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.