Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) has unveiled a new structure for its StartUp Rutland program, expanding its focus to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across a wider range of industries and stages of development.
Launched in 2022, StartUp Rutland has focused on attracting and supporting businesses throughout Rutland County. The revamped program is organized around three pillars: entrepreneurship cohorts offered in partnership with Black River Innovation Campus, a new Pathways to Business Ownership program, and expanded educational and networking opportunities for the small business community.
The broader approach is intended to reach entrepreneurs beyond traditional startups, including people working in the trades, retail and service industries, as well as established business owners exploring new products or markets.
“Small businesses are the foundation of a vibrant and resilient community,” said CEDRR Executive Director Sarah Furman. “Their success strengthens our local economy, creates opportunities, and enriches the places we call home.”
Partnership adds entrepreneurship cohorts
As part of the first pillar, CEDRR is partnering with Springfield-based Black River Innovation Campus, or BRIC, to offer two Actuator Entrepreneurship Cohorts in Rutland County during the next nine months.
The free, eight-week incubator programs will be held in person at The Hub CoWorks in downtown Rutland. Designed for idea-stage companies as well as existing founders considering expansions or new product lines, the program combines workshops, working sessions and guidance from guest mentors.
Topics will include customer discovery, business models, financial fundamentals, marketing, legal and operational basics, and developing a business pitch.
Applications for the first Rutland cohort are now open. A second cohort is planned for 2027, with applications expected to open in early spring.
Program targets future business owners
CEDRR is also developing Pathways to Business Ownership, a six-week program aimed at helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses.
Sessions at The Hub CoWorks will cover the realities of owning a business, defining a business model, pricing and finances, legal and administrative considerations, marketing and reputation, and building professional relationships.
Participants are expected to finish the program with a draft business plan and one-year financial projection. They will also receive six months of free coworking space at The Hub CoWorks and a one-year CEDRR membership.
CEDRR said the initiative is particularly relevant in Vermont, where an aging population creates a need both for new ventures and for a new generation of owners capable of taking over existing businesses as current owners retire.
More education, advising and networking planned
The third component of the revamped StartUp Rutland will expand programming throughout the year.
Offerings will include free one-on-one advising through the Vermont Small Business Development Center and classes through University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education. An in-person Introduction to AI in Business session is scheduled to debut in September.
StartUp Rutland will also hold Small Business Resource networking events twice a year, connecting entrepreneurs with accountants, attorneys, financial institutions, marketing and website professionals, government agencies and other business resources.
The next networking event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5-7 p.m. at The Hub CoWorks and is open to Rutland County businesses, entrepreneurs and community members.
StartUp Rutland has also provided funding and resources to early-stage businesses during the past six months, supporting professional certifications, business education and technology investments.
One recipient is Bubble Bubble, a new Brandon business planning to serve boba tea, coffee, sodas and snacks beginning this fall. Owner Casie Yoder used StartUp Rutland support to attend Boba Academy in New Jersey with a colleague. “We learned how to properly cook tapioca pearls, brew different kinds of tea, perfectly sweeten a bubble tea drink, and even how to blend smoothies and slushies,” Yoder said. “We left New Jersey energized and confident that we can make a nearly endless combination of drinks at Bubble Bubble quickly and accurately. I can’t wait to open our doors so we can share the joy of authentic boba tea with the Rutland region!”
CEDRR launched an updated StartUp Rutland website in late July to reflect the program’s expanded offerings.
For more information, visit: startuprutland.com.
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