Brattleboro, Vermont – The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is joining forces with HatchSpace, a community workshop and woodworking school in downtown Brattleboro, to host a special business-solutions event for all local businesses – whether you know your way around a saw or not. This event will be a mash-up with HatchSpace’s popular monthly Meet-Up Nights and BDCC’s popular BizConnect Series, creating a dynamic atmosphere for connection and collaboration among entrepreneurial-minded attendees. It will take place at HatchSpace, located at 22 High Street on the 3rd floor, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. While the setting highlights the creative energy of the woodworking center, this event emphasizes the business side of running any enterprise– based in wood or otherwise.
This unique event is designed to bring together businesses of all types – from retail and restaurants to tech and trades – to explore shared challenges and discover collaborative solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, learn from each other’s experiences, and discover new resources available in the region.
In a recent Shopify-Gallup Entrepreneurship study it was identified that, “About six in 10 owners say prior industry experience (60%) and personal encouragement from people they know (57%) were among the best resources helping them get started in business, while 29% mention personal or community networks such as mentors or chambers of commerce.” This is an opportunity to gain that support locally or help lend your encouragement and expertise to others looking to grow.
The evening will feature a short (10 min) presentation from a local startup, McLoughlin Designs, that has successfully leveraged both HatchSpace and BDCC resources to fuel their business development. Founder and product designer, Mary McLoughlin, will share her journey, including the struggles and successes they encountered, from initial business planning and marketing to the intricacies of patent creation for her recent line of children’s toys. This real-world example will highlight the power of local resources and inspire attendees to explore similar pathways for their own businesses.
Following the presentation, facilitated networking will take place, designed to help business owners of all industries identify local and unique resources that meet their specific needs. This interactive session will encourage attendees to connect with each other and share insights, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can find valuable support.
HatchSpace, a vibrant hub for woodworking and creative pursuits, offers classes, workshops, and fully-equipped maker spaces. This joint BDCC and HatchSpace event provides a valuable opportunity to network, share solutions, and explore potential collaborations within the High Street building and the broader Brattleboro business community. It’s a chance to discover how the resources and connections fostered at HatchSpace and at the BDCC can be a valuable addition to your business development toolkit, regardless of your industry.
The event is free, and refreshments will be provided. Registration is encouraged and can be completed at https://brattleborodevelopment.com/bizconnect/.
About HatchSpace
HatchSpace is a private, nonprofit community workshop and woodworking school in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont whose mission is to provide access to the tools and training that help people develop creative confidence and build the things they love, including careers in the trades and crafts. Since its founding in 2019, HatchSpace has enrolled more than 1,400 students and supports a member community of over 150 people at our 9,000 square foot facility in the heart of Brattleboro. HatchSpace serves the growing call for the return of industrial arts training to our rural communities, and for expanding Vermont’s strong tradition of craft and forestry product innovations to new audiences. For more information, visit www.hatchspace.org.
About BDCC
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization with the mission of investing in the drivers of the regional economy so that people, businesses, and communities in Southern Vermont can thrive. BDCC serves as the State of Vermont’s certified Regional Development Corporation (RDC) for the greater Windham County area (including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Winhall, and Weston). BDCC is one of 12 RDCs throughout Vermont. BDCC activity is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. For more information visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/
