and agricultural facilities in Vermont to encourage diversification and/or cooperative and innovative farming, assist with environmental conservation measures and to strengthen existing farm operations by, among other things, the refinance of operating debt. Funds are also available for the purchase of farm real estate.
Vermont Information & Networking for Entrepreneurs (VINE)
Website and networking listserv created by the Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc. for the purpose of providing collaborative online networking opportunities for VT small business owners.
Web: http://www.vinevt.org/index.asp
Contact: Emily Kaminsky: (802)479-1053 x263
| Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) c/o Vermont Technical College P.O. Box 500 Randolph Center, VT 05061-0500 Phone: (802) 728-1432, Toll Free: (800) MEP-4MFG, FAX: (802) 728-1456 E-mail: vmec@vmec.org Web: http://www.vmec.org |
VMEC is a public-private partnership and affiliate of the nationwide Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) through the National Institute of Standards (NIST). VMEC offers direct assistance, training, and access to a wide variety of technical and other assistance resources to help Vermont manufacturers increase their productivity, modernize processes, introduce new technologies. reduce costs, and improve their competitiveness. |
| Vermont Secretary of State's Office Redstone Building 26 Terrace Street, Drawer 9 Montpelier, VT 05609-1101 Phone: (802) 828-2386 Web: http://www.sec.state.vt.us |
At Redstone Building, you will find the following offices:
-
Business Office and Computer Operations
Elections Division
Vermont State Archives
A portion of the Office of Professional Regulation - http://vtprofessionals.org
81 River Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1101
At Heritage I Building, you will find the following offices:
-
Corporations Division
http://www.sec.state.vt.us/corps/corpindex.htm
The Office of Professional Regulation (divisions supporting several professional licensing boards, including the Nursing Board and the Real Estate Commission
http://vtprofessionals.org
| Vermont Small Business Development Center (VSBDC) Patrick Travers Central Vermont Area Business Specialist 1 National Life Drive P.O. Box 1439 Montpelier, VT 05601 Phone: (802) 223-4654 or toll-free 1-800-464-SBDC E-mail: ptravers@vtsbdc.org Web: http://www.vtsbdc.org or http://www.vtsbdc.org/cvedc1.html |
The VSBDC offers free management counseling on business start-ups, expansion, marketing, capital formation, acquisition, technology, and environmental issues. Pre-venture workshops over Vermont Interactive Television and regional trade shows are also offered. |
| Vermont Women's Business Center Linda Ingold, Director Lisa Mase, Project Assistant Santo Tomasine, Internet Representative Woodbury College 660 Elm Street Montpelier, VT 05602 Toll Free: 1-800-266-4062 Tel: (802) 229-2181 Fax: (802) 229-2141 E-mail: lmase@cvcac.org |
The Center provides business counseling, referrals, e-business seminars, workshops, and networking events for women in business, whether they are starting a business or expanding an existing business. |
Other Links of Interest...
Business Expansion Tax Incentives
http://www.Access-Vermont.com/incent/econadv.htm
Continuing Adult Education Opportunities in and Around Montpelier
http://montpelier-vt.org/education.cfm
Downtown Community Development Act
http://www.access-vermont.com/incent/dtnlong.htm
Senator Leahy's "Cyberselling in Vermont"
http://leahy.senate.gov/vermont/cyberselling
and "Doing Business in Vermont"
http://leahy.senate.gov/vermont/business
Vermont Business Assistance Network
http://www.dca.state.vt.us/
Updated October 8, 2008
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