Comprehensive guide to Vermont's chambers of commerce, business associations, and economic development organizations serving the Green Mountain State's business community.
Counties Served
Regional Chambers
Member Businesses
Networking Events
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce serves as the preeminent not-for-profit business organization in the state, advocating for businesses of all sizes and sectors. Trusted by the businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible, the Chamber prioritizes collaboration and upholds the core values that define the Green Mountain State.
Addressing Vermont's critical workforce shortage through advocacy and partnerships
Supporting business resiliency and sustainable economic growth statewide
Advocating for housing policy reforms to support Vermont's workforce
The Vermont Chamber provides data-driven, member-informed advocacy on critical business issues including:
Mission: Vermont's largest business organization serving Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties with 2,500+ member businesses.
Mission: Promoting membership and the local trade area to increase prosperity, support entrepreneurs, and grow employment in central Vermont.
Mission: Serving as your front door to the Rutland and Killington Regions, supporting businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Mission: Leading business and community organization in Windham County, promoting the region as the ideal place to live, work, visit, and do business.
Mission: Promoting, leading, and advocating a unified effort that supports the success of business and nonprofit members across southwestern Vermont.
Seven tiered membership levels with bundled benefits ranging from Core ($200) to Connector ($350) and beyond, offering networking, visibility, and learning opportunities.
Mission: Marketing and selling the natural beauty of Stowe, its cultural and recreational opportunities, while enhancing the visitor experience and quality of life for residents.
Destination Stewardship: Balancing visitor needs with environmental and community sustainability
Sustainability: Long-term organizational and staff success through sustainable practices
Membership Growth: Attracting new members and enhancing engagement with valuable programs
Mission: Central convener, connector, and catalyst for rural economic and community development in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.
Mission: Promoting Addison County as a tourism destination while providing referrals to member businesses and supporting the business community.
Mission: Serving the White River Valley Region of Vermont, including communities in Orange County.
Since 1992, VtSBDC has provided professional expertise and friendly guidance to thousands of business owners statewide through no-fee, confidential, one-to-one business advising.
The Department of Economic Development offers programs, incentives, and resources to support business success across Vermont.
Vermont Economic Development Authority - statewide finance lender providing business and farm loans since 1974
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive - performance-based cash incentives for job creation, payroll, and capital investment
Partners with employers for workforce development grants covering pre-employment, new hire, and incumbent worker training
BDCC provides expertise and resources for business growth in Southeastern Vermont, offering guidance in business planning, financing, and workforce development.
Vermont chambers of commerce provide comprehensive support to member businesses across the state. Membership benefits typically include:
For most small and medium-sized businesses, annual chamber membership costs approximately the same as a monthly cell phone bill or car payment. Membership tiers vary by chamber, with options ranging from $200 to $350+ depending on business size and desired benefits. Contact your local chamber for specific pricing and tier options.
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce offers two nationally recognized ServSafe® certification programs supporting food safety excellence in commercial kitchens.
Designed for: Kitchen staff
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Assessment: 40-question exam
Certificate: Valid for 3 years
Topics: Basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination, allergens, time/temperature control, cleaning and sanitation
Designed for: Chefs and kitchen managers
Duration: 6 hours of course material
Assessment: 90-question certification exam
Topics: HACCP principles, safe food preparation, receiving and storage, food safety regulations, comprehensive management training
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is the state's preeminent not-for-profit business organization, providing statewide advocacy, policy influence, and business resources across all of Vermont. Regional chambers like the Lake Champlain Chamber, Rutland Region Chamber, and Brattleboro Chamber serve specific geographic areas with localized networking, member services, and community-focused programs.
The state chamber focuses on legislative advocacy at the state level, working with policymakers on issues like property tax reform, workforce development, and economic recovery. Regional chambers provide hands-on local support including networking events, business referrals, tourism promotion, and community event coordination.
Many businesses choose to join both their local regional chamber for community connections and the Vermont Chamber for statewide advocacy and larger policy impact.
Chamber membership costs vary by organization and business size. For most small and medium-sized businesses, annual membership fees are comparable to a monthly cell phone bill or car payment, typically ranging from $200 to $500+ per year.
Typical pricing structure:
The Southwestern Vermont Chamber, for example, offers seven tiered membership levels with bundled benefits. Many chambers provide discounts for nonprofits, early-stage startups, and multi-year memberships.
Contact your local chamber directly for specific pricing tailored to your business size and needs. Investment often pays for itself through referrals, networking connections, and cost savings on group insurance and business services.
Choose your chamber based on your business location, industry, and goals:
Geographic Location:
Multi-chamber membership: Many businesses join both their local regional chamber for community networking and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce for statewide advocacy and policy influence. Tourism-focused businesses often join their local chamber plus destination marketing organizations.
Visit chamber websites, attend a mixer as a guest, and speak with current members before deciding. Most chambers welcome prospective members to events to experience the community before joining.
Vermont chambers provide extensive business resources including:
Direct Chamber Services:
Partner Programs:
Training & Certification:
Cost Savings:
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce leads statewide business advocacy through data-driven, member-informed policy work:
2024 Legislative Advocacy Achievements:
Ongoing Advocacy Focus Areas:
Chambers monitor legislation, provide testimony, organize member advocacy days at the State House, and facilitate direct interaction between business owners and elected officials including state representatives, senators, and the governor.
Vermont chambers offer extensive networking opportunities designed to build business relationships and community connections:
Regular Networking Events:
Signature Events:
Professional Development:
Informal Connections:
Most chambers host 12-20+ networking events annually, providing consistent opportunities to build relationships, generate referrals, and establish your business presence in the community.
Yes! Vermont chambers offer affordable membership tiers specifically designed for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs:
Startup-Friendly Membership Options:
Return on Investment for Startups:
Startup-Specific Resources:
For a business investing $200-$350 annually, the combination of referrals, education, networking, and credibility typically delivers 3-10x return on investment in the first year alone.
The Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) is a statewide program providing no-fee, confidential business advising and training services to Vermont small businesses and entrepreneurs since 1992.
VtSBDC Core Services:
Partnership with Chambers:
VtSBDC works closely with Vermont chambers of commerce to deliver comprehensive business support:
How to Access VtSBDC Services:
Cost: All VtSBDC advising is completely free. Workshops and training seminars are offered at low cost (typically $20-$50).
This partnership between chambers and VtSBDC creates a comprehensive support ecosystem where chambers provide networking and advocacy while SBDC delivers specialized technical business assistance - all designed to help Vermont businesses start, grow, thrive, and transition successfully.
Joining a Vermont chamber of commerce is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Research Your Options
Step 2: Attend Events as a Guest
Step 3: Choose Your Membership Tier
Step 4: Complete Application
Step 5: Activate Your Membership
Quick Contact Links:
Tip: Membership is typically annual (January-December or rolling 12 months from join date). Some chambers prorate fees if joining mid-year.
Vermont chambers partner with state agencies to connect businesses with economic development incentives and programs:
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI)
Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)
Vermont Training Program (VTP)
Vermont Baby Bond Pilot Program
Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
BIPOC Business Support
Regional Loan Funds
How Chambers Help: Vermont chambers provide critical navigation assistance for these programs through advocacy, referrals to program administrators, application support, and ongoing education about program changes and opportunities. Contact your regional chamber or the Vermont Chamber for guidance on which programs best fit your business needs.
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Last updated on November 27, 2025