Networking

Entrepreneurs want to ask questions of successful executives, entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Most of these folks enjoy offering their counsel and perspective to Vermont’s next generation of entrepreneurs. VCET works tirelessly (and at times shamelessly) on your behalf to find and create local and regional opportunities for immediate and value-changing benefits ranging from introductions to potential partners, customers, advisors, employees, and investors. Some examples of networking opportunities include:

State and US Senators and Representatives - VCET clients regularly have the unique opportunity to sit down with their Senators and Representatives and share not only their progress, but also get to ask for assistance.  Is there someone you wish you could speak with at the Department of Health or Department of Defense?

Leadership Luncheons - Discussions are hosted in an informal, round-table setting, intended to: 1) provide entrepreneurs an opportunity to gather and discuss questions and issues of mutual concern, 2) present speakers with high levels of expertise in common areas of interest, and 3) encourage opportunities for entrepreneurs to collaborate.

Invention to Venture - Hosted at UVM, Invention to Venture (I2V) teaches technology entrepreneurship basics, helps build networks, brings in CEO's from industry leading firms and provides a framework for moving ideas forward.

VT Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Innovation Research Events - Recognizing that the best learning comes from each other, the SBDC offers training & professional development in a networking format with value for researchers, business owners, and inventors seeking R&D funding through SBIR/STTR/BAAs or other mechanisms.

Vermont Business Roundtable - The Vermont Business Roundtable membership is comprised of 120 CEOs of Vermont's most active and committed for-profit and not-for-profit employers.  VCET has partnered with the Roundtable to in an effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial vigor among next-generation Vermont business leaders and successful CEOs.  VCET CEO's are included in Roundtable networking and leadership events.

MIT Venture Capital Conference and Start-up Showcase - This annual conference is always packed with exciting panels and keynotes.  It is also be a great networking event with entrepreneurs sharing latest business ideas, and VCs talking about the changing dynamics of the industry.  

Vermont Investors Forum - Each fall in Stowe, institutional and angel investors from around the region come to see the juried list of local entrepreneurs seeking capital.  Firms are varied by sector and stage.