Micro Business Support

Micro Business Development Cohorts

SEVCA’s Micro Business Cohorts are monthly gatherings designed to help aspiring and current small business owners—especially those from lower-income or underserved communities—build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. Success can look different for everyone and there are no set outcomes with the cohorts except being able to build skill, income, and thrive as an entrepreneur.

Each session provides practical tools, peer learning, and direct access to SEVCA’s wide range of support services. Participants receive referrals and guidance related to finances, taxes, strategy, and business documentation—bridging the gap for entrepreneurs who may not be fully prepared to launch or grow their businesses on their own.

Meeting Locations in 2026: Email cmeyer@sevca.org for more information or to RSVP.

• Bellows Falls (Partner: Great Falls Chamber)
  • Oct Presenter: Tamsen Turner, Vermont Community Loan Fund
  • July 15, Aug 12, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16
  • 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Waypoint Center, 17 Depot St, Bellows Falls, 05158
• Brattleboro (Partner: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation)
  
  • Oct Presenter: Ben Green, Vermont Community Loan Fund
  • July 21, Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15
  • 4:30 - 6:00 pm, BDCC, 76 Cotton Mill Hill, Brattleboro, VT
• Springfield (Partner: Springfield Library)
  • Oct Presenter: Taylor Drinker, Websites and Social Media
  • July 29, Aug 26, Sept 30, Oct 28, Nov 11, Dec 9
  • 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Springfield Chamber of commerce, 56 Main St, Suite 2, Springfield, VT 05156
• Hartford / White River Junction (Partner: Hartford Area of Chamber of Commerce)
  • Oct Presenter: TBD
  • July 8, Aug 19, Sept 9, Oct 6, Nov 4, Dec 2
  • 4:30 - 6:00 pm., Hartford Tech Center, 1 Gifford Rd, White River Junction, VT 05001
• Wilmington/Dover (Partner: Wilmington Works VT)
  • Oct Presenter: Taylor Drinker, Websites and Social Media
  • July 14, Aug 11, Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8
  • 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Old School Community Center in the Meeting Room at 1 School Street Wilmington, VT 05363

What You’ll Gain

Participants receive hands-on support and resources in key areas such as:

• Business planning and Development
• Marketing and Sales strategies
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Insurance guidance
• Budgeting guidance
• Access to funding opportunities
• Networking and Resources

Added Value

• Connections to SEVCA Services: During the first meeting, participants complete an intake to explore eligibility for SEVCA programs such as SNAP outreach, Weatherization, and Head Start.
• Community Impact: Cohorts serve as a local hub where partners and participants come together to share resources, build networks, and strengthen community-based entrepreneurship.

Why It Matters

These cohorts create an entry point into business ownership for individuals striving to increase income and financial stability. By combining training, tools, and community support, SEVCA helps participants take meaningful steps toward self-sufficiency—often just a few hundred dollars a month away from greater financial independence.

Southeastern Vermont Community Action is an equal opportunity employer that administers equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Free language access assistance is also available. Send an email to hello@sevca.org or call 802-722-4575 if you are in need of these services.