Start a Business

  • Do you have a unique business idea not currently being offered in Wilmington? Take a look at our Consumer Survey Report to learn what products, services, and businesses residents want to see.

  • Turn your idea into a clear and concise plan that helps you define your goals, understand your market, identify your customers, and determine how your business will operate and grow.

  • Choose the legal structure that best fits your business. Check in with an attorney and/or an accountant, who can answer any questions about what type of business structure is best for you. LINK

  • Register with IRS and apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). LINK

  • Most business will need to register with the VT Department of Taxes.

  • If you are planning to hire employees register with VT Department of Labor and complete the required employee registrations before you begin hiring.

  • Open a business bank account. It is important to keep business finances separate from personal finances by opening up a dedicated account with your EIN and business registration information. Local banks in Wilmington, Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Community Bank, M&T Bank.

  • Protect your business with the appropriate business insurance coverage. The Richards Group is a local insurance agency who can assist in determine the coverage your business will need.

  • Make sure your business has all industry specific permits, licenses, and approvals.

    Check here for small business permitting resource. LINK

    Wilmington Permitting: SIGNS - You will need to get your proposed business signage approved and permitted by Wilmington Zoning.

    Wilmington Permitting: 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) check with Wilmington Zoning Administrator to see if you need a permit, or a hearing before the Development Review Board, before beginning your project.

    Click here for Wilmington Zoning. LINK

Incentives

 The Downtown Program works throughout the state to bring resources (tax credits and grants) and training and technical services to help affiliated or "designated" downtown organizations preserve and revitalize historic downtowns and create strong communities. 

From the basics of the Main Street Approach® to advanced downtown development strategies, the downtown program in Vermont offers educational and specialized on site services to support the network of designated downtowns. The program also organizes workshops and quarterly network meetings and assists in the coordination of the annual Historic Preservation and Downtown Conference.

  • Federal and state tax credits support general rehabilitation, code compliance, and exterior improvements. In some cases, projects may be eligible for both federal and state programs to maintain the historic character of buildings. The project must be completed before you get the tax credit. Applications are competitive and Wilmington Works will assist with the application process. These credits can be turned into cash for about .10cent on the dollar.

  • Municipalities and the developer of qualified projects may jointly apply to the Downtown Board for a reallocation of sales taxes on construction materials. Qualified projects must spend over $100,000 in materials. The reallocated sales taxes are awarded to the municipality to support the qualified project. Typically, the program funds infrastructure improvements like expanded sewer and water service, new stormwater controls, sidewalks, and other streetscape projects.

  • This loan program is designed to encourage business growth within Wilmington, providing up to $20,000, flexible repayment options, and offer low interest rates to applicants.

  • This tax policy is effective for commercial and industrial properties of significant renovation and only for municipal taxes. The agreement stabilizes your tax assessment for a period of 10 years with incremental increases starting in year 4.

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.

Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a regional resource for entrepreneurs and small business support.

Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) provides professional expertise and friendly guidance.

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.

Southeastern Vermont Community Action provides support and guidance with technical assistance or start-up and expansion of small businesses including business plans, financial documents, ongoing support, and more.

​Did we mention that Vermonters are committed to 'shopping local' and supporting independent merchants, services, and local producers? What better place to operate your own business?