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<p class="text">Shawn Hayes <br /> MBDP at BROC - Community Action in Southwestern Vermont</p><p class="text"> Shawn Hayes came to MBDP as a referral from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to assist him in starting a small enterprise that would allow him to create a living that worked with his disability. Having been an avid outdoorsman and expert fisherman, Hayes&rsquo;s desire was to purchase a boat and equipment needed to offer fishing excursions to the public. He was successful in obtaining funding from VR and along with IDA savings bought his boat, equipment and opened up. Over the last few years Hayes was able to secure a traditional loan to purchase a bigger and better boat and has partnered with several of the fishing industry leaders including Lund, Big John, Lindy and Okuma. <br /> <br /> MBDP helped Hayes create first generation marketing and promotional materials to bring to the trade show and promote his business for him. Shawn is well on his way to solidifying his business and the Micro Business Development Program was pleased to have been the catalyst to his success. <br /> <br /> Without the Assistance of BROC&rsquo;s Micro Business Development Program I would not be where I am today. Their help was instrumental in getting my business off the ground and with my recent expansion. &rdquo;<br /> --Shawn Hayes, Owner &amp; Guide, Fish Whisperer Guide Service<br /> <br /> Call (802) 558-1036 for more information.</p>

Fish Whisperer Guide Service, Fair Haven
<p class="text">Kelly Richardson <br /> MBDP at Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) <br /> <br /> Sunflower Salon is a perfect name for Kelly Richardson’s new business. Beside cuts, manicures, pedicures, facials and more, every single person who walks in is greeted with a joyful smile. Richardson recently opened her salon in December 2008 and has been busy from the first day. <br /> <br /> When she started on her journey to become a business owner, Richardson faced a number of challenges - including a limited education and being a single parent to a young child. But her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to reach out and ask for help brought her in contact with people eager to see her through as she reached for her dreams. After graduating from the Salon Professional Academy and working in the field for a time, Richardson called the Micro Business Development Program for assistance. <br /> <br /> In just six weeks, with the help of her MBDP business counselors, Richardson completed her business plan, with financial projections and a loan application. She took a deep breath, “I wasn’t sure I could do it. It felt huge. But they helped me with all of it: writing the plan, getting costs together, understanding and being able to explain the plan and the numbers.” Richardson took her business plan to Community Capital of Vermont and was approved for a loan to open her new space in downtown Waterbury. <br /> <br /> Since opening, Sunflower Salon has received encouragement and a warm welcome from the local community. She’s been greeted with flowers -sunflowers included—and her appointment book is filling fast. <br /> <br /> Sunflower Salon is located at 19 Stowe St. in Waterbury. <br /> Phone: (802) 560-4105.</p>

Sunflower Salon, Waterbury
<p class="text">Debbie and Karl Anderson <br /> MBDP at Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) <br /> <br /> Debbie and Karl Anderson own Anderson’s Autoglass LLC in Williston, Vermont. They started the business in 1992, providing general automobile windshield replacement and repair services to vehicles, including business vehicles. They also provide custom cut glass services for heavy equipment and antique/custom car owners. <br /> <br /> The Andersons began working with the Micro Business Development Program in 2007. At the time, they were struggling with traditional issues that many small businesses face. The company needed additional capital for advertising, inventory, and business organizational issues. Plus, they hoped to hire a part-time employee so they could focus on expansion strategies.<br /> <br /> With the help of their MBDP business counselor, the Andersons worked hard to create a detailed business plan that would be part of their funding application to Community Capital of Vermont. The plan defined what they needed to borrow and described why and how the additional monies would support their efforts to be more successful. During the process of creating the plan, they also addressed credit and collateral issues. In the end, their loan was approved! <br /> <br /> Since then, the Andersons have been busy – they’ve increased awareness of their business, addressed inventory concerns, reworked various business systems and are taking steps to hire an employee. Their sales are increasing, and they have added several new fleet customers to their roster.<br /> <br /> Call Anderson’s Autoglass at (802) 658-4772 the next time your windshield needs replacement or repair.</p>

Anderson’s Autoglass, Williston
<p class="text">Debi Mead, Owner <br /> MBDP at Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA)<br /> <br /> At her first farmer’s market, Debi Mead was captivated by the joy shared between customers and vendors. She thought, “Wouldn’t this be a fabulous way of life!” She knew she was a terrible farmer, but skilled in designing clothing. From there, Mead started sewing aprons in the style of the 30’s and 40’s. Some were consigned in local businesses, but her sales seemed “underwhelming”. <br /> <br /> She learned that she needed help getting her business off the ground and turned to the Micro Business Development Program. There, her MBDP business counselors led her through the maze of licensing, tax exemptions and name registration. They made frequent visits to her shop, providing advice along the way. Mead enrolled in the IDA matched savings program, and attended classes where she learned from fellow micro business owners. Overtime, her business grew. “Kudos,” says Mead, “to MBDP for assistance, expertise and help navigating the vagaries of proprietorship.”<br /> <br /> Now, <em>fabric </em>is celebrating its fourth year in business. Mead looks back in amazement at the evolution from making aprons in the back room to a thriving downtown establishment offering beautiful yarn, fabric and needle art accessories. Kudos, Debi! <br /> <br /> <em>fabric</em> is located on Main St. in Newport. Phone: (802) 334-9955.</p>

fabric, Newport
<p class="text">Erin &amp; Hilaire Hennessy <br /> MBDP at Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA)<br /> <br /> Maplewing Artisans is an artist-owned gallery located in the heart of Bellows Falls, Vermont. Since opening four years ago they have drawn visitors from around the country and beyond. They offer a wonderful collection of 'Functional &amp; Fine Art' by local artists: hand-carved whimsical wood carvings, bone and antler; art glass; jewelry; pottery; paintings, photographs, framed paper cuttings; hand dyed yarns; quilted wall hangings; hand-crafted wooden toys and more.<br /> <br /> Owners Erin &amp; Hilaire Hennessy have been creating functional &amp; fine art together for more than 30 years, offering workshops in local schools, libraries and senior centers. Stopping by the gallery, you will likely find them carving spoons, or happily creating art (and modest messes) in a variety of media. <br /> <br /> The Hennessys have a long standing relationship with the Micro Business Development Program. Both participated in a 12 week, 36 hour NxLevel™ Business Plan Basics class. They are also participants in the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program and completed 16 hours of financial literacy training. The IDA matched savings program is helping the Hennessys build their business assets. In addition, they have taken various other computer classes and attended roundtable discussions and workshops. When added up it equals a greater chance at having a successful and sustainable business!<br /> <br /> Visit Maplewing Artisans at 18 Village Square, Bellows Falls. Phone: (802) 460-4161.</p>

Maplewing Artisans, Bellows Falls

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