Free · 6 weeks · The Hub CoWorks
Pathways to
business ownership.
A free, six-week cohort program that guides aspiring entrepreneurs from idea to launch readiness — a complete business plan, a 12-month financial projection, a launch roadmap, and a professional network, all in six weeks.
Coming in September, 2026
A pillar of Startup Rutland
Why this program matters
Vermont’s workforce is aging out — faster than it’s being replaced.
Vermont needs to add roughly 13,500 people to its workforce annually, and has the third-highest median age in the country — a wave of business owners is approaching retirement. Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs doesn’t just create new businesses: it preserves existing ones, protects jobs, and strengthens the economy Rutland County depends on. Self-employment already makes up 15.7% of Vermont household income, one of the highest rates in the nation — building a strong entrepreneurship pipeline is one of the most powerful levers the county has.
People VT needs to add to its workforce, annually
Highest median age of any U.S. state
Of VT household income comes from self-employment
Program structure
Six weeks.
Everything you need.
Offered four times a year at The Hub CoWorks in Downtown Rutland — expert panels, hands-on workshops, and 1-on-1 consultations, two hours a week.
Duration
6 weeks per cohort — 4 cohorts per year
Session Length
2 hours per session (includes networking and refreshments)
Annual Reach
Up to 100 participants per year
Format
Expert panels, hands-on workshops, 1-on-1 consultations
Location
The Hub CoWorks, 67 Merchants Row, Downtown Rutland
Graduate Benefits
6 months free Hub CoWorks + 1 year free CEDRR Chamber membership
Cohort Schedule
July, October, January, April
Six-week curriculum
A deliverable,
every week.
Each session delivers immediate, practical value and a tangible tool participants take home at the end of that class.
Week
The Reality of Owning a Business
Panel discussion — 4 local entrepreneurs
Firsthand stories of success, challenge, and perseverance from local business owners across industries. Open Q&A gives participants real answers to the questions they’re afraid to ask.
Personal Readiness Assessment
Week
Defining Your Business Model
Nancy Shuttleworth, VTSBDC · SCORE volunteers
Participants learn the Business Model Canvas framework and immediately apply it to their own idea — leaving with a clear picture of what their business does, who it serves, and how it works.
Service & Niche Definition Worksheet
Week
Money, Pricing & Financial Foundations
Local bank representative · 1-on-1 financial counseling
Participants learn how local banks can support their business, then meet individually with a financial counselor for a personalized review of their situation and next steps.
1-Year Financial Projection + Break-Even & Pricing Calculator
Week
Legal, Structure & Administrative Setup
Nicole Killoran, Vermont Law School · local attorney, CPA & insurance agent
Three local experts demystify business structures, licensing, taxes, bookkeeping, contracts, and insurance — giving participants clarity to confidently set up their business.
Risk & Compliance Checklist
Week
Marketing, Reputation & Getting Work
Andrea Bacchi, marketing expert
Participants build the marketing and relationship skills needed to attract clients and build a trusted local brand — from social strategy to community presence to professional network.
Marketing & Reputation Plan
Week
Communication & Building Relationships
Cathy Doolan-Schweitzer — interactive capstone workshop
The capstone session builds the interpersonal foundation of business success — personal brand, professional relationships, and the communication skills that open doors.
Owner Mindset & Time Allocation Plan
What every graduate takes home
Nine tools.
One clear path.
Business tools
- Personal Readiness Assessment
- Service & Niche Definition Worksheet
- 1-Year Financial Projection
- Break-Even & Pricing Calculator
- Draft Business Plan
Launch resources
- Launch Roadmap (12 to 24 months)
- Marketing & Reputation Plan
- Risk & Compliance Checklist
- Owner Mindset & Time Allocation Plan
- Professional Network & Resource Connections (laminated reference)
Plus a starter kit — padfolio, pens, travel mug, notebook, and first order of business cards — along with 6 months free Hub CoWorks membership and 1 year free CEDRR Chamber membership, so graduates have everything they need to hit the ground running.
Community & business impact
Good for founders.
Good for the county.
Up to 100 participants a year — reinvesting locally, creating jobs, and keeping legacy businesses alive as owners retire.
For participants
- A complete, funded path from idea to launch
- 9 business tools and worksheets built during the program
- Expert instruction from local entrepreneurs, attorneys, CPAs, bankers, and marketing professionals
- 6 months free Hub CoWorks membership after graduation
- 1 year free CEDRR Chamber membership after graduation
- A professional network and starter kit to launch with confidence
For the community
- Up to 100 new entrepreneurs supported per year
- New locally owned businesses that create jobs and circulate dollars locally
- Business continuity as retiring owners pass the torch to prepared successors
- Expanded economic participation across all industries and backgrounds
- A stronger downtown through increased Hub CoWorks engagement
- An entrepreneurship culture that makes Rutland County more competitive
Cohorts run four times a year
Bring your idea.
Leave with a launch-ready business.
Free to join. Cohorts run multiple times a year at The Hub CoWorks in Downtown Rutland.