
In our role as a Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) outreach “spoke”, the Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC) team hosted statewide listening sessions to better understand the challenges and resource gaps identified in the CNPP Small Business Survey.
We invited small business owners to join VT PoC in these BIPOC affinity spaces to learn about opportunities, challenges, and gaps in small-business resources.
By participating in this affinity-based listening session, BIPOC small business owners have made their voice and needs heard. VT PoC is currently drafting a final report inclusive of survey and listening session data. Non-affinity based listening sessions were available through Main Street Alliance of Vermont who will also offer a report.
Our Audience
Each listening session focused on a different business sector or region. We invited individuals who identified as BIPOC and own a small business, or are in the process of starting a small business, to join our listening sessions. We consider small business owners as:
- Entrepreneurs
- Owners of a micro-business
- Owners of brick and mortars
- Individuals with both formal / legally and informally established businesses
- Individuals with side hustles
Time Commitment
Listening sessions were approximately 90 minutes each. Participants are not limited to one session and were encouraged to sign up for each business sector and/or region that they are affiliated with.
Compensation
BIPOC small business owners are compensated $150 for each listening session as an acknowledgement of their efforts and time. Please note that compensation is based on full/active participation in the 90 minute discussion and the receipt of paperwork.
Listening Session Timeline
Registration was opened until one day before a listening session.
Past Sessions
BIPOC Makers + Creatives
Affinity Space: BIPOC Gender Specific – Check Registration Blurb
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
1:30-3:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Food Producers + Beverage Makers
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
10:30-12:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Lodging + Hospitality Business Owners
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
10:30-12:00pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Chittenden County
Affinity Space: BIPOC Gender Specific – Check Registration Blurb
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
12:30-2:00pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Chittenden County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
5:30-7:00pm
In-Person: Hula Lakeside
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Washington County
Affinity Space: BIPOC Gender Specific – Check Registration Blurb
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
12:30-2:00pm
In-Person: Zenbarn, Waterbury Center
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Washington County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
5:30-7:00pm
In-Person: Zenbarn, Waterbury Center
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Orange County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Monday, June 20, 2022
10:30am-12:00pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Orange County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Monday, June 20, 2022
10:30am-12:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Small Business Owners in the Northeast Kingdom
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
12:30-2:00pm
Zoom
CEDS: BIPOC Workforce Development in Rutland County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
11:30-1:00pm
In-Person: Rutland Free Library
CEDS: BIPOC Workforce Development in Rutland County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
4:30-6:00pm
In-Person: Rutland Free Library
BIPOC Business Owners in Bennington County
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
12:30-2:00pm
In-Person: Bennington Free Library
BIPOC Small Business Owners in STEM
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
1:30-3:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Small Business Owners in STEM
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
4:30-6:00pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in West/Central Vermont
Affinity Space: BIPOC Gender Specific – Check Registration Blurb
Thursday, July 14, 2022
10:30-12:00pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in West/Central Vermont
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Thursday, July 14, 2022
3:30-5:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Small Business Owners in Windham + Windsor
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
5:30-7:00pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Addison County
Affinity Space: BIPOC Gender Specific – Check Registration
Thursday, July 28, 2022
11:00-1:30pm
Virtual
CEDS Sponsored: BIPOC Workforce Development in Addison County
Affinity Space: Non-BIPOC
Thursday, July 28, 2022
3:30-5:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Small Business Sole Proprietors
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
1:30-3:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Small Business Owners in Franklin + Grand Isle
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
11:30-1:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Artists + Entertainers
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
1:30-3:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Outdoor + Sustainability Business Owners
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
10:30-12:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Retail Business Owners
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
10:30-12:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Budding Business Owners
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
10:30-12:00pm
Virtual
BIPOC Agriculture Business Owners
Affinity Space: BIPOC
Thursday, October 26, 2022
10:00-11:30am
Virtual
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