BDCC’s Launchpad course returns, offering beginner entrepreneurs support
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) announces the return of Launchpad, its cornerstone entrepreneurship course, beginning Tuesday, October 13. It is designed to help aspiring and early-stage business owners transform ideas into viable ventures, and is accessible to participants across the county. BDCC will help participants evaluate business ideas, determining whether the right pathway is starting, improving or discovering that it isn’t financially feasible. Whatever the goal, there is no wrong reason or business stage to participate.
Organized and facilitated by the BDCC and featuring expert contributions from regional specialists, Launchpad provides a supportive environment where participants gain real-world knowledge, develop practical business tools, and connect with resources to bring ideas to life, including access to LivePlan, a platform to help small business owners create business plans, build financial forecasts, pitch to lenders and investors, and track ongoing performance. Previous programs showcased presenters from various organizations including Think Dynamic Digital, VtSBDC, SCORE, The Better Business Bureau, and many more.
The program offers start-to-finish business planning using LivePlan software; the opportunity to learn the pros and cons of sole proprietorships, LLCs, corporations, and more; how to craft an elevator pitch and develop an online presence; how to build an initial set of real-world financial projections; understanding the steps to register and operate legally in Vermont; and how to prepare to fund, open, and grow a business.
The course is a prerequisite to BDCC’s Bookkeeping loan program, which pays up to 20% of eligible bookkeeping expenses in business start-ups that fit the qualifications outlined at brattleborodevelopment.com/BDCC-lending/.
Entrepreneurs from Windham County and beyond are encouraged to apply. Whether in the early stages of shaping a business idea or actively seeking to grow an early-stage venture, Launchpad offers a roadmap to success.
The program is offered in person at the BDCC offices as well as online via Zoom, on consecutive Tuesdays, starting October 13. There is no charge for the course. Location and login details will be provided upon registration. Space is limited to 15 participants per session. To sign up or learn more go to https://brattleborodevelopment.com/what-we-do/business-assistance/launch/ or contact Dani Delaini at ddelaini@brattleborodevelopment.com.
