Inspiring Entrepreneurs: The Podcast
Inspiring Entrepreneurs Episode 8: Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
This week for "Inspiring Entrepreneurs: The Live Show," we are introduced to Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF). Episode 8 explores the extensive support and coaching programs provided by VSJF to help Vermont businesses, particularly in the agriculture, food systems, forest products, renewable energy, and green technology sectors.
VSJF focuses on industry-level strategic planning and business management coaching. They support businesses in transition, such as leadership changes, scaling operations, or entering new markets. The organization has a team of 11 experienced coaches who provide tailored support to help businesses grow and thrive.
Key topics covered include the importance of business transitions and how VSJF assists with these changes. Ellen emphasizes that many small businesses lack dedicated HR directors or financial experts, and VSJF helps fill these gaps by providing strategic advice and operational support. The coaching program is designed for businesses with at least $350,000 in sales and a minimum of five employees, aiming to help them implement systems that enhance efficiency and growth.
Ellen also highlights VSJF's Business Sense series, which includes 36 documents across six modules on topics such as financial literacy, operations, leadership, HR, marketing, and sales. These resources are designed to be accessible and practical, offering templates and best practices for businesses at various stages of development.
Resources Mentioned
- Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF): vsjf.org
- VSJF Business Coaching page: vsjf.org/services/business-coaching
- Business Sense Series - A set of resources on financial literacy, operations, leadership, HR, marketing, and sales: vsjf.org/services/business-coaching/business-sense
We encourage to explore these resources regardless if you are in the VSJF market sectors and at any stage of your business. To find more resources and additional Inspiring Entrepreneurs episodes, please visit the Vermont Small Business Development Center’s website: vtbdc.org.
This show is made possible by the Community Navigator Pilot Program funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the SBA.
This week for "Inspiring Entrepreneurs: The Live Show," we are introduced to Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF). Episode 8 explores the extensive support and coaching programs provided by VSJF to help Vermont businesses, particularly in the agriculture, food systems, forest products, renewable energy, and green technology sectors.
VSJF focuses on industry-level strategic planning and business management coaching. They support businesses in transition, such as leadership changes, scaling operations, or entering new markets. The organization has a team of 11 experienced coaches who provide tailored support to help businesses grow and thrive.
Key topics covered include the importance of business transitions and how VSJF assists with these changes. Ellen emphasizes that many small businesses lack dedicated HR directors or financial experts, and VSJF helps fill these gaps by providing strategic advice and operational support. The coaching program is designed for businesses with at least $350,000 in sales and a minimum of five employees, aiming to help them implement systems that enhance efficiency and growth.
Ellen also highlights VSJF's Business Sense series, which includes 36 documents across six modules on topics such as financial literacy, operations, leadership, HR, marketing, and sales. These resources are designed to be accessible and practical, offering templates and best practices for businesses at various stages of development.
Resources Mentioned
- Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF): vsjf.org
- VSJF Business Coaching page: vsjf.org/services/business-coaching
- Business Sense Series - A set of resources on financial literacy, operations, leadership, HR, marketing, and sales: vsjf.org/services/business-coaching/business-sense
We encourage to explore these resources regardless if you are in the VSJF market sectors and at any stage of your business. To find more resources and additional Inspiring Entrepreneurs episodes, please visit the Vermont Small Business Development Center’s website: vtbdc.org.
This show is made possible by the Community Navigator Pilot Program funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the SBA.