Community Business Connections
Top-notch educational business resources are available through Community Business Connections to both entrepreneurs and to the public service organizations who assist them.
A joint project of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Vermont Small Business Development Center and the Vermont Secretary of State's Office, Community Business Connections provides assistance to entrepreneurs and public service organizations.
Vermont District Office Retiring Employees
Bernie Villemaire
After nearly 42 years of federal service, Bernie Villemaire, Lead Lender Relations Specialist, SBA Vermont District Office (VDO) retired December 30, 2011. Over the years, Bernie developed scores of friendships with members of the business community. The VDO held an open house retirement party for Bernie on December 15th, and although the weather was less than stellar, Vermont lenders arrived from all points around the state to wish him well.
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Bernie Villemaire |
Al Hall
At the time of this writing, the VDO is preparing another farewell party for Al Hall, Economic Development Specialist. At Al's request, we are honoring him with an in-house staff luncheon. Al began his SBA career in 1987 as a loan officer in Hartford, Connecticut. With a total of 55 years of experience in economic development and banking in four states, Al too has left an indelible mark on the New England business community.
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Al Hall |
EIDLs Still Available in Vermont
We would like to remind everyone that SBA Disaster loans for Economic Injury due to tropical Storm Irene are still available.
Economic Injury Disasters Loans (EIDL) have a maximum of $2 million and are to be used for the purpose of alleviating economic injury (not physical damage) caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit.
The application deadline is June 1, 2012.
SBA's International Trade Loan Program
The SBA's International Trade Loan Program could help your small business better compete in the global market! The program guarantees loans up to $5,000,000 and can be utilized in ways your business may not have considered.
Loan proceeds could be used to finance fixed assets such as real estate, equipment, or for working capital. If you'd like to enhance your exporting capabilities or to improve your margins by bringing your foreign operations or supply-chain sources back to the US, your business could benefit.
By using the program to increase your exports or to better handle an adverse impact from import competition, a conversation with your lender could prove beneficial. The International Trade Loan Program has the added benefit of a 90% guarantee, which would encourage lender interest in businesses poised for growth.
For more information, call the SBA Vermont District Office at 802-828-4422.
VT 2012 Resource Guides Now Available
Designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses solve problems and locate key public and private sector organizations, the Vermont Resource Guide is offered free of charge by the SBA.
The Guide is popular with Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers, lenders, libraries, SCORE Chapters, Women's Business Centers, Community Development Corporations, and Economic Development groups, and more.
To request one or more copies, call the Vermont District Office: 802-828-4422.
