Five Core Impact Areas

1. Entrepreneurship, Business Attraction & Economic Vitality

We nurture the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, support small business development, and actively attract new, compatible businesses that enhance the region’s long-term economic resilience. The Chamber Foundation will partner with employers, investors, real estate leaders, and regional organizations to draw economic activity that aligns with Southwestern Vermont’s identity, workforce capacity, and future industries.

Intended impacts:

• New business creation, retention, and expansion

• Increased attraction of economically viable, strategically aligned businesses

• Strengthened support systems for entrepreneurs and start-ups

• Greater diversification of the regional economy

• Enhanced competitiveness and visibility of Southwestern Vermont as a place to invest and grow

2. Workforce Development, Talent Pipeline & Relocation Support

We invest in initiatives that strengthen the region’s talent base - supporting not only training, upskilling, youth engagement, and employer-driven workforce solutions, but also the attraction and retention of young working families who contribute to the long-term vitality of Southwestern Vermont.

In alignment with the Chamber’s GROW initiatives, the Chamber Foundation will support programs that help prospective residents understand the benefits of living in Southwestern Vermont, connect them to employers, and integrate them into the community once they arrive.

Intended impacts:

• Stronger entry-level and mid-career pipelines into high-demand industries

• Increased relocation of young working families attracted by job opportunities, quality of life, and community support

• Higher retention of emerging talent through mentorship, leadership pathways, and skill-building programs

• Enhanced alignment among employers, educators, training partners, and community organizations

• Reduced workforce barriers through career navigation support, childcare partnerships, housing resources, and newcomer integration

• A more diverse, skilled, and future-ready labor force contributing to a resilient local economy

3. Civic Engagement, Social Capital & Regional Identity

We create opportunities for people and organizations to connect, collaborate, and lead - building the trust, social infrastructure, and shared identity essential for a healthy, resilient, and forward-moving community.

In addition to civic convening and leadership efforts, the Chamber Foundation will support initiatives in travel, tourism, and major regional events that strengthen community pride, attract visitors, and enhance the region’s reputation as a vibrant place to experience.

These efforts help build social capital not only among residents but also between the region and its visitors, contributing to long-term economic vitality and population growth.

Intended impacts:

• Increased collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit sectors

• Stronger civic leadership pipeline and pathways for emerging leaders

• Expanded community pride through destination marketing, storytelling, and signature annual events

• Attraction of new visitors, new residents, and potential investors who deepen regional social capital

• A more connected, engaged, and solution-oriented community with a shared sense of place

4. Education, Skill-Building & Leadership Development

We expand access to education that advances economic mobility, leadership capacity, and community resilience. By investing in high-quality learning opportunities - from workforce training to leadership institutes - we help individuals grow in their careers, strengthen the organizations they serve, and deepen their ties to Southwestern Vermont.

These initiatives not only develop talent locally but also make the region more attractive to future residents by signaling that Southwestern Vermont is a place where people can learn, lead, and advance.

Intended impacts:

• High-quality leadership training for new and emerging leaders as a mechanism for retention and relocation

• Accessible and affordable learning opportunities for employees, jobseekers, and community members

• Strengthened organizational capacity across nonprofits, small businesses, and community institutions

• Increased confidence, skills, and engagement among individuals who drive community and economic progress

5. Community Research, Data & Regional Storytelling

We serve as a trusted source for data, analysis, and compelling narratives that help guide planning, investment, and community decision-making. By building a research and storytelling function within the Chamber Foundation, we provide leaders across the region with the insights they need to make informed, future-oriented choices.

This work strengthens the Chamber’s ability to advocate effectively, shapes regional strategies on everything from housing to workforce to marketing, and positions Southwestern Vermont as a community that understands itself, its opportunities, and its challenges. Through both quantitative data and qualitative storytelling, we highlight the trends, opportunities, and lived experiences that define our region - ultimately helping shape investments, policies, and initiatives that move the region forward.

Intended impacts:

• High-quality, timely regional data that is easily accessible to decision-makers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors

• Better-informed public policy and economic development strategies rooted in research, community voice, and regional priorities

• Stronger regional brand identity and sense of place through authentic storytelling, research-backed messaging, and compelling narratives

• Increased credibility and influence for both the Chamber and the Chamber Foundation as conveners, analysts, and thought leaders

• A clearer understanding of regional challenges and opportunities that helps drive smart investments, business growth, and long-term community planning