February 8 - 12, 2021 hosted virtually via Zoom Scroll down to watch the videos!
If there was ever a time to think creatively about putting capital to work to strengthen our local communities, the time is now. As we turn the chapter on a year that at times felt disorienting and chaotic, 2021 offers new opportunities to invest in Vermont’s future. To that end, the Vermont Community Foundation invites you to join us for a week of inspiration, learning, and networking, convened by some of the leading organizations in Vermont’s local investment ecosystem:
Brew up a cup of your favorite Vermont coffee and get a dose of inspiration to start the week (BYO breakfast). Dan Smith will give us a look into some of the most exciting and impactful investments in the Vermont Community Foundation portfolio, and share his observations on deal flow going into 2021. Cairn Cross of Fresh Tracks Capital will then share his reflections on the “State of the Vermont Investment Ecosystem,” including some emerging opportunities that have him excited. For those of you who remember the opening breakfast at the Vermont Investors Forum, you know that this session is not to be missed.
We encourage investors, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals, business writers and the media, students, and state legislators and governmental officials to attend.
Local Investing: What to Know and How to Start
Monday, February 8th, 5:00-6:15 p.m.
Conveners/Presenters: Janice St. Onge, Flexible Capital Fund; Matt Cropp, Vermont Solidarity Investing Club; Louisa Schibli, Milk Money
Interested in starting your local investment journey? This session will review key concepts, investment structures, and approaches to finding deals and collaborators, including intermediaries, networks, clubs, and crowdfunding platforms.
Closing a Capital Round in Vermont: A Behind the Scenes Look & Discussion
Tuesday, February 9th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Conveners/Presenters: Hula, Robert Lair, Tim Wall, Russ Scullly
An inside look at Hula's approach. This session will explore the importance of connectivity & community as it relates to Vermont's capital landscape.
Investing in Vermont: Using Place-Based Ownership to Keep Our Money Local
Wednesday, February 10th, 12:00-1:15 p.m.
Conveners/Presenters: Vermont Employee Ownership Center; Jim Feinson, Former Gardeners Supply CEO; Derek Razo, Purpose Ventures; Greg Brodsky, Start.Coop; Alan Matson, Vermont Solidarity Investing Club
Beyond policies or commitments, ownership controls company mission, impact, and values. This session explores the core concepts of, and how to invest in, three ownership models that keep companies rooted in mission and committed to communities.
After the Pitch: Aligning Investors and Entrepreneurs
Thursday, February 11th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Conveners/Presenters: John Antonucci, Launch VT; David Bradbury, VCET; Sam Roach-Gerber, VCET
This session examines the top questions, red flag issues, and due diligence steps facing founders and investors in closing an investment.
Local Investments, Tangible Results: Catalytic Community Revitalization Through Real Estate Development
Friday, February 12th, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Convener/Presenter: Skye Morse, M&S Development
What if you could invest in the future of your town? Skye Morse shares M&S Development’s philosophy and experience bringing Vermont communities and investors together in partnerships where everyone benefits.
Unconscious Bias in Investing and the Importance of Investing in Womxn
Friday, February 12th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Conveners/Presenters: Jessica Nordhaus, Change The Story VT and Louisa Schibli and Janice St. Onge, The Vermont Women's Investor Network
Join us for a session addressing unconscious bias in investing, why it's important, and action steps you can take. This session is appropriate for all investors or prospective investors who want to learn about the value of diversity and inclusion in investing.
If there was ever a time to think creatively about putting capital to work to strengthen our local communities, the time is now. As we turn the chapter on a year that at times felt disorienting and chaotic, 2021 offers new opportunities to invest in Vermont’s future. To that end, the Vermont Community Foundation invites you to join us for a week of inspiration, learning, and networking, convened by some of the leading organizations in Vermont’s local investment ecosystem: 
