Internet Biz – 2010 has been organized by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) as a project of e-NEK, and in partnership with the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC).   This program aligns with VtSBDC’s mission to strengthen existing business entities and assist start-ups with high-quality, no-cost counseling and affordable training programs.  VCRD helps Vermont communities develop their capacity to create a prosperous and sustainable future through coordination, collaboration, and the effective use of public and private resources.  One of VCRD’s initiatives is the Rural Broadband Project which helps Vermont communities with their efforts to obtain and use broadband service.  One component of the Rural Broadband Project is e-NEK, which was formed to assist Northeast Kingdom communities, businesses and individuals make greater use of Internet technologies through counseling and education.    Internet Biz – 2010 is one of several e-NEK activities.  Additional information about e-NEK is available at www.e-NEK.com.

Major funding for e-NEK is provided by a grant from USDA Rural Development.  However, Internet Biz – 2010 could not have been developed without the financial support of the sponsors and other donors who donated the funds that will be awarded as cash prizes for the contest.

Additional support also came from a steering committee that helped guide the formation of Internet Biz – 2010.  Individuals who participated in steering committee activities included:

  • Lenae Quillen-Blume, State Director  -  VT Small Business Development Center
  • Al & Laura Duey, Project Managers  -  Vermont Council on Rural Development e-NEK Project
  • Jethro Hayman, Strategic Director  -  Northeast Kingdom Information Associates
  • Tracey Holbrook, Regional Vice President  -  Union Bank
  • Patrick Martell, Consultant  -  Al’s Snowmobile Parts and others
  • Susan Mazza, Business Development Specialist  -  U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Steve Patterson, Executive Director  -  Northeast Vermont Development Association
  • Brenda Plastridge, Procurement Counselor  -  VT Procurement Technical Assistance Center
  • David Shearer, Indirect Lending  -  Passumpsic Savings Bank