Randolph-based, century-old Green Mountain Glove (GMG) has been granted $6,330 from the State of Vermont’s Vermont Training Program (VTP).

This grant will allow GMG to train skilled leather sewers and meet increasing demand. More specifically, the company will develop and implement their own workforce processes congruent with robust quality assurance programs. The training will also position them to obtain ISO 9001 certification (International Standards Organization), which will enable them to break into new markets.

“We feel extremely lucky to own and operate our business in Vermont because there are so many resources on the state level designed to help small businesses like ours grow and positively impact on our economy, our employees, and our local community,” said GMG owner Sam Hooper.

GMG is one of the few companies that crafts work gloves in the United States. With higher productions costs, GMG strives to deliver on a quality over price model, which they believe is their competitive strength. The product boasts a heavy-duty quality material, so tough that it is hard to manipulate, and the absence of technology makes GMG brand gloves a labor-intensive product. Employing enough experienced industrial sewers is a challenge the VTP grant will address.

“The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is pleased to share this example of how the Vermont Training Program is accessible to small business,” said Commerce Secretary Michael Schirling. “You don’t have to employ hundreds of workers to be eligible for this type of funding nor do you have to be a high-tech, advanced manufacturer. Green Mountain Glove is focused on the handmade quality that Vermont artisan makers are known for.”