Success Story: Vermont
As our nation’s military fighting men and women finish their tours overseas or approach retirement from a career defending our country, many are now turning to entrepreneurship as a way to bridge the gap to full-fledged retirement. Kristine and Chad Jenkins, owners of Georgia Self Storage LLC in Georgia, Vermont are a fine example.
Chad recently began approaching his retirement from the military after many years in uniform, and knew he was ready for a new challenge. The recently opened rental storage facility located not far from Interstate 89 Exit 18 at 198 Morse Drive was the answer.
“We are veteran-owned, and family-run,” Chad said. We provide safe and secure storage options. We have 24-hour gated access and many different sized units,” he said.
But before he could get the storage facility up and running, Chad knew he needed some assistance and began researching online for what resources are available to Vermont entrepreneurs. He soon came across Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) Area Advisor Steve Densham. (more…)
Amy Cantin and Larinda Rainwater had been travel agents for over 20 years. They loved helping their clients and were successful, but were finding themselves increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs at the travel agency where they were both employed. They knew the logical next step would be to open their own travel agency, but that prospect was intimidating.
“The SBDC was a huge part of this success. They kept us dreaming,” said Gros. She re-imagined her vision to include several re-purposed containers that would convene the community through craft food and drinks. The SBDC then helped Kim with her financial projections, her lease agreements for her eight vendors, and assisted her in obtaining a loan for the project.