The Micro Business Program (MBDP) offers 1:1 coaching and group workshops to help you create and grow a business that works for you! Our Micro Business counselors work with residents of Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties to:
- Discuss how ready you are to run a business – and what will help get you there.
- Think through business ideas – and zero in on one that will work!
- Learn essential business and financial skills – develop financial projections.
- Create business and marketing plans.
- Apply for business funding – including grants!
- Refer to additional resources as needed.
- Start, sustain, and grow your business.
The Micro Business Development Program does not provide legal services, tax assistance, or business funding.
Our team will help you connect with the in-depth information you need from local industry experts. Past topics have included:
- Discuss how ready you are to run a business – and what will help get you there.
- Think through business ideas – and zero in on one that will work!
- Learn essential business and financial skills – develop financial projections.
- Create business and marketing plans.
- Apply for business funding – including grants!
- Refer to additional resources as needed.
- Start, sustain, and grow your business.
For a complete listing of upcoming workshops hosted by the CVOEO Micro Business Development Program and our partner organizations, visit the Micro Business Events page.
To view recordings of past presentations and browse a multitude of topics, please visit the CVOEO YouTube channel.
All services are free to those who meet our income eligibility qualifications (must make less than number indicated on the chart for your household size to qualify for free services) and live in Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, or Grand Isle Counties. If you live outside of this region, please visit the MBDP Statewide page to find a Micro Business Counselor in your region. See the chart below for program requirements:

Info session recording - https://vimeo.com/908808463?share=copy
Vending opportunities page - https://loveburlington.org/vending
Church Street Marketplace Vendor Program - https://churchstmarketplace.com/programs-and-licensing#cartvendorprogram
CVOEO is an equal opportunity employer that administers equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Free language access assistance is also available. If you believe that you have experienced discrimination in the delivery of services, please refer to this notice.
Contact Information
Our knowledgeable and respectful business counselors are ready to assist you, whether you are just getting started or have been running a business for years and are looking to make a change! MBDP has started in 1988 and the current counselors have over 25 years' experience in the program.

Simeon Geigel
Business Counselor
sgeigel@cvoeo.org
(802)860-1417 x 116

John Gergely
Business Counselor
jgergely@cvoeo.org
(802)860-1417 x 120