Invest In Southwest

Vermont

Building the future of The Shires through philanthropy, partnership, and economic leadership.

WHY INVEST IN SOUTHWESTERN VT?

Why Southwestern Vermont?

“For us, the Town of Bennington (in Southwestern Vermont) made sense strategically and geographically. Proximity mattered for operational support, and the investment from national brands on the commercial drive signaled strong traffic, consumer activity, and growth.”

Tom Hoffman, Jr.
CEO of Hoffman Development / Hoffman Car Wash

A smiling middle-aged man with short, graying hair, wearing a blue collared shirt, standing outdoors with green trees and a blue sky in the background.

A new chapter for The Shires begins here.

Red covered bridge with white trim over a narrow road surrounded by green trees and hills in the background.

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation is dedicated to accelerating opportunity, investment, and long-term economic vitality across our region through workforce development, entrepreneurship, leadership, research, and community reinvestment.

Together, we are building a stronger future for the people, businesses, and communities of Southwestern Vermont.

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Explore Our Priorities
Invest in the Region

Why Southwestern Vermont?

Street view of a shopping area with shops and benches, surrounded by trees with fall foliage, and a gray overcast sky.

Southwestern Vermont is a region rich in character, creativity, and commitment.

From vibrant downtowns and small businesses to cultural destinations, outdoor recreation, healthcare leadership, and entrepreneurial growth, our communities are built on resilience and collaboration.

Like many rural regions, we are navigating real challenges:

  • workforce shortages

  • an aging population

  • housing constraints

  • small business succession

  • pressure on nonprofits and municipalities

At the same time, we see tremendous opportunity.

Growing interest in place-based living, remote work, entrepreneurship, tourism, and community-rooted investment is creating a new path forward for The Shires.

The Foundation exists to help turn that opportunity into lasting progress.

Map of southwestern Vermont with travel distances and times to nearby cities, including Burlington, NY, Albany, New York City, Concord, NH, Boston, and others.

Why Southwestern Vermont?

"The Bank of Bennington is proud to support the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation and its mission to strengthen our local economy. The Foundation’s dedication to fostering leadership and economic opportunity aligns perfectly with our own commitment to the people and businesses of this region. Together, we are building a more resilient, vibrant, and prosperous Southwestern Vermont”

Jim Brown
President of The Bank of Bennington

Our Focus Areas

  • Two women walking down a sidewalk in Bennington, Vermont, near a sign for The Bank of Bennington, with trees and parked cars along the street.

    Workforce Development & Talent Attraction

    Supporting skills training, career pathways, professional development, and relocation strategies that attract and retain workers, families, and future leaders.

  • Exterior of a light blue building with white trim and a round sign that reads 'Northshire Bookstore', surrounded by lush green bushes and trees, with mountains in the background.

    Entrepreneurship & Business Vitality

    Expanding access to mentorship, education, startup resources, and succession support for new and growing businesses across Southwestern Vermont.

  • Man fishing in a river with a fishing rod.

    Destination Marketing & Regional Identity

    Strengthening The Shires of Southwestern Vermont brand through regional storytelling, tourism promotion, placemaking, and year-round visitor engagement.

  • A woman speaks at a podium during a conference or event in a wooden hall with seated attendees listening.

    Leadership & Community Capacity

    Investing in emerging leaders, nonprofit professionals, civic volunteers, and cross-sector collaboration that strengthens our communities.

  • A vintage two-story store named Sherman’s Store with gas pumps in front and autumn trees in the background.

    Research, Data & Regional Insight

    Delivering research, analytics, and actionable regional intelligence to help employers, municipalities, and partners make informed decisions.

  • Aerial view of a small town street lined with trees and houses, surrounded by green wooded hills and mountains in the background, with the sun casting shadows from the trees.

    Community Development & Placemaking

    Supporting housing opportunity, downtown revitalization, and community-centered development that strengthens our communities.

Always Onward

Core Values & Guiding Principles


Progress
We exist to accelerate the economic, educational, and community vitality of Southwestern Vermont - going further and faster. We prioritize bold ideas, transformative initiatives, and long-term investments that move the region decisively forward.

Stewardship
We honor the trust placed in us by donors, community partners, and the public. We manage resources responsibly, act transparently, and ensure every investment strengthens the region’s economy, workforce, and quality of life.

Collaboration
We believe progress is only possible through partnership. We convene businesses, nonprofits, educators, government, and philanthropy to work together toward shared goals.

Our Enterprise Partners

  • Logo of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation featuring a circular emblem with a road, hills, and buildings, and the text 'Southwestern Vermont Chamber Foundation' beneath.

  • Logo of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce featuring a stylized landscape with a river, hills, and buildings.

  • Logo with the words "live VT" and a hand pointing up, with additional text "work live play in southwestern VT".

  • Logo of a barn with the text "The Shires of Southwestern Vermont" underneath.

  • Logo for Shires Young Professionals featuring a stylized landscape with sun, trees, and hills, and text reading 'Shires Young Professionals' with the words 'Engage, Emerge, Empower' beneath.

  • Logo for Bennington Welcome Center featuring mountains, sunrise, and circular text.