Micro Business Development

Have you ever considered launching a business? Do you have a business but still have questions and would like to learn more about business management?

From startup to long-term sustainability, we support new and established entrepreneurs to make their dreams and aspirations a reality.

  • One-to-one business counseling: Experienced counselors, who have owned their own businesses and intimately understand the challenges and rewards, offer support from the start of your vision, through the planning stages, all the way to launch day. From there, we offer continued support to help you meet your goals and maintain and grow a successful business. For clients who have established businesses, we can offer assistance specific to your needs.

  • Business Workshops: We offer periodic workshops covering every topic a budding or established entrepreneur needs to know in order to start, maintain, and grow a business. Check out our Workshops for more information!

  • Funding Opportunities:

    • Community Capital of VT Our counselors can get you “loan ready” by helping you build a business plan and build your credit so that you are ready to finance your business.

Find a Business Counselor

Washington and Orange Counties

Rosie (Manning) Gray is a Financial Securities Specialist and Business Coach in Capstone’s Barre office. Rosie is a Candidate for the AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor and an entrepreneur who owned multiple businesses over a 20 years span. Rosie owned her own personal training business, advanced sports, medical massage therapy and a rental business for nearly 20 years. She brings her real-life experiences as a business owner and her educational training to her depth of knowledge and is available to help you turn your business dream into a reality.

Contact Rosie Gray at 802-636-7752 or rgray@capstonevt.org

Lamoille County

Mary Johnson is the Business Coach at Capstone in the Morrisville location. She owned her own retail quilting business for 28 years. Mary understands how to start up your dream business and strategize with you to keep your business open now. She brings her real-life experiences as a business owner and personal money coach to help you bring People, Planet and Prosperity into your entrepreneurial reality.

Contact Mary at 802-760-8209 or mjohnson@capstonevt.org

Business Startup 101 Workshop Series

Do you have an idea for a small or micro business? Are you curious about the basics that will help you build a solid foundation to start from?

Join Rosie Gray and Mary Johnson, Capstone Financial Coaches, to learn more in this FUN and FREE 6-week series! They will guide you through the ins and outs of starting a small business. Rosie and Mary have a combined 48 years of business experience to share. Please register in advance by contacting Rosie at 802- 636-7752 or Rgray@capstonevt.org. 

When are sessions held? Wednesdays from 9am-11am on Zoom

Series 1 begins on September 18, 2024.      Series 2 begins on October 30, 2024. 


Workshop Series Details:

Week 1 - Record Keeping, Bookkeeping and the IRS
Effective record-keeping is the backbone of a successful business. By ensuring your financial transactions, operations, and critical data are organized and easily accessible, you gain the clarity needed for smart decision-making, compliance, and accurate reporting. Don’t just manage your records—leverage them to drive your business forward with confidence.

Week  2
 - What You Need to Know Before You Start a Business
Thinking about starting your own business? Before you take the leap, there are a few key things you need to know to set yourself up for success.

Week 3 - Intro to Writing a Business Plan
Every successful business starts with a plan—but not just any plan. A winning business plan turns your ideas into action and your vision into reality.

Week 4 - Creating Your Personal Spending Plan & Cash Flow Projections & Forecasts
Your financial health is the backbone of your business. A solid spending plan and cash flow projections aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re the keys to sustainable growth and peace of mind.

Week 5 - Marketing 101
Marketing is the engine that drives business success. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your skills, Marketing 101 gives you the tools and strategies to make your brand shine, connect with your customers, and grow your business. Ready to unlock your marketing potential? Let’s get started!

Week 6 - Social Media Marketing 101
In today’s digital world, your customers are online—are you? Social media marketing is the key to meeting your audience where they are, building meaningful relationships, and turning followers into loyal customers.

To sign up and for more information, please contact Rosie at 802- 636-7752 or Rgray@capstonevt.org

Registered participants click here to join each session


Presented in partnership with the Micro Business Development Program.

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