Micro Business Development Program

Whoever your business touches, wherever your business is, whether your market is local, nationwide or global..... MBDP has a plan for your entrepreneurial future. BROC's Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) began in 1988 to provide technical assistance and training for low to moderate income Vermonters interested in starting or expanding a small business.

Our Goals:
• To foster self-employment as a viable option toward self-sufficiency for Vermonters facing economic, social or medial challenges
• To provide assistance, education and training for small business startup and management
• To offer one-on-one counseling and mentoring to assist participants in positioning themselves for long term success

So You Want To Start or Expand a Business....
BROC's Economic and Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) offers core business concept training and support services to individuals with low to moderate income who wish to start, expand or enhance a business. The program includes one-on-one counseling, classroom training, loan packaging, mentoring, marketing assistance and referral services.

Through the process the participant and MBDP technical assistant work together to overcome barriers such as low self-esteem, lack of business operating knowledge, credit, disabilities and transportation issues. The MBDP staff work in collaboration with PATH, Department of Employment & Training, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation as well as other agencies in our communities.

Through analysis of the business concept, the counseling and training provided allows an individual to evaluate the validity of their idea as well as their personal readiness for starting a business. Even when participants choose not to pursue self-employment, the training and business lessons offered by the program have helped many gain skills that increase their chances of acquiring a job. The MBDP works with real people wanting to improve their lives. Our job readiness approach provides participant with self-awareness tools that include the belief they can succeed.

In addition to one-on-one counseling and training, participants have an opportunity to use our resource rooms equipped with computers that offer many applications, Internet access as well as other self-improvement and business resources.

The importance of self-employment in Vermont's economy has long been recognized, but for individuals with low to moderate income, self-employment options are especially critical and can be one of the best routes to improving their lives, building assets and ultimately achieving self-sufficiency. For more information contact Michelle Rock- Email:mrock@broc.org

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USDA Funds Vermont Creates! BROC is very happy to announce that USDA Rural Development has selected our application for funding and we have been awarded $55,342 for the start-up and implementation of Vermont Creates. This is a grassroots project designed to promote and enhance Vermont hand-made product businesses throughout Rutland and Bennington Counties. Vermont Creates will give low-income artisans marketing, display, and sales opportunities that they may not otherwise have. Vermont Creates will work on a commission basis. If you or someone you know has a talent making Vermont hand-made products, contact Michelle Rock or Laura Griffin at 802-775-0878; 800-717-2762 or via e-mail at mrock@broc.org or lgriffin@broc.org respectively.

Pictured left to right…Tom Donahue, CEO Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Rock, Micro Business Development Program Manager, Laura Griffin, Vermont Creates Project Coordinator, Rutland City Mayor, Christopher Louras, Linda Rooker, BROC’s Executive Director and Rhonda Shippee from USDA Rural Development cut ribbon at grand opening of Vermont Creates gallery located at 60 Center Street, Rutland, VT.

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