Milk Money is where Vermonters discover local investment opportunities, get tips on how to evaluate those opportunities, and then make an investment. We feature companies that are already in business with some proven track record. We help Vermont businesses post relevant, easy-to-understand information about their company so potential investors can make informed decisions. And we make sure all the required legal documents have been filed with and approved by Vermont’s Department of Financial Regulation (DFR).
Investors
Any Vermonter (18 or older), regardless of income or net worth, is eligible to invest in Vermont businesses. It used to be that only Accredited Investors (individuals with $200,000 annual income and/or over $1million of net worth) were able to invest in start-ups and small companies. The changes to Vermont’s Small Business Offering Exemption now called Vermont Crowdfunding, opens the door for more Vermonters to participate in our start-up economy.
To review the Featured Campaigns on Milk Money’s site, all you have to do is click here to Register and get started.
Once you're registered, you can log in any time to review campaigns and make investments. Your Username and Password will give you access to all future campaigns and you can sign up for email alerts when a new campaign is posted.
Before you invest, please review these guidelines and consult a personal financial advisor to make sure this is right for you. Milk Money does not give investment advice, nor does the posting of a Campaign on our site give any guarantees that a Company will be a good investment.
When you make an investment, Milk Money will email you a confirmation receipt, then process your documents and deposit your check in the Company’s account at VSECU. Your investment will be held in the account until the Company reaches the Minimum Offering Amount (25% of the maximum offering amount that is set in the Company’s Offering Document). If the Minimum Offering Amount is not reached within 12 months, all funds will be returned to investors.
Once the Minimum Offering Amount is reached, the Company can transfer investment funds into its operating account and start using them to grow the business. Milk Money will send you an Investor Packet with your investment documentation and certificate via certified mail. Within 3-6 months, you should start to receive regular periodic updates from the Company to let you know how it is performing. We strongly encourage all Companies raising capital through Milk Money to engage us to provide this service to their investors, but some may choose to do it on their own.
Vermont Businesses
Our goal with Milk Money is to make it easier for our local Vermont businesses to get access to patient, “neighborly” capital to grow their companies and thereby strengthen Vermont’s local economy. Depending on the type, size, stage and goals of your company, Milk Money may or may not be the right tool for you. So we start by asking you to fill out this form and tell us more about your Vermont business.
Within one business day of receiving your form, we'll get in touch with you to set up a time to discuss your capital needs and financing strategy, either by phone or in person. If Milk Money is a good fit for your financing needs, we'll be your guide to set up a VSBO offering.
Learn more here.