15 Best Business Ideas In Vermont

Vermont may be one of the smallest states, but it has a robust manufacturing sector that includes many breweries and logging companies. Other major contributors to growth are tourism, thanks to the state’s lush forests and mountains, and agriculture, which includes over 700 dairy farms.

Business opportunities in the Green Mountain state include frozen food, ice cream, and coffee roasting. Check out our list of great business ideas in Vermont and take the first step in your new entrepreneurial journey. 

1. Real Estate

In the lush landscapes of Vermont, the real estate business thrives on the state’s appeal for both serene living and vacation getaways. The market here balances quaint, historic homes with modern sustainable builds, reflecting Vermont’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community. Amidst the verdant hills and bustling small towns, realtors in Vermont are experts in selling not just a property, but a lifestyle rooted in nature, local community, and the arts.

2. Health Care

Vermont’s health care sector is known for its patient-focused care and innovative approaches to wellness. With a robust network of hospitals, clinics, and alternative medicine practices, starting a health care business here means joining a community deeply invested in quality care. This sector is bolstered by Vermont’s health-conscious populace and policies that support public health, making it an ideal location for ventures aimed at improving the well-being of both locals and the many seasonal visitors.

3. Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Vermont has a rich tradition, blending craftsmanship with modern innovation. From artisanal cheese production to precision aerospace components, the state’s manufacturing sector is diverse. Entrepreneurs here benefit from a skilled workforce, supportive business development programs, and a culture that takes pride in products “Made in Vermont,” which resonates with quality and sustainability to consumers locally and across the globe.

4. Frozen Food

Vermont’s frozen food sector taps into the local and organic food movement, with a demand for high-quality, convenient meal options. Entrepreneurs can leverage Vermont’s agricultural heritage to create frozen products that highlight local ingredients, from organic vegetables to grass-fed meats. This business has the potential to thrive by marrying Vermont’s commitment to sustainability with the modern consumer’s need for quick and nutritious options.

5. Restaurant

Opening a restaurant in Vermont means becoming part of a community with a palate for farm-to-table dining and a passion for seasonal cuisine. Vermont’s culinary scene is a tapestry of local produce, artisan cheeses, and craft beverages, inviting restaurateurs to create unique dining experiences that tell the story of the region’s terroir. With an emphasis on local partnerships, a restaurant here is a celebration of community, seasonality, and innovation.

6. Brewery

Craft brewing is not just a business in Vermont; it’s a cultural phenomenon. With a reputation for producing some of the country’s most sought-after craft beers, a brewery here is poised for success. The key ingredients include a penchant for creativity, commitment to quality, and tapping into the localvore spirit that infuses all things Vermont – from the pure water to the locally grown hops.

7. Go-kart Business

Starting a go-kart business in Vermont could capitalize on both the local population’s love for outdoor activities and the state’s thriving tourism. By offering an exciting recreational experience, this business could attract families, teens, and adventure enthusiasts, particularly during the warmer months when Vermont’s scenic backdrop becomes the perfect playground for go-kart racing.

8. Drug Testing

With a responsible workforce and several industries that prioritize safety, drug testing services are an essential business in Vermont. Offering these services to employers, particularly in the fields of healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, can provide peace of mind in maintaining a safe working environment while ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations.

9. Health Care Service

A health care service business in Vermont could offer specialized care such as home health, elder care, or rehabilitation services, meeting the needs of an aging population that values living independently at home. With the state’s focus on high-quality healthcare, there is room for growth in services that provide personalized, compassionate care.

10. Ice Cream Making

Ice cream making in Vermont can be a sweet endeavor, especially when it encapsulates the essence of Vermont dairy. An ice cream business that highlights local ingredients—such as maple syrup and fresh berries—can become a staple treat for locals and a must-visit destination for tourists, continuing the state’s rich tradition in dairy excellence.

11. Boba Tea

Introducing a boba tea shop could infuse Vermont’s beverage scene with a trendy and diverse flavor. With the state’s college towns and its residents’ openness to new, globally-inspired offerings, a well-positioned boba tea shop could become a popular hangout spot that adds to Vermont’s growing foodie culture.

12. IT Consulting

Vermont’s businesses, ranging from startups to established enterprises, are increasingly reliant on technology. An IT consulting firm that helps these businesses with digital transformation, cybersecurity, and navigating the tech landscape could find a welcoming market in Vermont, where personal relationships and trust are paramount.

13. App Development Business

An app development business can find fertile ground in Vermont, where there’s a demand for technological advancement while maintaining the state’s community-oriented values. Apps that cater to local businesses, tourism, and community services could resonate well within the state, blending Vermont’s entrepreneurial spirit with the digital age.

14. Podcast

Launching a podcast from Vermont could capture the stories and character of the Green Mountain State. With a wealth of local culture, history, and an active political scene, a Vermont-based podcast could engage listeners with tales of local lore, discussions on sustainability, or insights into the state’s artisans and entrepreneurs.

15. Coffee Roasting

Coffee roasting is a business ripe for success in Vermont, a state that values craftsmanship and quality. A roastery that sources sustainable beans and offers unique blends can become a part of Vermonters’ daily ritual, serving up warmth and community in every cup.