Home

Starting a Small Business in Vermont

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Vermont Franchise Directory! Here, you'll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in The Green Mountain State. If you're considering starting a small business in Vermont, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Vermont Franchise Search Tool.

Vermont Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Vermont economy's most significant industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Hospitals (Revenue: $3.2 billion)
Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue: $3.0 billion)
Tourism (Revenue: $3.0 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $2.8 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $2.8 billion)
Gas Stations with Convenience Stores (Revenue: $2.8 billion)
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores (Revenue: $2.6 billion)
Drug, Cosmetic & Toiletry Wholesaling (Revenue: $2.4 billion)
Soft Drinks, Baked Goods & Other Grocery Wholesaling (Revenue: $2.2 billion)
Colleges & Universities (Revenue: $2.0 billion)

Vermont Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Vermont, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and creating more jobs.

The three sectors that contributed most to Vermont's GDP in 2022 were Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; Healthcare & Social Assistance; and Manufacturing. Combined, these three sectors represented 40.4% of the state's GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Vermont's GDP included:

Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing (Value: $4.1 billion* | Annual growth: 1.2%)
Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $3.3 billion* | Annual growth: 0.1%)
Manufacturing (Value: $3.3 billion* | Annual growth: 4.3%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $2.5 billion* | Annual growth: 6.0%)
Retail Trade (Value: $2.2 billion* | Annual growth: -1.8%)
Finance & Insurance (Value: $1.6 billion* | Annual growth: 2.6%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $1.5 billion* | Annual growth: 0.9%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $1.3 billion* | Annual growth: 2.8%)
Information (Value: $1.0 billion* | Annual growth: 3.2%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $1.0 billion* | Annual growth: 8.4%)
Construction (Value: $893.9 million* | Annual growth: 1.3%)
Educational Services (Value: $573.7 million* | Annual growth: -8.4%)
Utilities (Value: $556.9 million* | Annual growth: -2.2%)
Other Services (except Public Administration) (Value: $550.9 million* | Annual growth: -2.5%)
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (Value: $514 million* | Annual growth: 23.3%)

*Approximately

Vermont Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. Doing so lets you decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Vermont included:

Chittenden (Population: 165,100 | Annual growth rate*: 0.2%)
Washington (Population: 58,300 | Annual growth rate*: N/A)
Rutland (Population: 57,000 | Annual growth rate*: -0.6%)
Windsor (Population: 54,800 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
Franklin (Population: 50,100 | Annual growth rate*: 0.4%)
Windham (Population: 41,500 | Annual growth rate*: -0.7%)
Addison (Population: 36,700 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
Bennington (Population: 35,000 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
Caledonia (Population: 29,400 | Annual growth rate*: -0.6%)
Orange (Population: 28,800 | Annual growth rate*: N/A)
Orleans (Population: 26,900 | Annual growth rate*: N/A)
Lamoille (Population: 25,300 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Grand Isle (Population: 7,200 | Annual growth rate*: 0.4%)
Essex (Population: 6,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Vermont Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Vermont economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The Green Mountain State! Starting a small business in Vermont is an exciting journey, and we know you're probably eager to get started. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you'll always have the "opportunity" to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called "Franchise Opportunities," and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Vermont below!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

Sort by

Expedia Cruises

Expedia Cruises is North America's Full-Service Leisure Travel Agency specializing in air, land, and sea vacations. Build equity and enjoy a great lifestyle with our proven franchise model with more than 30 years of success.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery

Rethinking Pet Grooming Join the Pack with Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakerys Amazing Opportunity Pet grooming has nearly doubled over the past decade. Rising pet ownership has driven the demand for pet grooming, boarding, training, and walking to an all-time high. Salty Dawg is seeking owners with an entrepreneurial spirit as well as sales, marketing, and/or retail experience. Inquire now to learn more and become an owner yourself

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Poolwerx

Backed by a global brand, Poolwerx partners can tap into the 7 billion swimming pool industry with multiple revenue streams including chemical, equipment, and retail sales plus year-round revenue from residential and commercial pool services like cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Scale your business with us as we rapidly expand our footprint across the US

$80,000 Min Cash Required

Minuteman Press

Own an Essential B2B Printing & Marketing Franchise with a proven business model, low inventory, work-life balance, great products & services that every business needs. No prior experience is needed. Be part of the modern printing industry.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

Proper Ecom

We build and manage Amazon stores for you. You bring the startup capital. We set up your store, add high-demand products, and handle everythinglistings, shipping, customer support, and growth. You own the store and keep the profits. We run the business behind the scenes for you.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

SiteSwan

Start your own web design business with SiteSwan. Create & sell websites to small businesses in your area with our easy-to-use, private label website builder. Set your own prices - keep 100 of the sales. Our turnkey platform is designed for anyone looking to sell websites to small businesses - no experience needed.

Starting a Small Business in Vermont