Many rural Vermont organizations face persistent barriers to growth, such as limited staffing and lack of access to affordable technical expertise. Small businesses and nonprofits often operate without the marketing support, data systems, or strategic planning needed to compete in a changing economy. These challenges are especially pronounced in underserved and geographically isolated counties, where innovation networks and skilled talent can be harder to reach.

At the same time, Vermont graduates frequently leave the state due to limited opportunities for real-world experience and meaningful professional development. Although UVM students bring strong skills in business, technology, communications, and design, there are few structured pathways connecting them with the needs of rural enterprises. As a result, rural businesses lack the support they need, and Vermont risks losing emerging talent that could strengthen its future workforce.

The Vermont Innovation Accelerator (VIA) will strengthen the capacity of rural organizations by embedding multidisciplinary teams of paid UVM students in consulting projects throughout the state. Students will support businesses and nonprofits in areas such as business strategy, digital marketing, data analysis, technology adoption, and operations improvement. 

Each project will be co-designed with the partner organization to ensure deliverables address real needs. Student teams will be guided by faculty mentors, MBA advisors, and professional coaches who bring technical expertise and industry perspective.

VIA represents a statewide collaboration between UVM Innovations, Vermont’s coworking and innovation hubs, and rural businesses seeking support. UVM Innovations will oversee program administration, partnership development, and impact evaluation, while students will be recruited through coordination with the UVM Career Center. Through this, the Vermont Innovation Accelerator aims to deliver measurable outcomes for rural businesses while cultivating the next generation of Vermont’s leaders.

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