Program Information
108 Cherry Street, St. Johnsbury
(802) 748-6048
Visit our Vermont MicroBusiness site

Check out our seminars and workshops on the Web:
                http://www.vtmicrobusiness.org

Who We Are
Started in 1988, the Micro Business Development Program is a non-profit, grant funded program of each of the five Community Action Programs in Vermont.

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What is a micro business?
A micro business is considered to be the smallest of small businesses:  those that employ fewer than five people and generate less than $250,000 in annual revenue.  Micro loans generally range from $500 - $25,000.  A micro business can be an opportunity for those who find their financial well-being at risk. Their situation could be the result of circumstances beyond their control such as a divorce, a special need, a need for supplemental income or the entrepreneurial spirit.

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Our Mission
Our mission is to provide technical assistance and training to low and moderate income Vermonters who own or intend to start a business.

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General Information

The Micro Business Development Program’s (MBDP) goals are to assist “starting businesses,” as well as grow and improve operations of an existing business.  To accomplish these goals, it is important that you, the client, understand what MBDP can and cannot do for you. 

CLARIFICATION OF MBDP ROLE:  The MBDP is funded by the Small Business Administration and the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity.  We also, at times, receive grants from other state and federal programs.  We counsel small businesses and individuals at no charge.  MBDP specialists do not take the place of a lawyer or an accountant.  We provide advice and counseling, but it is not our position to tell you what to do.  All decisions are yours to make.

THE MBDP IS NOT A LENDING AGENCY:  The MBDP provides advice and guidance in loan application preparation.  However, this assistance does not suggest an intent to approve your loan request by any lending institution or guarantee a lending institution, public or private.  Area specialists provide advice on sources and techniques for developing the necessary information for a financial proposal.  It is your responsibility to collect the needed information.

 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:  The MBDP acknowledges that clients may, from time to time, divulge confidential and proprietary information during counseling.  Unless otherwise expressly authorized by the client, the MBDP staff will not reveal to any person or entity, the identity of a client to whom they have rendered services, or any confidential or proprietary information obtained from the client and identified as such by the client.  However, the MBDP relationship with SBA, OEO, and other governing agencies, requires them to disclose to the appropriate officers all counseling records on SBA/OEO clients or SBA/OEO referred clients.

 NEEDS ASSESSMENT/ANALYSIS:  In order for an MBDP Area Specialist to properly advise and assist a client, they must develop an in-depth understanding of all aspects of your business or potential business.  The MBDP Specialist develops a full knowledge and understanding of your business by conducting a needs assessment and analyzing the complete business or potential business idea.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT:  You have the right to know that no employee of, or sub-contractor to, the MBDP will participate in activities that create a conflict of interest.  They will not accept fees, commissions, or things of value from you.  Additionally, they will not solicit you as a privately paying client, at anytime during or within six months subsequent to serving you through MBDP.  If you are approached by any MBDP representative or consultant for paid services, you should report this to the Vermont Office of Economic Opportunity director immediately.

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Our Goals

§         To foster self-employment as a route to economic self-sufficiency for Vermonters facing economic, social or medical challenges.

§         To provide assistance and education for micro-business start-up and management.

§         To offer counseling and mentoring to assist participants in positioning themselves for long-term success. 

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Our Results

v     We have provided business technical assistance to over 6,000 Vermonters.

v     We have assisted over 800 entrepreneurs in starting or expanding their business.

v     We have helped our client’s access more than $7 million in business financing. 

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Program Services

·          One-On-One Business Counseling

·          Classroom Training

·          Group Workshops

·          Feasibility Assessment

·          Business Planning

·          Market Research and Analysis

·          Mentoring

·          Loan Application Assistance

·          Loan Packaging 

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The Stairway to Success

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What Others Have to Say 

            “Micro business and the Dream to Reality Class have opened my eyes and mind to the possibilities of fulfilling my dreams."
                                                 Ella Bracket
                                                CVCAC participant 

            “I thought to myself, what is the deal to throw together a business?…Was I in for a surprise.    Without (MBDP) help I never could have put together such a successful business plan.”
                                                Bob Gray
                                                BROC participant

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Frequently Asked Questions

My income is low.  Will I be able to afford the MBDP services?  MBDP services are free. 

What kind of assistance is available after I start-up or expand my business?  MBDP will continue to provide free, one-on-one technical assistance to business owners who require ongoing support and a support network.

How do I get started?

Call to make an initial appointment.  The initial appointment gives us a chance to meet you and begin to understand your goals.  Together we can define your needs and determine the best way to assist you with your endeavor.  All counseling is strictly confidential.

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How to Reach Us

                      NEKCA
Northeast Kingdom Community Action
(Caledonia, Orleans, and Essex Counties)
                 802-748-6048
                800-639-4065                         

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Partners

MBDP accomplishments would not be possible without our network of key partners, which includes:

      Vermont Job Start of VT Economic Development Authority
Vermont Dept. of Employment and Training
Vermont Div. Of Vocational Rehabilitation
VT Department of Prevention, Assistance, Transition, and Health Access
Vermont Development Credit Union
Vermont Community Loan Fund
Economic Development Council of Northern Vermont and local revolving loan funds
Northeast Employment and Training Org.
Woman’s Small Business Program at Trinity College
SBA Woman’s Business Center
University of Vermont
Cyberskills, Vermont
Northern Community Investment Corp.

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Funding

The MBDP is funded through grants from the State of Vermont’s Office of Economic Development through the Office of Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Small Business Administration Microloan Program, and the Office of Community Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.   We also gratefully acknowledge past grant support from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

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