The Vermont Women’s Business Center (VWBC) hosted a celebration of its work and the business owners it serves on Monday, August 9 in Barre. Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, Chair of the VWBC Advisory Council, headlined the event, which showcased the work of the Vermont Women’s Business Center in supporting women entrepreneurs to successfully start and grow business ventures.

The Vermont Women’s Business Center, a project of CVCAC and an SBA resource partner, is a statewide network of business development services and support and for women at all income levels seeking to start or grow a business.

“The Vermont Women’s Business Center is a real force for Vermont’s economic development,” says Secretary of State Markowitz, who has served on the VWBC Advisory Council since its founding. “Often women starting up a business are juggling many demands on their time and attention. Working with peers and getting coaching from trusted business counselors can make the start-up and expansion process easier and more successful. I know firsthand that Vermont’s women entrepreneurs benefit from the Vermont Women’s Business Center, and we all benefit when small businesses prosper.”

Linda Ingold, Director of the Vermont Women’s Business Center, noted that Vermont is a national leader in women’s entrepreneurship, with the second-highest rate of women’s business ownership. Featured at the breakfast were VWBC clients Mary Claire Carroll, Carroll Photos; Sue Bette, Burlington’s Bluebird Tavern; and Laura Jenkins, Laura's Hair Frenzy in Rutland.

Visit the VWBC Website. Left: Mary Johnson, VWBC Counselor; Doreen Allen, Merchant's Bank, VWBC Advisory Council Member; Linda Ingold, VWBC Director.