The Lightning Jar is a coworking and entrepreneurial center right here in downtown Bennington. We believe that collaboration and creativity create opportunities. That’s why we partner with businesses, nonproďŹ ts, community members, and government leaders across Vermont and beyond. Togeth-
er we aim to support the innovative and creative people in our region. We know our community is full of people with skills, knowledge, and ideas we could all beneďŹ t from.
Meet our community … The Lighting Jar is more than just a space or a program, we’re a community that ranges from part-time remote workers, business startups, and business support organizations to emerging professionals and major regional employers. By connecting entrepreneurs and community members with the resources they need to grow sustainable businesses and careers, we can build a community that inspires future generations to build their lives here too.
Interested in coworking? Coworking is a flexible, affordable, and collaborative workspace. Because typical office expenses like utilities, highspeed internet, printing capabilities, and office furniture are included in membership, coworking members get a professional atmosphere without the hassle. Meeting rooms with smart TVs make for a great place to meet clients or host Board meetings and the open-concept workspace provides opportunities to
“Coworking is very different than working at a coffee shop. It’s learning about why I sucked at Instagram from someone who gets it. It’s getting headshots done and helping an incredibly talented local photographer build her portfolio. It’s talking about the value of Google and then building a relationship with the country club that allows me to share my love of wine with the community.” – Nancy Koziol, Author & Blogger, The Oethical Oenologist meet new people and share skills.
What’s with the name? Back in the early 1900s, Bennington was home to Henry W. Putnam – one of Vermont’s greatest entrepreneurs. Putnam used his success in business to build up those around him, leaving lasting marks on the Bennington community. You can still see his legacy today in the local hospital, the public water system, and some of the area’s most iconic buildings. Much of Putnam’s success came from manufacturing one product: a small mason jar with an easy-to-close lid that used a clasp. He called this product The Lightning Jar.
Events/Programs Startup 802 Being an entrepreneur is a lot more than simply creating or managing a business. This two-course curriculum will help you develop the skills you need to recognize opportunities and innovate, explore creative ideas, and learn what it takes to start a small business.
An Entrepreneurial Mindset: Wednesdays, 6 - 8 PM, January 23 - March 13
Small Business Marketing: Wednesdays, 6 - 9 PM, March 20 - May 1 For information or to register, contact Nicole Stetson at CCV-Bennington (802) 447-2361 or nicole.stetson@ccv. edu.
Lightning Round: Marketing Tuesday, January 15, 5:30 PM $40 Registration Marketing is a full-time job and, depending on the size of a business, often requires more than one person. It definitely requires more than one skill set. Rather than approach it as an “extra” or “thing we do when there’s time” it should be an integrated part of daily business. That’s why we want to make it easier for you to find someone who’s great at it to do it for you! During Lightning Round: Marketing, we’ll find expert marketing teams and bring
“Working at the Lightning Jar has been a great experience. Access to mentors and other members who you can ask questions of and bounce ideas off of has been very helpful while starting a company.” – Scott Trafton, Cofounder, Pool Shark H2O
W.S. Badger: Using Business as a Force for Good
them to you all at once.
Tackle Imposter Syndrome: Be Your Best Professional Self Using Techniques from Neuroscience and Mindfulness Thursday, February 7, 5:30 PM $10 Registration “Between the connections, friendships, professional relationships, the office features, reasonable membership costs, and professional atmosphere, the Jar has become an important and vital part of Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless.” – Chris Oldham, Executive Director, Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless
Have you ever found yourself drowning in self-doubt, questioning who put you in charge and wondering when the grown-ups are going to step in? You are not alone! Together we’ll discuss this feeling, where it comes from, and why we have it. We’ll also discuss the “Myth of Confidence” and learn concrete tools to help us approach the challenges of life from a place of grounded empowerment.
Thursday, February 28 Doors 5 PM/ Talk 5:30 PM $15 Advance/$20 Day of When Badger started 23 years ago, company founder Bill Whyte had the idea to make a natural balm that would heal his dry, chapped hands roughened from working outside as a carpenter in the harsh New Hampshire winters. From those humble beginnings, Badger has grown into a mission-driven business known not only for its people and planet-friendly personal care products but also for its unique company culture and familyoriented benefits such as babies at work, paid family leave, and providing employees a free, organic lunch daily. Certified as a B Corp and Benefit Corporation, Badger is committed to putting people before profits and using its business as a force for good by meet-
Thanks for Shopping pp g Local this Holiday Seaso so Here’s to a Happy y & Prosperous 2019! Bennington Downtown Alliance
Let CCV & The Lightning Jar help
spark your creativity and energize your start-up.
ing rigorous standards of transparency as well as social and environmental performance. Today, second generation family owners Emily and her sister Rebecca are leading the company as co-CEOs (Collaborative Executive Officers), ensuring that Badger stays true to its values while planning for the future and next phase of growth.
For more information and to register for events, visit our website www.lightningjarvt.com or call us at (802) 321-3070.
Get in Touch
www.lightningjarvt.com dimitri@lightningjarvt.com (802) 321-3070 194 North Street, Bennington, VT
Susan Plaisance
• Renovated 18 Hole Par 71 • Golf Instruction & clinics • 18 & 9 Hole Ladies League • Summer Golf Camps • Stay & Play Packages • Serving Lunch & Dinner • 2018 Golf Memberships
ADVE RT I SING SALES MANAGER
splaisance@benningtonbanner.com o. 802-447-7567 x127 · c. 802-733-8827
180 Country Club Rd. Bennington VT • mtanthonycc.com • 802.442.2617
We provide safe shelter, food, and supportive services for the homeless year round!
Please visit our newly designed website for more information or to make a donation.
WWW.BCCHVT.ORG
PO Box 4736, Bennington, VT • 802-442-2424
Deborah Towslee DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
357 Marlboro Rd. Brattleboro, VT 254-0254
Rt. 30 Newfane, VT 365-4168
2083 Depot St. Manchester Center, VT 362-3083
www.duttonberryfarm.com “Like” Dutton Berry Farm on
dtowslee@benningtonbanner.com · o. 802-447-7567 x134 · c. 802-379-0688