The Micro Business Program (MBDP) offers personalized 1:1 coaching, technical assistance, and group workshops to help you create and grow a business that works for you! Our Micro Business counselors work with residents of Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties to:
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Discuss how ready you are to run a business – and what will help get you there.
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Think through business ideas – and zero in on one that will work!
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Learn essential business and financial skills.
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Create business and marketing plans.
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Apply for business funding – including grants!
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Start, sustain, and grow your business.
Our team will help you connect with the in-depth information you need from local industry experts. Topics may include:
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Accounting
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Small business taxes
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Social media marketing
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Establishing an in-home business
For a complete listing of upcoming workshops hosted by the CVOEO Micro Business Development Program and our partner organizations, visit the Micro Business Events page.
All services are free to those who meet our income eligibility qualifications (must make less than number indicated on chart for your household size to qualify for free services). Contact a business counselor directly to learn if you are eligible for our services. See the chart below for program specific requirements:
EMBRACE
The Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) has received funding for the Economic Micro Business Recovery Assistance for the COVID-19 Epidemic (EMBRACE) grant program. We are pleased to offer $5000 grants to small businesses (less than 5 employees) throughout the state of Vermont.
Applications open for three different groups on the following schedule:
NEW EMBRACE APPLICANTS: 12/1/2021
for businesses open before 12/31/21 that have had sales and have not previously received an EMBRACE grant
PREVIOUS EMBRACE RECIPIENTS: 3/1/2022
for businesses open before 12/31/2021 that have received an EMBRACE grant before
START UPS: 1/18/2022
for businesses that opened after 1/1/2021 and have not had sales yet, or plan to launch by 11/1/22
These applications are being reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis. It will take up to two weeks for your application to be reviewed. You will be contacted by a Grant Specialist if they have any questions about your application.
For more information and to apply, visit the statewide MBDP.ORG website!
CVOEO's Micro Business Development Program has joined forces with small business programs across the state! We believe economic justice benefits all Vermonters, and will be coordinating our efforts to help rural Vermonters, women, LGBTQ+, veterans, BIPOC Vermonters, and New American community members successfully launch and grow businesses.
Watch this space for upcoming classes, workshops, and events! For questions, contact Pacifique Nsengiyumva, Business Coach for the Community Navigator Pilot Program.
For more information visit:
Contact Information
Our knowledgeable and respectful business counselors are ready to assist you, whether you are just getting started or have been running a business for years and are looking to make a change! MBDP has started in 1988 and the current counselors have over 25 years' experience in the program.

Simeon Geigel
Business Counselor
sgeigel@cvoeo.org
(802)860-1417 x 116

John Gergely
Business Counselor
jgergely@cvoeo.org
(802)860-1417 x 120

Pacifique Nsengiyumva
Business Coach, Community Navigator Pilot Project
pnsengiyumva@cvoeo.org
(802)860-1417 x 118