BURLINGTON, Vt. — A new study is revealing some of the challenges facing many businesses owned by people of color in Vermont, and the difficulties they are facing in remaining open.
The research, which was conducted by Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VTPOC) and the Main Street Alliance, surveyed nearly 500 businesses.
You can read the full report here.
About 90 businesses surveyed were owned by people of color.
The research identified several obstacles, including a lack of access to start-up loans, investments or generational wealth, and even child care.
The 2021 Vermont Small Business Environment Assessment For Underrepresented Communities was part of a Community Navigator pilot program at the Vermont Small Business Development Center and was funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The insight provided by the results will be used by VTPOC to get ahead of some of the hurdles aspiring business owners of color could come across.
