Business Development
THE VOBA PROGRAMS
Growing the Outdoor Economy
VOBA facilitates the delivery of targeted technical assistance to businesses resulting in leadership development of founders and owners; access to financial planning and funding opportunities; tapping new markets of recreation users at Vermont’s destinations; and, establishing a brand identify rooted in Vermont people, place, and experience.
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA)'s Outdoor Business Program provides:
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Direct consulting, information sharing, and service provider connections to Vermont's outdoor sector for planning and financial strategy, market access, and increased responsiveness to consumer behavior and outdoor visitation trends.
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Technical assistance delivered through small group workshops, 1:1 consultations, and events on topics of trade, finance, marketing, law, and human resources.
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Initiatives that facilitate investments in climate adaptations and circular systems through research, technology, product development, regulations, and operations.
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Resources to foster commercial clusters in outdoor communities that better serve recreation users.
Resilient Outdoor Assessment and Management is a step-by-step framework developed by the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance to help Vermont’s outdoor businesses and organizations build climate resilience.
Designed for everyone from small retailers and guide services to trail nonprofits, resorts, and manufacturers, this approach responds to the real impacts of a changing climate, including heavier rain, shorter winters, extreme storms, power outages, heat, drought, and wildfire smoke, that affect safety, operations, and the natural landscapes our economy depends on.
By addressing both climate mitigation and adaptation while supporting business strength and competitiveness, this guide helps enterprises plan proactively, learn from peers, and turn climate challenges into opportunities that sustain individual businesses and Vermont’s outdoor economy as a whole.
Project support made possible by the University of Vermont Sustainable Innovation MBA Program Ellie Penfield-Cyr, Robert M. Phillips Vermont Entrepreneurial Equity Fellow
