Starting a BusinesS Here
Doing Business in Wilmington, Vermont
STARTING A BUSINESS?
START HERE:
Go to the VT Secretary of State's website, where you can check to see if your proposed business name is available (and register it): https://sos.vermont.gov/corporations/registration/ for a full guide to how to register with the State.
As part of the process, you should check in with an attorney and/or an accountant, who can answer any questions about what type of business structure is best for you.
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. You an do this online, LINK
DO I NEED A PERMIT?
SIGNS
You will need to get your proposed business signage approved and permitted by Wilmington's Zoning Administrator. Call the Zoning office at (802)464-8591, ext 124, and they will be happy to assist.
BUILDING WORK/CHANGE OF USE
If you plan to make any alterations to the outside of your building (owned or leased), or the last use of your space was different than what you plan to do (for example: it was an office and now you want to start a retail store) start by checking in with the Zoning Administrator to see if you need a permit, or a hearing before the Development Review Board, before beginning your project. (802)464- 8591, ex 124
SMALL BUSINESS HELP
Wilmington's Economic Development Specialist, Gretchen Havreluk, is a great place to start. She has several private, local, state and federal resources available to help businesses with any challenges they may encounter. Call her at (802) 779-2905 or email: ghavreluk@wilmingtonvt.us
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a regional resource for entrepreneurs and small business support: www.brattleborodevelopment.com
There is a Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) open three days a week at BDCC. To schedule an appointment, contact Debra Boudrieau at 802-257-7731 or by email at dboudrieau@vtsbdc.org.
The Southern VT Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce is a resource for advertising, networking, and many other helpful programs that support businesses in the Deerfield Valley. www.visitvermont.com
WILL MY BUSINESS WORK IN WILMINGTON?
The retail mix in downtown Wilmington, includes new and used bookstores, antiques, women's clothing and jewelry, an artist gallery, an old fashioned country store, Vermont gifts, home goods, and a range of dining options (from casual to upscale). www.wilmingtonworksvt.com/shop-dine has a full downtown business list. The Chamber website (www.visitvermont.com) has valley-wide listings as well.
Based on surveys that Wilmington Works has conducted of local shoppers, we also know that our town would love to have menswear, children's clothing (including resale), a more extensive selection of home furnishings, pet supplies, and outdoor recreation goods. We also have need for services, and Wilmington has historically been home to small manufacturing operations. With fiber internet connectivity available, our Downtown could host hightech companies, maker-space, or shared/ remote worker office space.
https://www.wilmingtonworksvt.com/whyvermont-why-wilmington has more details and links to studies that have been done on our retail and demographic mix.
