Davis & Hodgdon and The Center for Women and Enterprise Launch New Signature Partnership
RUTLAND, Vt., March 2, 2020 – Davis & Hodgdon Associates CPAs and the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) of Vermont have announced a multi-year sustainable partnership. Labeled as a “Signature Partnership” by Davis & Hodgdon, the relationship is created to develop deeper impacts within the community as it leverages the expertise of each organization, allowing for a concentrated sustainable social mission effort.
The partnership began with the firm’s sponsorship of CWE’s Reboot Rutland: What’s Your Business Telling You” course for early-stage business owners in Rutland, Vermont last fall. In the class, participants learned how to analyze their business and implement a system to regularly analyze their business’s operations. Davis & Hodgdon will also sponsor the follow-up 13-week Business Implementation class, also in Rutland. In addition to financial support for their educational programs, Davis & Hodgdon staff will act as a resource for classes on the topics of bookkeeping and finance as well as provide volunteer opportunities for Davis & Hodgdon staff within CWE programs.
“We at CWEVT are ecstatic to partner with Davis & Hodgdon. They really understand the needs of our entrepreneur and small business owning clients”, said Gwen Pokalo, CWE Vermont Director. “We are honored to be the recipient of their generous investment of time & expertise. We can’t wait to see how our work together can help grow Vermont!”
Davis & Hodgdon introduced the signature partnership model in 2014 to leverage their financial resources and the skills and expertise of their staff. Through this alliance, the firm will support CWE through all aspects of giving: sponsorship, pro-bono work, volunteer opportunities and beyond. The concept is part of their corporate social responsibility policy developed specifically for implementation within small businesses.
“Our goal is to support a thriving business community made up of economically independent and engaged citizens with a special focus in Rutland, Vermont”, said Bret Hodgdon, managing partner of Davis & Hodgdon. “A long-term partnership with CWE is the perfect fit for us because their mission to provide opportunities to women entrepreneurs as well as promote personal growth and financial independence is so closely aligned with our own core business values.”
CWE’s 10-week Business Planning course is offered in partnership with REDC twice a year at no cost to the participants. The graduates present their perfected pitches to the gathering of business mentors and community leaders. With their coursework and business plans completed, the graduates are paired up to continue working with a seasoned business owner from the area at no cost to continue growing as Rutland County’s newest entrepreneurs. The new Business Implementation course is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.
Past Signature Partners have been Mercy Connection’s – Women Small Business Program and Generator – Burlington’s Makerspace, both of which the firm still maintains relationships with.
For more information about Davis & Hodgdon’s CSR policy including the strategic partnership please visit: https://www.dh-cpa.com/sustainable-relationships.html.
From left to right: Mandy Bradley, Davis & Hodgdon Partner, Gwen Pokalo, CWE Vermont Director, and Aida Volpone, Davis & Hodgdon Manager
Davis & Hodgdon Associates CPAs is a full-service public accounting firm with locations in Williston and Rutland Vermont. The firm is a member of several diverse regional and statewide business organizations and serves its clients by providing progressive, proactive services through expert staff, high-end technology, and unparalleled efficiency.
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