The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program provides business planning, technical assistance and succession planning to Vermont farms, food businesses, forest products businesses, and forestland owners. Though our network of partners (including University of Vermont Extension, the Intervale Center, NOFA-VT, Center for an Agricultural Economy, Land For Good, Vermont Woodlands Association, and private consultants), we provide one-on-one, custom-tailored assistance. In the Viability Program, business owners work with skilled advisors to explore management and enterprise changes to increase net profitability; improve financial record keeping; develop skills in marketing, sales and human resources; receive focused management coaching; and develop ownership succession plans. Every year, participants exit our program with a written business plan, improved business management skills, and a clearer vision for where they want to take their businesses and a plan for how to get there.
Our fall 2017 deadline for enrollment is November 30th! There is a $75 enrollment fee; for most participants, that is the only cost. Applications and information related to eligibility, are available online at http://www.vhcb.org/viability or by contacting us at [email protected] or (802) 828-3370.
This is a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.