Inclusion & Diversity Workshops for Vermont Startups
Inclusion & Diversity Workshops for Vermont Startups, Business Community to be Held August 19 + 26
Burlington, VT (August 13, 2020) – To advance anti-racist business in Vermont, the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) will host two workshops on workplace inclusion and diversity led by the Kauffman Foundation-funded Aleria Research. The workshops target startups and small businesses providing them with a foundation of research-backed rationale on why diverse workplaces have a competitive advantage, and how measuring inclusion is critical for long-term success. The events will be held on consecutive Wednesdays, August 19 and August 26, via Zoom and are free to all members of Vermont’s business community. Additional information and registration can be found at vcet.co/events.
“Our entrepreneurs are moving from ‘listening and learning’ to the real work of building anti-racist businesses,” said Phoebe Lo, director of operations and culture at VCET. “We are committed not only to our own progress as an organization, but also to the progress of our members and the entire Vermont business community in building companies that support racial justice, equity, and belonging.”
Participants of the hour-long workshops will receive access to Aleria’s Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit, and a list of recommended policies, practices, and initiatives for building workplace inclusivity.
“Measuring and quantifying both diversity and inclusion is vital for successful companies and startups,” says Paolo Gaudiano, Aleria’s co-founder and chief scientist. “These workshops are a great way to ensure equity and inclusion are inherent from the beginning.”
Regardless of business size or progress along the path toward equity, these events are open to all.
Details on the workshops:
The Better Startup Workshop
Wednesday, August 19, 12-1pm ET
What you’ll learn:
In this workshop attendees will discover how to leverage inclusion and diversity as a competitive advantage; learn where to find talent from diverse backgrounds; understand ways to make a company or startup a more inclusive and welcoming environment; and discuss how this work can impact growth, retention, and the ability to succeed.
What you’ll get:
- Access to Aleria’s D&I toolkit, which includes an extensive directory of resources to help you identify talent from many different backgrounds.
- Specific policies, benefits, and initiatives that make a workspace more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
To register for this free workshop, please RSVP here.
Startup Inclusion Workshop
Wednesday, August 26, 12-1PM ET
What you’ll learn:
Building upon the foundational concepts shared in the Better Startup Workshop, this workshop dives deeper into the value and importance of workplace inclusion. While focused on startups, much of the material in this session will benefit companies of any size and maturity. Attendees will learn why inclusion is key to success; how to create an inclusive culture and environment that will increase performance, create happier and more loyal employees, and help attract and retain a more diverse team.
What you’ll get:
- Tools and activities to help define and measure inclusion.
- Tips and resources for growing a successful and happy company.
To register for this free workshop, please RSVP here.
About VCET
Accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship, the non-profit Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) provides expert business mentoring, technology, professional networking, two coworking and accelerator facilities in Middlebury and Burlington, innovation programs, and early stage venture capital. VCET manages the Vermont Seed Capital Fund, LP, a revolving $5 million venture capital investment fund. In 2013, VCET was named #11 globally and #5 in the U.S. by the UBI Index. Follow @VCET and visit vcet.co/podcast to listen and subscribe to VCET’s Start Here podcast.
About Aleria Research
Aleria Research Corp (ARC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded by the Kauffman Foundation, that leverages scientific research to drive greater inclusion and equality in our society.
Press Contact
Sam Roach-Gerber, Vice President
Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies
413-519-6251
