Highly Trusted Business Advising at No Cost to Founders

Our advising is tailored specifically to founders who are eager to start and scale their companies here in Vermont. We are comfortable working with everyone from aspiring founders in the ideation stage, to serial founders plotting their next exit. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you win.

Why Choose our Business Advising Services?

Expertise You Can Trust: Our team consists of seasoned business advisors with decades of experience across various industries. Their expertise spans strategic planning, market analysis, financial management, capital formation and operational efficiency, ensuring you receive well-rounded, experienced support.

Who we can help: We are narrowly and expertly focused on scalable tech or tech-enabled companies. We do not work with restaurants, retail or real estate companies. We are not a great fit for brick and mortar businesses, solo entrepreneurs building lifestyle companies, or consulting firms (although we love and admire them!). For these businesses, we recommend advising with our friends over at the Vermont Small Business Development (VtSBDC) or mentorship through SCORE.

Flexible, Personalized Approach: We understand that every business is unique. Our advisors take the time to understand your specific needs, goals, and challenges, and meet you where you’re at, with what you’ve got. This personalized approach ensures that the advice you receive is tailored to your business, maximizing your chances of success.

Comprehensive Support: From crafting a compelling business strategy, to navigating the complexities of fundraising, our advisors are equipped to provide guidance on all aspects of your startup journey from start to scale..

Proven Track Record: Our advisors have a proven track record of helping startups achieve significant milestones. They’ve successfully guided numerous startups from conception to exit. Many of the businesses we’ve advised have gone on to secure substantial funding, enter new markets, and achieve sustainable growth. Our success is measured by your success.

No Cost to You: We believe that access to quality business advice should not be a financial burden. Our services are offered at no cost to founders, allowing you to invest your resources where they matter most—growing your business.

Talent Cloud

Since 2007, VCET has curated a “talent cloud” of top tier mentors who pay it forward, offering their time and talent to VCET clients and portfolio companies. This includes multiple members of our volunteer Board who have built, run, and sold billion dollar companies. Others are experts in sourcing state, federal, higher education and private resources to help you start, scale, sustain and sell your business. Our team works hard to carefully pair these mentors with the most promising startup founders in Vermont when they need it most. That’s how we help you win.

Meet your startup Advisors

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Dave

Dave Bradbury has dedicated his career to economic development and entrepreneurship in Vermont. He loves nothing more than digging into complex business ideas with scientists, engineers, and tech nerds to figure out a path to success. From the big picture to the nitty gritty, Dave can switch between strategy and tactics faster than he can switch from goofy to regular on his snowboard. His extensive network, which he’ll happily tap, ranges from investors to inventors and politicians to professors. A UVM alum with an MBA from Babson, Dave manages the VCET family of funds and has been president of VCET since 2007.

Sam

Sam Roach-Gerber’s super power is helping entrepreneurs find clarity and direction, and then working with them to cultivate the skills and confidence they need to move their business forward. If you see something insightful that makes you laugh out loud on the VCET platform, Sam probably wrote it. She’s quick, witty, approachable, and wicked smart. Sam received her undergraduate degree from Northeastern and her MBA from Champlain College. She joined the organization in 2016.

Nicole

Nicole Eaton is our in-house expert when it comes to student entrepreneurs. As a recent grad who helped commercialize multiple technologies out of the University of Vermont, Nicole knows what it takes for undergraduates to start a business in an academic setting, and take it to market. She is a digital marketing whiz, clean tech enthusiast, and a one woman hype squad. She has been a part of the team since 2022.