Is self-employment your dream? 
Let us help you make it a successful reality!
No matter what phase of your business you're in, we can help! 

Our Core Services:

One-to-One Business Counseling & Coaching
Training: Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Loan Application Assistance
Market Resource Center

All services are available at no-fee to income eligible clients.

One-on-one Counseling
Our well-trained business counselors will work with you to develop an individual plan, taking advantage of our flexible services and referrals to many other opportunities. We can help with entrepreneurial readiness assessment, business feasibility assessment, networking, accounting, record keeping and research. If you're already in business, we can assist you with planning to expand, financial management, marketing, employee training, contract development and more!

Training: Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Training varies by region (click here for more information).  We offer comprehensive multi-week classes designed to walk participants through the business plan development process.

Participants learn:
• What it takes to be a successful entrepreneur
• How to develop and test their business concept
• How to select the best business concept
• How to select the best business entry option
• How to organize and manage their business
• How to research and market their business
• How to understand and get their financials in order
• How and where to get funding for their business
• Networking with other entrepreneurs

We often offer shorter seminars and workshops on topics such as, Selling Basics, How to Toot Your Own Horn (PR), When to Hire Employees, or Marketing Essentials.  Again, workshops and seminars vary from region to region.

Loan Application Assistance
Loan applications inevitably require formal business plans, so MBDP counseling frequently begins with creation of the plan. At the same time, staff will guide the individual in evaluating the business concept and readiness to undertake self-employment. This evaluation allows MBDP to make the best recommendations to the client regarding next steps and continued training.  The Job Start Fund at Community Capital of Vermont (add link) is one funding option for individuals who have exhausted conventional sources of credit that may be available, such as banks or credit unions, and who lack the personal assets to undertake their self-employment project.

Market Research and Analysis
Each region has a Market Research Center with computers, Internet access and a scanner. Along with assistance from a business counselor, participants can research their market or create marketing materials.