Vermont has many resources for artists who are seeking marketing and small business help.
The Vermont Arts Council (www.vermontartscouncil.org) has just finished two, two-day “Breaking into Business” training programs for Vermont artists of all disciplines (visual, performing, media, literary, crafts and traditional). Since each program is limited to about 24 people, artists must apply for a place. Two more programs are being scheduled now; dates and applications will be posted on the council's website in August.
After completing the workshop training, participants are eligible to apply to the Vermont Arts Council for special grant funding to implement some aspect of their business or marketing plan. This funding is being offered on a competitive basis.
The council also offers ArtMail, a biweekly e-newsletter featuring art news, events and opportunities for the arts community in Vermont and nationwide. For a free subscription, go to the Web site and click on “Resources.”
The council has also put together this list of free and low-cost business training resources:
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) offers free programs and services to help you start and grow your business, as well as free online tools and training programs on various topics including finance and accounting, business planning, starting a business, business management and marketing and advertising. The SBA's district office in Vermont is at 87 State St., Room 205, Montpelier, VT 05601. Director Darcy Carter ([email protected]) can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at 802-828-4422, ext. 203.
• The Vermont Small Business Development Center's (www.vtsbdc.org) works to strengthen existing business entities and assist start-ups with high-quality, no-cost counseling and affordable training programs. Click on the “Resources” tab to locate the business advisor in your area.
• BROC-Community Action in Southwestern Vermont Arts Council (www.broc.org) is committed to empower, support and educate individuals and families to be self sufficient in their employment, homes and communities through family stabilization and development; education, training and job creation; affordable housing; and expanding community awareness and advocacy in a nurturing environment.
• The Vermont Women's Business Center (www.vwbc.org) provides women with training, assistance and support necessary to start and expand successful businesses, as well as networking opportunities for women statewide. It offers one-to-one business assistance, classes and workshops, networking events and a business lending library. Linda Ingold, director, can be reached at [email protected] or 877-524-1998.
• Community Capital of Vermont (www.cvcapital.org) offers financing and other assistance to businesses in Vermont that do not yet meet all the requirements for traditional bank financing. They can be reached at [email protected], 802-479-0167 or P.O. Box 342, 107 North Main Street, Suite 7, Barre, VT 05641.
• The Vermont Commission on Women (women.vermont.gov/resource-directory/business) offers a businesses and entrepreneurship resources directory.
• Community Business Connections (www.startabusinessinvermont.net) is a joint project of the Vermont Secretary of State's Office, the U.S. Small Business Administration (Vermont District), and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. It consolidates all the resources needed to start or expand a business in one easy-to-access location and provides a handy business checklist to help navigate the start-up process.