Business in Brief: Dollar General hearing March 12

  Next DRB Hearing on Dollar General Set for March 12

The Development Review Board will reconvene its hearing for a conditional use permit for the Zaremba Group to build a 9,100-square-foot Dollar General store next to the Zachary’s Pizza House building at 7 p.m. Monday March 12 at Town Hall, 556 Elm St.

A group of residents calling itself Smart Growth Chester has argued that the new store would be out of scale with its surroundings and detract from the character of the town, damaging its image and its economy. Zaremba has maintained that its “barn” style building is attractive and in keeping with buildings in the area.

This will probably be the last hearing in the matter. The board may decide to approve or deny the application, or to approve it with conditions. The DRB will then have 60 days in which to announce its decision.

Start Your Own Business Workshop

Vermont Small Business Development Center is offering a three-hour workshop on how to start your own business and write a business plan. The course will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 8th in the conference room of the Springfield Regional Development Corp., 14 Clinton Square in Springfield.

The seminar is designed for those who are considering going into business but need assistance with procedures and government regulations regarding starting up a business in Vermont.

Space is limited. To register, sign up online at www.vtsbdc.org (click on the training tab). For questions,email Heather Gonyaw at hgonyaw@vtsbdc.org. The registration fee is $40. / $45 for two.

 Online Version

Based on the 3-hour workshop, this online course is now available for those thinking about going into business who want a convenient way to access to same information. Instead of handouts, you will have exercises to do on your own and submit to an Area Business Advisor for feedback. This is the first step in working with VtSBDC as you determine whether there is a business in your good idea. You can register by going to the VtSBDC website www.vtsbdc.org.

Vermont Small Business Development Center is a non-profit partnership of government, education and business, organized to help Vermont small businesses succeed. Free advice is provided to existing business owners and new entrepreneurs throughout the state.