SBA offers free business course for Vermont entrepreneurs

The Small Business Administration is accepting applications for the 2021 Vermont Emerging Leaders Program, which will be held virtually in the spring.

The intensive executive-level series intends to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses in underserved cities and rural areas.

During the course, small business owners will learn to create a three-year strategic growth plan to build a sustainable business of size and scale.

Businesses must be organized as for-profit endeavors. Proprietors must have been in business for at least three years, have at least one full-time employee, and have annual revenues between $250,000 and $10 million.

There are no restrictions on the type of businesses that can participate. Participating businesses have included manufacturers, retail stores, wholesalers, contractors, professional services, and food-service vendors.

The Vermont Emerging Leaders Program is a collaborative effort between the SBA and Vermont Technical College.

A third collaborating organization is Interise, a nonprofit that “connect[s] knowledge, know-how, and networks across established small businesses,” according to its website. “The organization “actively and intentionally collaborate[s] and reach[es] out across place, race, creed, [and] sector.”

To apply, visit interise.org/sbaemergingleaders. All applicants will be contacted.

For more information, visit sba.gov/emergingleaders, or call 802-828-4422, ext. 203.

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