Vermont's Business Assistance Team
Our economic development team is just a call or email away.
We’re here to assist your business and can direct you toward the many state programs and incentives that help businesses thrive.
In addition, the Vermont Legislature and the office of Governor Phil Scott are some of the most easily accessible political bodies in the nation. State and local chambers of commerce as well as regional development centers are positioned around Vermont in an effort to assist businesses with any other problem that arises.
Commissioner of Economic Development
Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development
Brownfields remediation and Northern Border Program
Entrepreneurship and tech commercialization
Captive insurance
Government contracting
Businesses moving to Vermont, business expansion, and site location
Vermont Training Program (VTP)
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Joan Goldstein
Commissioner
Vermont Department of Economic Development
Joan Goldstein has been Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development since April of 2015 – initially appointed by Governor Shumlin and reappointed by Governor Scott. During that time, she has built a multi-talented team of professionals with varied expertise across sectors including financial, technology, small business, and government. She has particular interest in advancing the state’s
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entrepreneurial activities, while implementing the covid-19 relief and recovery investment programs. Prior to her appointment to commissioner she spent six years as Executive Director of the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC). Under her tenure the regional development corporation for Northern Windsor and Orange counties was able to diversify services with real estate investments, brownfields and flood recovery grants, and innovative workforce development projects and programs. Prior to GMEDC, Goldstein worked as a small business advisor for the Vermont Small Businesses Development Center. Before moving to Vermont from New York City 16 years ago, Joan spent many years in the financial services industry at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse in a variety of international sales, marketing, client relationship, and project management roles in the correspondent banking, equity capital markets, and private banking areas. She previously held Series 7,63, and 24 securities and NYS insurance licenses. Joan serves and has previously served on many municipal, non profit, and for profit boards including selectboard, Gifford Health Care, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, and Mascoma Bank. In her leisure, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and riding on rail trails.
(802) 272-2399
Brett Long
Vermont Department of Economic Development
As Deputy Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development, Brett oversees the Department’s economic development and workforce programs, including business recruitment. Brett also manages a grant from the US Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation that helps defense-related businesses across New England develop new capabilities.
(802) 461-9353
Kristie Farnham
Kristie is the Program Manager for the State Brownfields Revitalization Fund. She also serves as the Vermont State Program Manager for the Northern Border Regional Commission. Kristie’s career in state government began in 1999. She joined our team in 2016, and is a lifelong Vermonter.
(802) 398-5268
John Young
Director
Vermont Training Program
John manages the Vermont Training Program, a workforce development grant program that helps businesses address needs, including training for new equipment or process changes. John visits over 100 businesses a year and facilitates 30-50 cross-sector grant applications.
A lifelong Vermonter, John grows giant pumpkins for competitions all over New England.
(802) 355-2725
Nick Grimley
Director of Entrepreneurship & Tech Commercialization
Vermont Department of Economic Development
Nick’s work drives entrepreneurship and tech commercialization in Vermont. A co-founder of LaunchVT, Nick brings entrepreneurship and ecosystem building to the table. He was Director of Business Development at Vermont Teddy Bear and has a decade’s experience in risk management and problem-solving. Nick is an avid skier and fly fisherman.
(802) 798-2328
Brittany Nevins
Captive Insurance Economic Development Director
Brittany is responsible for the marketing and business development of Vermont’s captive insurance industry, working to strengthen the state’s reputation as the premier captive insurance domicile. Brittany has supported various industries and received a MA in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute and an undergraduate from the University of Vermont.
(802) 398-5192
Joanne Spaulding
Director
Vermont APEX Accelerator (Formerly VT PTAC)
Joanne has been with the Vermont APEX Accelerator (Formerly VT PTAC) since 2004, helping Vermont businesses find government contracting opportunities. Joanne is a member of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers and the Department of Defense Northeast Regional Council. Joanne lives in Central Vermont with her husband and daughters.
(802) 522-9135
Tim Tierney
Director of Business Recruitment and International Trade
Vermont Department of Economic Development
Tim oversees the Vermont Global Trade Partnership, helping businesses broaden the reach of products and exports. He works with trade partners to boost foreign investment within Vermont and helps regional development directors encourage business growth. Tim serves as a member of the State International Development Organizations and the Eastern Trade Council.
(802) 505-5496
Sara De Filippi
Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement
Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
Sara De Filippi overseas the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program and manages the Think Vermont Regional Relocation Network, a group of partners around the state who respond to inquires from people interested in moving to Vermont via our Connect with a Vermonter form.
(802) 272-2633
Daegan Goodman
Senior Economic Development Specialist & State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Manager
Vermont Department of Economic Development
Daegan manages Vermont’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. STEP supports Vermont businesses to engage internationally, through trade missions, trade shows and export education. Vermont’s STEP objective is to increase the overall number of small business exporters and increase their export sales with a focus on relationship development, export planning, and job creation.