Micro Business Workshops

The Micro Business Development Program is a program operating out of five community action agencies statewide. Here you will find classes and workshops designed and sponsored by the Micro Business Development Program at CVOEO.

Classes and workshops will be announced 4-6 weeks prior to the event.

Upcoming Workshops:

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Sisterhood: Business Through the Looking Glass

Step away from the daily hustle and into a space designed for clarity. Business Through the Looking Glass brings womxn+ entrepreneurs together for a half-day of structured problem-solving using design thinking tools and peer collaboration.

Financial Futures Programs Event In-person

Lunch with Lenders 2026

Join us to meet local banks that can help your business and learn about business resources. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and meet other business owners. We'll provide lunch and have a relaxed conversation.

Financial Futures Programs Event Virtual

Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses

An event in celebration of Black History Month. Conversations on accessing capital with traditional and non-traditional lenders from Burlington Revolving Loan Fund, Opportunities Credit Union, and the Vermont Community Loan Fund. Bring you questions and come ready to share your experiences. Lunch will be provided! In-Person at Winooski High School.

Financial Futures Programs Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion In-person Event

Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses

The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity/Financial Futures Program, Vermont’s Small Business Administration, and The Vermont Professionals of Color Network invite you to Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses on Saturday, February 3rd from 10am – 1pm at the O’Brien Center in Winooski. This business-oriented celebration of Black History Month brings together community members and lenders (both traditional and non-traditional) for conversations on accessing Capital. Bring your questions and come ready to share your experience! Lunch will be provided.

Financial Futures Programs Event

Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch

VT Works for Women, Mercy Connections, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and Center for Women & Enterprise are hosting Sisterhood of the Dreaded Elevator Pitch on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the O’Brien Community Center in Winooski.

Financial Futures Programs Community Event In-person

Past Topics Have Included:

Calculator and business folders, labelled for taxes

Introduction to Business Taxes

What taxes do I need to pay?
What is self-employment tax?
How do I estimate my business taxes?
What other taxes do I pay if I have employees?
What should I ask an accountant before hiring them?

Two people working together on a business.

Insurance Basics

Interactive workshop answering questions on business insurance.
Topics covered: General Liability, Workers’ Comp, Property Casualty, and other insurance needs that small businesses owners should know about.
How to obtain needed coverages at affordable prices.

One hand giving another a pen to sign a contract, stack of money to the side.

Business Lending and Loans

The programs and benefits offered by local organizations.
The application process and requirements.
What you need to know if you want to borrow a very small amount of money for your business.
What’s changed about business lending since COVID-19.