"It should come as no surprise that Burlington placed first in a recent index of America's most creative metro areas of under 250,000 people produced by author/economist Richard Florida.  Vermont's largest city practically defines Florida's ideal of where creative workers want to live.  Its lively cafes, increasingly diverse population, beautiful setting, easy access to outdoor recreation, tech based companies and well established institutions of higher education are key ingredients to attracting and retaining the modern mobile workforce."

- Advancing Vermont's Creative Economy
Vermont Council on Rural Development

This year, CEDO provided information, referrals and/or technical assistance to 371 people, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. These services helped 30 new businesses to start up and 16 businesses to survive and/or expand, with 408 FTE jobs created and 149 FTE jobs retained.

Business resources available through CEDO include:

Available Commercial Space Database: Call or e-mail with your space requirements and find out what's available in the City.

Business Loan Program: Financing and business planning help for small businesses.

Renewal Community Tax Incentives: Wage credits, accelerated depreciation and more for businesses located downtown and in the Old North End.

Burlington's Designated Downtown District: More tax credits for commercial rehabilitation projects downtown.

Government Contracting: Information about the various certifications and programs that can lead you to government contracting opportunities.

Livable Jobs: Get help with creating quality workplaces while remaining profitable.

Smart Growth District: Get help with environmental and development analyses of commercial sites in Burlington's industrial zone.

Guides and Publications:

Doing Business in Burlington: A guided tour through permits, taxes, licenses, and more.

Resource Guide for Chittenden County Employers & Employees: Regional information on financing, training programs, technology and consulting resources - and more.

Business Location Information: An introduction to Burlington as an economic and cultural hub.

Business Refugee Resource Guide: Get help with hiring and retaining workers from the refugee community.

Trade Associations in Vermont (Excel):  Review a complete list of trade associations in Vermont.

For more information, contact:

Bruce Seifer, Assistant Director for Economic Development
802·865·7179

Ed Antczak, Economic Development Specialist
802·865·7587

Jon Adams-Kollitz, Economic Development Specialist
802·865·7187