[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 6132-6133]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       25TH ANNIVERSARY VERMONT SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the Vermont Small Business Development 
Center, VtSBDC, is joining SBDC's across the country in celebrating its 
25th anniversary as a crucial resource for entrepreneurs. These centers 
provide services to facilitate the creation, sustainability, and growth 
of viable businesses. In Vermont, it is no secret that we take 
particular pride in our local businesses. Our entrepreneurs and their 
businesses are at the heart of our vibrant communities, and they are 
the roots of a thriving economy.
  Over the past 25 years, VtSBDC has helped countless businesses 
capitalize on their potential. From glassblowers to forestry and 
sugarmakers to restaurants, VtSBDC has delivered thousands of hours of 
professional business

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counseling and training that is focused on strategic planning, business 
development, financial planning, and cash flow management. After the 
devastation of Tropical Storm Irene, VtSBDC reached out with State and 
Federal partners to offer small business owners the assistance and 
support necessary to undergo full recovery efforts. I am regularly 
reminded of VtSBDC's worth to entrepreneurs through client 
testimonials, regularly highlighting that, without the assistance of 
VtSBDC staff, their business would not have been able to reach the next 
levels. In addition to working with individuals to achieve their 
dreams, VtSBDC has also supported business incubators, or coworking 
spaces, where fledgling businesses and industries find their footing 
alongside other new businessowners.
  Founded as a pilot program run by the Small Business Administration 
in 1977, national small business development centers have a long 
history proving public-private partnerships and, when done right, are a 
successful tool in expanding local pilot programs that benefit 
communities and States across our Nation. Small business owners always 
face many obstacles, but the professionals at VtSBDC provide invaluable 
resources, support, and advice to help overcome these challenges.
  I want to congratulate the Vermont Small Business Development Center 
on their 25th anniversary and thank their dedicated staff for their 
commitment, energy, and time working to make sure that Vermont's small 
businesses remain strongly grounded and growing in Vermont.

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