The Financial Pulse: Stories from Vermont’s Business Frontlines

Join us at Hula for a day of financial learning, connection, and storytelling from leaders on the frontlines of Vermont’s business landscape.

Presented by EastRise, this in-person event will provide valuable insights from industry experts, and an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re a business professional or business owner, the sessions will help to guide you to the next step in achieving your financial goals.

The event is free and includes complimentary breakfast, lunch, and free parking.

Sign up for one session, or stay for the whole day. It's up to you!

8:00 am - 9:00 am: Session 1 (Case Study) Rooted in Reality: Tackling Vermont's Business Challenges - Register below
9:30 am - 10:30 am: Session 2 (Panel Discussion) Navigating the Financial Forces Shaping Business Today - Register below

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Session 3 (Storytelling) Cord by Cord, Nail by Nail: Community at the Core - Register below

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Networking Lunch

12:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Session 4 One-On-One Expert Sessions - Registration will be on the day of the event

4:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Session 5 Networking, Cocktails, and Trivia - No registration required

Info: In this hands-on session, participants will dive into a case study based on a local small business facing complex financial challenges. Together, we’ll explore a multifaceted scenario that touches on critical issues such as:

Business location and sustainability, accessing capital with limited or no credit, navigating financial products and services and managing cash flow effectively.

Through collaborative problem solving, participants will develop practical, community-driven solutions that reflect the realities of small business ownership in our region. This session is designed to increase awareness of local financial tools, services, and support systems—working alongside attendees to make informed decisions, and support economic resilience in our community.

Info: This panel brings together a diverse group of experts and entrepreneurs who aim to explore the financial forces shaping businesses today, including global economic shifts and local challenges. Attendees will gain access to timely insights on fraud, credit, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends. There will be opportunities to ask questions and hear perspectives from both state-level leaders, and business owners living these realities.
Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or community advocate, this session offers a rare chance to engage directly with thought leaders and professionals who understand the complexities of today’s financial environment.
Panelists Include:
Mike Pieciak – Vermont State Treasurer
Matt Barewicz – Economist, Vermont Department of Labor
Tinotenda Charles Rutanhira – Executive Director, VTPoC
Sam Reed – Fraud Expert
Ethan Cunningham - SVP of Strategy and Technology​​
Deanna Jones - Business Entrepreneur
Facilitated by Rob Miller

Info: In this session, two storytellers will share how they navigate their business with deep-rooted partnerships and community support.

Eric Axelrod, Founder and Executive Director of Wood4Good, will share the journey of building a Chittenden County wood bank that provides free firewood to Vermonters. With demand often exceeding supply, Wood4Good’s mission is fueled by the generosity and dedication of its community partners.

Rebekah Stephens is Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Rutland. She will share her story of success of becoming the first Executive Director at this organization and the impact that strong partnerships have had on the organizations ability to build homes in Vermont.

Info: Sign up on the day of the conference to sit with an EastRise expert to get answers to your questions. Each session will be 15 minutes and be your chance to chat one-on-one with an expert in Financial Counseling, Mortgages, Business Lending, and Investing from EastRise. Bring your questions and get ready to level up to reach the next step in your financial journey.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hula, 50 Lakeside Avenue, Burlington, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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