7. Provide Access to Capital for Emerging as well as Established Creative Enterprises.

Support creative, Vermont-based, small and micro businesses by providing access to start-up and working capital.  Identify and encourage a variety of fund providers to make available below market loans, subordinated loans, equity, program related investments, and recoverable grants.  In addition to serving small business development needs across the board, these funds could target enterprises celebrating the diversity of cultures found in Vermont today.

LEAD: VT Economic Development Authority Job Start Loan Program

PARTNERS: VT Dept. of Economic Development, USDA Rural Development, Vermont banks, Small Business Administration, Micro Business Development Program, community development finance institutions, Cultural Coordinating Council, VT Community Loan Fund and private foundations

Follow Links to See What Other States Are Doing