SBA's Resource Partners - Vermont

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

SCORE is composed of retired business people who volunteer counseling services to small business owners. SCORE members conduct workshops for nominal fees, and one-on-one counseling is provided without charge. SBA funds SCORE's office space, telephones, equipment, supplies and travel reimbursement for counselors.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

SBDCs represent a cooperative effort between the U.S. government, the academic community, and the private sector. Under the directorship of Vermont Technical College in Randolph, resources have been coordinated to provide comprehensive counseling and training to small businesses at little or no cost. The Vermont SBDC is a cooperative agreement between SBA, Vermont State College System, and the State of Vermont.

Business Information Center (BIC)

In partnership with many private sector, non-profit and state agencies, the SBA operates a business information center (BIC) in Burlington. The BIC is a self-help reference and resource facility with a library of reference materials, computers, Internet access and CD-ROMs to assist people who are planning to start or are already running a small business. SBA contributes reference materials, computer hardware, software, supplies and staffing. Participating partners contribute the location, overhead, and volunteer staffing.

Burlington BIC
KeyBank NA
149 Bank St.
Burlington, VT 05402
802-660-4580

Micro Lenders

SBA's micro loan program is available to small businesses that are unable to obtain financing through traditional sources. SBA provides a grant to the intermediary to provide technical assistance to small businesses and a loan to the intermediary to relend to small businesses.

Economic Development Council of Northern Vermont, Inc.
Serving Grand Isle, Franklin, Lamoille, Chittenden and Washington counties
155 Lake St.
St. Albans, VT 05478
802-524-4546

Northern Community Investment Corporation
Serving Essex, Orleans and Caledonia counties
347 Portland St., PO Box 904
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
802-748-5101

Vermont Development Credit Union
Serving Bennington, Windham, Windsor, Addison, Orange and Rutland counties
18 Pearl St.
Burlington, VT 05401-4330
802-865-3404

Pre-Qualification Intermediary

The SBA prequalification loan program is available to businesses owned 51% or more by veterans, women, or minorities. The prospective borrower works with the intermediary to develop a viable loan application , which is submitted directly to SBA. On approval, the borrower receives an SBA commitment letter and seeks a competitive lender to provide the SBA-guaranteed loan. SBA provides intermediaries with technical assistance and training on SBA lending criteria and procedures.

Green Mountain Economic Development Corp.
PO Box 246
White River Junction, VT 05001
802-295-3710

Micro Business Development Program

The Micro Business Development Program offers free services to income-eligible Vermonters who own or intend to start a small business. Technical assistance for start-up and existing businesses consists of a combination of one-on-one counseling, group sessions, classroom training and referrals.

A Program of the Vermont Community Action Agencies
802-860-1417
www.vtmicrobusiness.org