The following is a sample of key collaborators that work cooperatively with us. Expanding and creating partnerships and strategic alliances to provide technical assistance for starting and growing small businesses is a core function of REDC. We match business-management counselors with clients to assist Vermont’s businesses.
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Castleton Downtown
Castleton University is celebrating another milestone in the “Castleton on the Move” 10-year Strategic Plan with the opening of “Castleton Downtown.” The purpose for adding services and delivery of Castleton College resources to Rutland City is to fulfill specific goals outlined in the Strategic Plan, portions of which are noted below. The mission of Castleton Downtown is to serve as a significant player in support of economic growth and maturity in the Rutland Region and to further enable Castleton College to meet its central mission of “supporting and improving the region’s communities, schools, organizations, businesses, and environment.” What makes Castleton College’s role distinctive is the synergy that is created between entrepreneurial initiatives that promote economic development and new and meaningful student engagement with the community. This can be defined as “action oriented entrepreneurship”, powered by active student engagement and the intellectual resources of the College.Castleton Downtown Office:
- Center for Entrepreneurial Programs: Supporting Business Creativity, Innovation and Opportunity.
- Center for Schools: Providing and Supporting Professional De
velopment for Educators. - Center for Support & Study of the Community: Developing student and faculty involvement in community service, service-learning, and internships.
- Polling Institute: Providing comprehensive and authoritative resources for understanding public opinion in Vermont and beyond.
Contact: Lyle Jepson (802) 770-7061 • Visit Website
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Downtown Rutland Partnership
The purpose of the Downtown Rutland Partnership is to manage, market and maintain the Downtown Rutland Special Benefits District and advance those activities that will improve the vitality of the business community and enhance the cultural and physical climate of the district. Contact: Steve Peters (802)773-9380 Visit Website
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Rutland Redevelopment Authority
Formed by Charter in 1989 the Rutland Redevelopment Authority (RRA) has historically served as Rutland City’s economic development entity. Under the Charter the RRA was established to reduce the property tax burden on residential homeowners, redevelop dilapidated and blighted structures, revitalize the commercial and industrial sectors of the economy, and promote economic opportunity for all citizens. • Visit Website
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Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce (RRCC)
The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization whose purpose is the promotion of member businesses through marketing, networking and advocacy. Contact: Mary Cohen, Executive Director 802-773-2747 • Visit Website -
Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC)
The Rutland Regional Planning Commission promotes cooperation of local planning commissions and local legislative bodies and officials; encourages the coordinated development of the region; prepares and adopts comprehensive regional plans – including policies and strategies for the future of the Rutland Region; and performs other functions appropriate to fulfill the duties and obligations it has undertaken. Contact: Ed Bove, Executive Director 802-775-0871 • Visit Website -
Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board (RRWIB)
Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board The RRWIB links Rutland County business and education communities to bridge the gap between the workforce of today and the one we need for tomorrow. Partners working to strengthen our economy by fostering relationships among employers, educators, and service providers to enable people to get the skills they need to find productive and rewarding work. Contact: Lynn Bondurant, Interim Executive Director • Contact for More Information -
Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC)
Housed at REDC, the Vermont Small Business Development Center provides free technical assistance to starting and growing small businesses. Operated through the Vermont State College System, VtSBDC links businesses with higher education, state and federal programs, as well as other businesses. The VtSBDC offers in-depth counseling assistance at no cost to ensure more successful startups of new enterprises and to strengthen existing firms. With access to a comprehensive resource and information library, the VtSBDC can provide business planning assistance, marketing help, referrals and much more. In addition, VtSBDC periodically sponsors low-cost business training seminars on a variety of topics. For more information, contact our local Vermont Small Business Development specialist at REDC. Contact: Brian DeClue, VtSBDC Counselor 802-773-9147 x259 • Visit Website -
Vermont Department of Economic Development
The Vermont Department of Economic Development strives to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of Vermonters, while preserving our natural resources and community values. • Visit Website
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Vermont Department of Labor Workforce Development Division
The Vermont Department of Labor’s mission is to promote Vermont’s economic strength by assisting employers with job creation, retention and recruitment; coordinating the education and training of our workforce for Vermont’s current and future job opportunities; ensuring that Vermont workers have well-paying jobs in safe work environments; administering economic support and reemployment assistance to workers who suffer a job loss or workplace injury; and providing labor market information and analysis to enable effective planning and decision-making relating to economic, education, labor and employment policies and direction. Contact: Wendy Morse, Regional Manager for Bennington and Rutland County 802-786-8805 • Visit Website -
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center VMEC is a not-for-profit center created to provide assistance to Vermont’s small and medium size manufacturers (under 500 employees). VMEC’s goal is to help your company improve its bottom line. VMEC provides one-on-one support and services. They help manufacturers solve problems, increase productivity, modernize processes and improve competitiveness. For assistance with your production concerns Contact: Robynn Albert at 802-728-1432 • Visit Website -
Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center (VT PTAC)
Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center (VT PTAC) is where businesses, opportunity, and government connect. VT PTAC is part of a network of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers throughout the US that share one common goal: to provide business with an understanding of the requirements of government contracting and the know-how to obtain and successfully perform federal, state, and local contracts. Contact: Elizabeth Adams, Procurement Counselor 802-272-1587 • Visit Website
