VT Law School: Legal Strategies for Separating Business and Personal Life

Improperly separating your business and personal life can put your personal property at risk and leave you vulnerable to legal and tax risks. A team of experts from the Vermont Small Business Law Center at Vermont Law and Graduate School will discuss separating personal and business matters using tools like business entities, contracts, and insurance. We will also discuss the benefits and risks of going into business with, or taking money from, family and friends. Whether you're a solopreneur or looking to grow, this webinar will help you protect yourself along the way.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Cartoon image of people in various rental transactions

In-Person Preferred Renters Workshop Series

This series of three workshops will be held at CVOEO, 5 Lemnah Drive, Suite 5 - St. Albans, VT 05478 - and walk-ins are welcome! Tenant Skills includes the fundamentals of tenant rights & responsibilities, as well as fair housing and disability law. Finding Housing focuses on strategies for overcoming barriers to finding housing (such as a past eviction, no landlord references or a criminal record) and skills for conducting an organized housing search, including where to look. Sustaining the Rent focuses on strategies to financially prepare for renting, including understanding how credit affects the ability to pay rent and skills needed to track spending, build a budget, and find resources to help meet housing and basic needs.

Housing Advocacy Programs Workshop/Class In-person

In Their Shoes

As a family-friendly event and critical fundraiser for local emergency service and food providers, In Their Shoes aims to educate the community about homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties by offering an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges that our unhoused neighbors encounter.

Community Action Network Samaritan House Voices Against Violence/Laurie’s House Event In-person

Social Media Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Business

Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming! In this beginner-friendly webinar, we’ll break down the basics of using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with your customers and grow your business. You’ll learn what to post, how to engage your audience, and simple tips to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for small business owners who want to build their brand online with limited time and resources.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Email Marketing for Small Businesses: Building Relationships and Sales

Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to stay connected with your customers and drive sales, but many small business owners don’t know where to start. In this webinar, we’ll cover the basics of setting up an email list, creating emails that people want to open, and how to turn subscribers into loyal customers. This session is designed to be simple and actionable, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

LinkedIn for Self-Employed Professionals: Building Your Online Reputation

LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers – it’s a powerful tool for self-employed professionals to build credibility and attract clients. In this beginner webinar, you’ll learn how to create a strong LinkedIn profile, make meaningful connections, and use LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. This session is perfect for small business owners, freelancers, and anyone looking to build their professional brand online.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses

An event in celebration of Black History Month. Conversations on accessing capital with traditional and non-traditional lenders from Burlington Revolving Loan Fund, Opportunities Credit Union, and the Vermont Community Loan Fund. Bring you questions and come ready to share your experiences. Lunch will be provided! In-Person at Winooski High School.

Financial Futures Programs Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion In-person Event

Green Mountain Mahler Festival: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

The Green Mountain Mahler Festival returns with its annual performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, 3PM on New Year’s Day at the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester. The concert will benefit CVOEO.

Event

Sustaining the Rent

Sustaining the Rent focuses on strategies to financially prepare for renting, including determining what "affordable" rent would be and comparing costs of apartments, and understanding how credit affects the ability to pay rent, as well as developing the knowledge and skills needed to track spending, build a budget, and find resources to help meet housing and basic needs.

Payroll Simplified

Understand the critical differences between W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, and learn which taxes apply to each. This course will help you streamline your payroll process and avoid costly mistakes from compliance to payroll tax management.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Hiring the Right Bookkeeper

Finding the right bookkeeper can make or break your business's financial health. In this class, learn what qualities to look for, key questions to ask during interviews, and how to spot potential red flags. Empower your hiring decisions and ensure your business's finances are in expert hands!

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Bookkeeping Basics

Learn the essential building blocks of bookkeeping to keep your business financially sound. This class covers critical bookkeeping terms, different types of crucial reports to understand business financial standing and basic bookkeeping practices. This class is perfect for business owners looking to gain a foundation in their small business bookkeeping.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Creating a Financial Future

Creating a Financial Future (1 session): Learn about investing for long term goals. Short term v. long term savings, planning ahead for emergencies, vacations, and retirement.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Feeding Champlain Valley's Diamonds Are Forever Golden Gala

In honor of the fifty-year "Diamond Anniversary" of Feeding Champlain Valley, join us for "Diamonds are Forever," a black-tie James Bond themed Gala at Burlington Country Club on October 12th from 7pm-11pm.

Feeding Champlain Valley In-person Event

Speaking with Confidence for Women Entrepreneurs

At Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch’s Taking the Next Step: Speaking with Confidence for Women Entrepreneur, participants will learn about cultural perceptions of women, leadership and communication, speaking and voice mechanics, and self-confidence when communicating. You will walk away empowered to take the next step in communication for your business by reframing your mindset to speak confidently in public.

Public Discussion: The Economy We Deserve!

Can you imagine an America where housing, health care, a college education, dignified work, family care, an inheritance, and an income floor are not only attainable by all but guaranteed, by our government, for everyone? CVOEO is proud to co-host, "The Economy We Deserve," an important conversation on reshaping our economic future!

Event In-person

Dot Hop- Financial Futures at the Art Hop

On Friday, September 6, from 6:00 to 8:00PM, join Financial Futures at CVOEO and the Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont for The Dot Hop, an interactive dot painting event where you can express your creativity and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

In-person

Pennant Passport Scavenger Hunt- Financial Futures at the Art Hop

On Saturday, September 7, with the Pennant Passport Scavenger Hunt. Stop by the Center for Women and Enterprise on Pine Street between 10:30 and 11:30AM to pick up your pennant flag and map.

In-person

VT Law School: Beyond Corporations and LLCs: Exploring Alternative Business Structures

Are you curious about business structures that aren't your typical corporations or LLCs? Join us for a presentation on alternative business entities that offer unique legal, tax, and operational advantages. We'll explore options like sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations and similar forms—each with its own set of rules, benefits, and challenges. Learn how these entities can simplify (or complicate!) operations and reduce liability, while staying true to your business's mission and ethical goals. Whether you're starting a new venture or considering a change, this session will equip you with the knowledge to choose the best structure that matches your values and business needs.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Harvest Festival

The 14th Annual Shelburne Vineyard Harvest Festival collects non-perishable food and cash donations for Feeding Champlain Valley. The vineyard will have an array of local producers under their heated patio tent and in the Tasting Room who will be sampling their wares and selling them to support Feeding Champlain Valley’s local hunger relief efforts.

Feeding Champlain Valley In-person Event

11th Annual Trotting of the Turkeys

Grab a frozen turkey and trot it down the UVM campus. Each turkey will be donated to Feeding Champlain Valley upon completion of your trot.

Feeding Champlain Valley In-person Event

Wheels for Warmth

Wheels for Warmth is an annual event that helps to provide emergency heating assistance for vulnerable Vermonters through the Warmth Support Program. All funds collected are redistributed to those in need, and will help to keep our community warm all season long.

Community Action Network Event In-person

Karibu Cultural Celebration

Karibu, which means "welcome" in Swahili, is CVOEO's annual community-centered cultural event celebrating the growing diversity of the Burlington area through fashion and performance.

Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion Event In-person

Guarding Your Finances: Avoiding Employment, Rental, and Credit Repair Scams

Come join us for an informative session on preventing fraud with a financial counselor from Opportunities Credit Union who has worked with many victims of scams. We will be focusing on how to avoid employment, rental, and credit repair scams. These types of scams are more popular than ever and can be hard to spot. We will cover what red flags to look for, how to verify the validity of a company, and what to do if you have been the victim of fraud. Don't miss out—protect yourself and your money in today's digital world!

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

VT Law School: Office Hours

Join us for 15 minutes or for the whole 2 hours! A panel of faculty and students from Vermont Law and Graduate School's Small Business Law Clinic will be hosting virtual drop-in office hours, where we invite you to stop by and ask any questions you might have about the law and your business. As a reminder, the VLGS team are unable to give legal advice; however, they may provide information and resources to help address your specific legal questions.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Identity Theft: Money Mentor Workshop presented by M&T Bank

Do you know the common scans fraudsters are using to target people like you? In an informative workshop, an M&T Bank professional will help you: • Learn how to identify the signs of identity theft and fraud • Identify strategies to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud • Learn how to protect your data using safe habits

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

A Moment of Play with Voices Against Violence & Life is Good

Voices Against Violence invites you to join us for a free, family play session with Ellen Drollete from The Life is Good Playmakers Project at the Northwest Farmers Market in Taylor Park on June 15th, 2024, from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Voices Against Violence/Laurie’s House In-person Event

Community Kitchen Academy 45th Graduation Ceremony

The Vermont Foodbank and Feeding Champlain Valley are excited to announce their 45th graduation ceremony for the Community Kitchen Academy (CKA) program in Burlington.

Food Access Network In-person Event

Business Plan Writing

This session takes place at 255 S Champlain St., Burlington, VT 05401 Having a good business plan is essential to creating and running a business. It provides you, the owner, with a roadmap for success, and a business plan is always required when applying for a grant or bank financing. Join us for an in-person, interactive workshop with our business counselor, John Gergely, who will guide you through a process for writing your business plan, help you understand the components of a business plan, and identify ways to improve upon your existing business plans, if you already have one. Send us your business plan ahead of the class for an opportunity to have it reviewed in real time!

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class In-person

Tim's House Golf Classic 2024

The annual Tim's House Classic serves as a critical fundraiser to support our community members experiencing homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.

Samaritan House Event In-person

Juneteenth BTV

CVOEO is excited to join the City of Burlington for Juneteenth BTV. Organized by the City’s Racial Equity Inclusion & Belonging (REIB) Office, the Juneteenth celebration includes live music, community conversations, visual art, food & beverages, gospel brunch, roller skating, community resources, and more.

Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion In-person Event

VT Law School: Business Transitions

Are you thinking about selling your business, passing it to your kids, or taking a community-centered approach to ownership? Join us for a webinar where experts from Vermont Law and Graduate School will explain the legal steps involved in closing, merging, or changing your business. We'll discuss legal tools for estate planning, including how to set up a business from the start for a future transition, and what it looks like to go cooperative.

Financial Futures Programs Virtual Workshop/Class

Garden Day

CVOEO's annual Garden Day is organized by Chittenden Community Action. Staff and volunteers distribute free seeds and seedlings donated by local organizations in Burlington.

Community Action Network Event In-person

Garden Day

CVOEO's annual Garden Day is organized by Chittenden Community Action. Staff and volunteers distribute free seeds and seedlings donated by local organizations in Burlington.

Community Action Network Event In-person

In Their Shoes

As a family-friendly event and critical fundraiser for local emergency service and food providers, In Their Shoes aims to educate the community about homelessness in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties by offering an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges that our unhoused neighbors encounter.

Community Action Network Samaritan House Voices Against Violence/Laurie’s House Event In-person

Complying with the new federal Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirement

Do you know about the new Beneficial Ownership Information reporting (BOIR) requirement? As of January 1, the federal government now requires small, for-profit businesses registered with the VT Secretary of State to file information about who owns and who controls their business. In this one-hour webinar, a team of faculty and students from VLGS' Vermont Small Business Law Center will answer questions about this new requirement, and explain how to report accurately and on time so you avoid penalties. This class is appropriate for startup and existing businesses.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class

VT Law School: Choosing the Right Business Entity for Your Goals

What is the best way to register a business with the VT Secretary of State? Should I become a sole proprietor or create an entity such as an LLC or something else? The answer is unique for every business. In this webinar, Vermont Law and Graduate School Professor Nicole Killoran, of Vermont Small Business Law Center, and a panel of experts will explore the different reasons businesses might pick a particular kind of legal form or entity, and how that choice impacts the business’s legal structure and protections. This class is intended for folks looking to start a business or those already in business with similar questions.

Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch

VT Works for Women, Mercy Connections, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and Center for Women & Enterprise are hosting Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM online via Zoom. Learn how to craft an elevator pitch that centers your passion and your purpose. We welcome all people who identify as women regardless of assignment at birth, or gender-expansive folks who are comfortable in a woman-centered space.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Career Empowerment Day 2024

Champlain College, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, HireAbility, Mercy Connections, Vermont Adult Learning, and VT Works for Women are hosting our first annual Career Empowerment Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Vermont Adult Learning (77 College St) in Burlington.

Financial Futures Programs In-person

Chittenden County Regional Housing Convening

Please join the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) and the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) for the next Chittenden County Regional Housing Convening on Thursday, April 18th at 5:30pm at Hula (50 Lakeside Ave., Burlington)!

Community Engagement for Municipal Decision Making

Emily Heymann, Senior Planner of Williston, will be sharing tools for effective community engagement in municipal decisions, and strategies for addressing citizen concerns. This workshop is open to everyone and will be recorded. Register in advance.

Housing Advocacy Programs Event

Housing Committee Drop In

Monthly drop-in conversations for Housing Committee members to share resources, successes, and challenges. This month's conversation will focus on WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES housing committees would like to see in the new year.

Housing Advocacy Programs Event

ChatGPT & AI: Level Up Your Marketing & Content Creation in 2024

I'm sure you've heard of AI and ChatGPT, but do you know how to use it to create website content, social media posts, and email blasts that are trained to sound just like your brand? Invest 90 minutes with industry expert Mike Lannen of Eternity Marketing to guide you through artificial intelligence and how it can help your business. This event is in-person at the DoubleTree in Burlington, Vermont, but may be joined via Zoom.

Financial Futures Programs In-person Virtual

Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity/Financial Futures Program, Vermont’s Small Business Administration, and The Vermont Professionals of Color Network invite you to Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses on Saturday, February 3rd from 10am – 1pm at the O’Brien Center in Winooski. This business-oriented celebration of Black History Month brings together community members and lenders (both traditional and non-traditional) for conversations on accessing Capital. Bring your questions and come ready to share your experience! Lunch will be provided.

Financial Futures Programs Event

Business Taxes Webinar

Come learn about the elements of taxes and how to report them as a business owner. Some of the topics to be covered: Organizational structure and effect on taxes Types of taxes Self-employment Tax Sales Tax Income Taxes (Federal and Vermont) Do I need an EIN? What’s a Schedule C? Do I need an Accountant? John is not a CPA and cannot offer specific tax advice, but he has over 35 years of business experience and will help you understand tax basics.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class

VT Law School: Financial Risk Management Webinar

Are you a one-person show or a small business owner taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, or taking the next step to grow your business? In this webinar, we will break down the financial risks you might face and how to handle them. Professor Nicole Killoran from Vermont Law and Graduate School, along with a panel of students, will guide you through the essential knowledge you need when it comes to loans, business partnerships, liability risks, insurance, and handling debt. Please join us as we help you discover how to spot and get ready for potential financial pitfalls in your microbusiness, and gain insights into what happens when you take on debt and how debt collections work.

Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch

VT Works for Women, Mercy Connections, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and Center for Women & Enterprise are hosting Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the O’Brien Community Center in Winooski.

Financial Futures Programs Community Event In-person

Password Management Webinar

In this class, you will get an overview of scams, learn tips for safety, be able to identify secure sites, and learn how to create unique and complex passwords. This class is in partnership with Technology4Tomorrow, and is the third in a series of four.

Tips and Strategies for a Safer Online Shopping Experience Webinar

In this class, you will learn simple and effective security measures that you can take to protect your personal and financial information so that you can enjoy online shopping with peace of mind. This class is in partnership with Technology4Tomorrow, and is the fourth in a series of four.

VT Law School: Contracts Webinar

What’s In a Good Contract, and Why Do They Go Wrong? How can businesses make contracts useful tools? Why do contracts go wrong, and what happens when they do? Vermont Law and Graduate School Professor Nicole Killoran and a panel of experts will explain in this webinar contract basics, when and why to put things in writing, setting customer expectations, and how contracts can protect your business. They will also explain the other side of contracts—what mistakes lead to lawsuits, what happens when someone breaks a contract, and how to navigate disputes.

Avoiding Scams and Financial Fraud

Learn how to spot and avoid scams and financial fraud so you may protect yourself and your family. Knowledge is power! It is important to safeguard your personal and financial information to minimize the risk of financial exploitation and identity theft. If you are educated about the latest frauds and scams, you will be well prepared with tools to recognize potential red flags.

Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class

Small Business Development

This class is in-person at the South Burlington Public Library (180 Market St, South Burlington, VT 05403) Join CVOEO's Micro Business Development Program for an evening of conversation on what goes into starting a business. Our Business Coach will help you identify the characteristics of successful small business owners, assess your own experience with small businesses, and examine your own personal strengths and resources. If starting a business has been on your mind, this is the session for you!

VT Law School: Employment Webinar

Taking the leap to hire your first employee as a business owner is both thrilling and daunting. Navigating the complexities of employment laws—from onboarding to handling taxes and addressing unemployment claims—can be a challenge. Join Vermont Law and Graduate School Professor Jeanne Eicks, alongside VLGS’ Small Business Law Clinic students, in this informative webinar. Together, they'll explain these legal hurdles, supporting you as you plan the expansion of your business with confidence and clarity.

North by Northeast

We are excited to announce that registration is open for North by Northeast: Navigating Your Small Business taking place on September 30, 2023 at Vermont State University’s Randolph Center. As co-hosts, we have joined together with our Community Navigator Pilot Program’s (CNPP) partners to support the growth of small businesses in Vermont, and to ensure that every small business owner knows about and has access to the services and support available to help you succeed. Whether you are a small business owner, a solo-preneur, someone thinking about starting a business, a resource provider, or a community partner, we hope you will join us!

VT Law School: Understanding Commercial Leases Webinar

Commercial leases can be confusing to navigate and hard to write, and yet it is important for both a commercial landlord and a tenant to have one in order to have a productive working relationship. In this webinar, Vermont Law and Graduate School Professor Nicole Killoran, and a panel of students, will break down some common parts of commercial leases, look at how different language in a lease might play out in a landlord-tenant relationship, and explore how to effectively negotiate a commercial lease.

VT Law School: Demystifying Intellectual Property

Have you ever wondered how to protect your art, your website, your designs, or your brand? Have you come up with a new innovation, but don’t know how to protect it? Registering one's creative or innovative work, and knowing when to ask for permission to use someone else’s work, can help a business build its assets and secure its rights. In this webinar, a panel of experts from Vermont Law and Graduate School's Small Business Law Clinic will demystify intellectual property, and identify tools you can use for your small business.

Setting Money Goals

This class is in-person at the South Burlington Public Library (180 Market St, South Burlington, VT 05403) The Setting Money Goals workshop helps you start solving specific financial challenges and reaching your goals. Each person’s needs are unique and often complex. This class covers key topics and the tools to set money goals and address your financial situation.

Protecting Yourself From Scams Webinar

In this class, you will get an overview of scams as well as examples, tips for safety, learn how to identify secure sites, and how to create unique and complex passwords. This class is in partnership with Technology4Tomorrow, and is the first in a series of four.

Fundamentals of Internet Privacy Webinar

In this class, you will learn about connections, controls, social media, web search, consent, access, and concerns. This class is in partnership with Technology4Tomorrow, and is the second in a series of four.

Renting in Vermont: Know Your Rights & Sustaining the Rent

This session will take place in-person at the Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury (?75 Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753) Join CVOEO’s Vermont Tenants and Financial Futures programs for a workshop on renters rights and responsibilities and strategies to financially prepare for renting and help meet housing and basic needs. This session includes an overview of topics such as leases, security deposits, repairs, health code violations, terminations, evictions, fair housing and disability law, and how to determine affordability, track spending, build a budget, and find resources to help meet housing and basic needs. There will be plenty of time for questions and resources to bring home.

Financials 101

This class is in-person at the South Burlington Public Library (180 Market St, South Burlington, VT 05403) Financials 101 covers the personal finance basics of budgeting and the responsible use of credit. Explore how to set up a budget that can bring your personal money management goals into focus. You will learn how to use credit responsibly to improve your overall financial situation, and important factors to keep in mind when seeking a loan from a bank or credit union.

Insurance Basics for your Small Business

Join us for a presentation by Travis Spencer of Kinney Insurance Agency. Travis will share his knowledge and take your questions on what coverage a small business should have, how to go about shopping for the coverages you need, and how much you should expect to pay. Topics will include: General Liability Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance, Property Casualty Insurance, and more!

Sustaining the Rent

Sustaining the Rent focuses on strategies to financially prepare for renting, including determining what "affordable" rent would be and comparing costs of apartments, and understanding how credit affects the ability to pay rent, as well as developing the knowledge and skills needed to track spending, building a budget, and finding resources to help meet housing and basic needs.

Housing Advocacy Programs Financial Futures Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

GreenSavingSmart Podcast Club

CVOEO’s GreenSavingSmart program is excited to announce the start of our new Podcast Club! Join us on the third Wednesday of each month to discuss environmental and financial topics of the day and to connect with like-minded peers! Please listen to Session One's 30-minute episode prior to attending and RSVP. Session One: How We Survive: Electrify Everything Date and Time: June 21st, Noon – 1pm Location: Head Start Conference Room at 255 S. Champlain Street, Burlington, VT Bring your own lunch!

Organizing Your Digital Files (Spanish)

In this class you will learn about the following topics: file management, the Cloud, calendars (outlook and Google), and best practices. An interpreter will be present to assist. This class is scheduled to take 2 hours (6-8pm), and is brought to you in partnership between Financial Futures and Technology4Tomorrow.

Organizing Your Digital Files (English)

In this class you will learn about the following topics: file management, the Cloud, calendars (outlook and Google), and best practices. This class is scheduled to take 1 hour (6-7pm), and is brought to you in partnership between Financial Futures and Technology4Tomorrow.

Staying Safe Online (Spanish)

In this class you will learn about the following topics: Overview and examples of scams, tips for safety, secure sites, creating unique and complex passwords, and tips and tricks. An interpreter will be present to assist. This class is scheduled to take 2 hours (6-8pm), and is brought to you in partnership between Financial Futures and Technology4Tomorrow.

Staying Safe Online (English)

In this class you will learn about the following topics: Overview and examples of scams, tips for safety, secure sites, creating unique and complex passwords, and tips and tricks. This class is scheduled to take 1 hour (6-7pm), and is brought to you in partnership between Financial Futures and Technology4Tomorrow.

Accessing Capital Panel

Meet our panelists from the Vermont Community Loan Fund, Community Capital of Vermont, and the City of Burlington’s Business and Workforce Development (BWD) department to learn how they can support your business. Whether you are in the planning stage or are already running your business, our panelists are ready to answer your questions. We will discuss the programs and benefits offered by each organization (including BWD's new Burlington Revolving Loan Fund), the application process and requirements, continued support for your business through growth and unexpected challenges, and much more!

Learn how the VT Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program Supports Small Businesses

Join Emily McDonnell, Small Business Advocate, to learn about the Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP). Participants will come away with important information on CAP’s free letter mediation service, scams impacting businesses, new regulations for contractors, and answers to common business questions. This class is appropriate for new and existing businesses.

Are You Ready for Small Business Ownership?

Join CVOEO's Micro Business Development Program for an evening of conversation on what goes into starting a business. Our Business Coach will help you identify the characteristics of successful small business owners, assess your own experience with small businesses, and examine your own personal strengths and resources. If starting a business has been on your mind, this is the session for you! This class workshop is a partnership between the SBA, CVOEO, and HUD.

Branding Webinar

Branding is the first step of creating the marketing for any business, and within your branding efforts, you need to know and understand your brand’s story. In this two-part webinar series, Jodi Lawaich, Chief Marketing Officer of Rural Solutions dives into the four key aspects of your brand story so that you find and understand the brand story of your business.

Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Business

In celebration of Black History Month, we invite small business owners and those in the start-up phase to come together for a conversation on accessing capital for your business. Network with traditional and non-traditional lenders from Community Capital of Vermont, Opportunities Credit Union, and the Vermont Community Loan Fund. Learn what opportunities are available in Vermont, share challenges you have experienced, and ask questions! Interpreters will be present to assist if English is not your first language. This event is co-hosted by CVOEO, the SBA, and vt-SBDC. Lunch will be provided.

Customer Service (for small food businesses)

This third class is on how to start and run a successful Micro Food Business. This class discusses key customer service qualities. This class discusses the importance of customer service qualities and how they relate to sales, revenues, and customer loyalty.

Marketing and Advertising for Small Food Businesses

This second class is on how to start and run a successful Food Micro Business. In this class, you will learn the nuts and bolts of how to market and advertise your Micro Food Business. Key point covered in this class includes the 7 Ps Marketing Mix which includes; Product, promotion, price, place, people, process, and physical evidence in your business

Introduction to Running a Small Food Business

This first class will teach the participants the basics of how to start a food business, learn what skills are a must, and the resources and tools to help you become successful in this industry. This introductory class is for those interested in starting a small food business.

How to Build an Informal Sales Force by Maximizing Networking Groups

Gillian Franks, small business owner, will introduce you to the concept of an informal salesforce and discuss how to empower and practically motivate other small business owners in your networking groups to promote your business. Gillian will share how over 2 years she doubled her business through membership in networking groups. She will share strategies she thought were helpful and some that were not. Gillian will help you: Identify groups that can support your business Understand the effort, costs and pitfalls of having an informal salesforce Develop methods to overcome shy and overpowering personality traits so you can maximize this opportunity This is a workshop that will work best if you are willing to be interactive, present your issues and listen to others as well as give ideas. By the end of this workshop you will: Have a better understanding of the realities of building an informal salesforce Be able to determine if you want to move forward and use this marketing tactic Know which network groups to focus on building your network marketing around

On-Demand: Spend SMART 2.0

This fully online, self-paced version of Spend SMART will help you understand your cash flow, set goals for managing your money, paying your bills, and will provide you with the tools you need to start taking action.

Representation Matters

Ever wondered what it’s like to start your own business? What resources might be available to help? What are the fundamentals to business plans? Come hear from a stellar cast of business owners as they share their journeys, challenges, opportunities, and best advice.

On-Demand: Keys to Credit

This fully online, self-paced version of Keys to Credit provides a comprehensive overview of credit: What is credit? Which accounts are credit accounts? And why does credit matter?

Financial Futures Programs Virtual

How to Create a Website in the Google Suite (for Business Owners)

Did you know that Google is more than just a search engine and email provider? Join us to learn about the Google Suite and how to create a website in Google Sites. Attendees will learn what tools are available, how to access them, how to get started, and how to create a free website. This class is intended for small business owners. Bring your questions and come ready to learn! Brought to you by CVOEO and CNPP.

Heat Pump Webinar

Have you heard about heat pumps? Are you curious to learn more about how they work and why they are a cost effective and environmentally-friendly choice for heating and cooling your space? Join us for an informational webinar on heat pumps. Then, connect with Financial Energy Coach Jen Myers to learn how you can get started making the switch! Together, we can do our part to keep Vermont green!

Are You Ready for Small Business Ownership?

Join CVOEO’s Micro Business Development Program for a morning of conversation on what goes into starting a business. Our business counselor will help you identify the characteristics of successful small business owners, assess your own experience with small businesses, and examine your own personal strengths and resources. If starting a business has been on your mind, this is the session for you!

Introduction to Excel

Micro Business Coach Pacifique Nsengiyumva leads an interactive workshop on the basics of Excel. Learn how to format a cell, basic functions (SUM, COUNT, DATE, TIME, SEARCH), and how to sort data. Intended for TRUE beginners! Sponsored by the Community Navigator Pilot Program in partnership with vt-SBDC and CVOEO.

Green Transportation Panel

Are you interested in learning ways to reduce your carbon footprint? Rethinking your transportation is a great place to start! Join us for a morning of conversation with representatives from Green Mountain Transit, Mileage Smart, Car Share VT, Drive Electric VT, and Old Spokes Home. Our panelists will highlight their programs and explain the ways that biking, car sharing, public transportation, and hybrid/electric vehicles can help you reduce your environmental impact. Together, we can do our part to keep Vermont green! (Co-hosted by CVOEOs Financial Futures Program and Green Saving Smart).

6 stacks of coins with assets represented on the top of each stack: graduation cap, shopping cart, house, plane, piggy bank, wedding rings.

Spend SMART (2 Session Class)

Build skills to track spending. Learn how to develop a budget that works for you, and develop SMART savings goals.

Facebook Marketing for Beginners: Thursday, May 19th, 10am - 11am, Free Zoom Webinar

Social Media Marketing (Facebook)

This course is designed to teach you how to use Facebook Marketing for your business. This is a true beginner's guide to Facebook Marketing for Entrepreneurs and small business owners. Please create a Facebook profile before attending this event.

Screen shot of Corrine Yonce interview and quote

Finding Housing On Demand

This fully online, self-paced version of Finding Housing will help you to understand “affordable housing”, approach a housing search, establish a tenant-landlord relationship, work through barriers, navigate fair housing rights, develop application materials, organize a housing search, and negotiate a lease. *Click on the "Finding Housing On Demand" text above to begin the workshop.*

Housing Advocacy Programs Workshop/Class

Small Business Lending Panel

This is a panel event, co-hosted by the SBA, designed for anyone with questions on the business loan process. Whether you are in the planning stage or you are already running your own business, our panelists are ready to answer your questions.

Business Law Basics

The Micro Business Development Program at CVOEO welcomes Jeff Wick, Attorney at Law from Wick and Maddocks, who will discuss what you need to know when it comes to business law as a small business owner. He will review the difference between sole proprietorships and LLCs, provide tips on separating your self from your business, and identify what should be considered when reviewing a lease or developing a contract. There will be plenty of time for your questions as well! This session will be led by Jeff Wick, Attorney at Law, Wick and Maddocks.

Hand holding paper with fi-fi symbol in outdoor space

Wi-Fi Marketing for Food Trucks & Other Outdoor Spaces

Wi-Fi marketing for business owners who operate in outdoor spaces such as food trucks, outdoor markets, campgrounds, state parks, and other open spaces.

What is Wi-Fi Marketing & Why is it Important?

Learn the basics about Wi-Fi marketing and how to make it work for your business!

Hands typing on computer keyboard with social media icons rising from the keyboard

The Nuts and Bolts of Social Media (for your business)

Learn how to use organic social media for your business.

Keys to Credit

Understand how credit effects your day to day life, learn how to build and repair credit, and examine your own credit score with a financial class (through coaching sessions).

Sustaining the Rent On Demand

Sustaining the Rent focuses on strategies to financially prepare for renting, including determining what "affordable" rent would be and comparing costs of apartments, and understanding how credit affects the ability to pay rent, as well as developing the knowledge and skills needed to track spending, build a budget, and find resources to help meet housing and basic needs. *Click on the "Sustaining the Rent On Demand" text above to begin the workshop.*

Housing Advocacy Programs Workshop/Class

Tenant Skills

Tenant Skills includes the fundamentals of tenant rights & responsibilities, leases, security deposits, repairs, health code violations, terminations, evictions, fair housing and disability law.

Housing Advocacy Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

Screen shot of class welcome video with instructor Karin Ames

Tenant Skills On Demand

This fully online, self-paced version of Tenant Skills includes the fundamentals of tenant rights & responsibilities, leases, security deposits, repairs, health code violations, terminations, evictions, fair housing and disability law. *Click on the "Tenant Skills On Demand" text above to begin the workshop.*

Housing Advocacy Programs Workshop/Class

Finding Housing

Finding Housing focuses on strategies for overcoming barriers to finding housing (such as a past eviction, no landlord references or a criminal record), understanding the landlord's perspective and how to build a positive tenant-landlord relationship, and skills for conducting an organized housing search, including where to look.

Housing Advocacy Programs Workshop/Class Virtual

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