Micro Business Development Program

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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