The Small Business Administration is seeking 20 entrepreneurs throughout Vermont to participate in a free business course starting in April.
Emerging Leaders is a free executive-level training program for established business owners poised for growth. Over the course of seven months at Vermont Technical College’s Williston campus, each participating entrepreneur will learn immediate ways to improve their business and will create a three-year strategic growth plan to build a sustainable business of size and scale.
Emerging Leaders is for established business owners and is not for start-ups or people who are thinking about starting a business. To be considered, firms must be for-profit enterprises, been in business for at least three years, have at full-time employees, and have annual revenues between $250,000 and $10 million.
There are no restrictions on the type of businesses that can participate. Some examples of participating businesses include manufacturers, retail stores, wholesalers, contractors, professional services and food service.
Notable Vermont entrepreneurs who have completed the course include Steve Gagner, 14th Star Brewing Company; Kelly Clements, Gordon's Window Décor; and Nick Savasta, Cheese & Wine Traders.
“Coming to the realization that taking time to work on business development and growth goals is essential to the future success of my business. Emerging Leaders is an incredible opportunity to set and accomplish those goals,” said Savasta.
Business owners interested in the program need to fill out the online application at www.interise.org/SBAemergingleaders by March 1. Interise, a non-profit organization specializing in entrepreneurial education, oversees the Emerging Leaders nationwide. The SBA reviews the applications and selects the class participants.
For more information, visit www.sba.gov/emergingleaders, email [email protected] or call 802-828-4422 ext. 203.