The Town of Westport, in partnership with the Westport-based non-profit organization Social Venture Partners (SVP), announced today that it has launched the Local Business Advisor Program. The program will provide support to Westport’s businesses as they navigate the current COVID-19 crisis and plan strategically for the post-COVID-19 business environment. As the cornerstone of the program, SVP volunteers, who include talented businessmen and women with expertise in various key areas, will be paired with local business owners to provide cost-free, individual, and confidential advisory services on such issues as:

• Basic Financial Modeling
• Understanding COVID-19-related government programs and loan options
• Online Business Platforms, Marketing and Social Media 
• Human Resource Issues

Advisory information shall be held in strict confidence and will not be shared with the Town by SVP.

Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, who is overseeing this program on behalf of the Selectman’s Office, noted, “We are eager to support Westport’s local businesses and help provide the resources they need during this extraordinarily difficult time. Our local businesses are the backbone of our community. They not only provide us with many essential goods and services, they are also our friends and neighbors who support our residents in countless ways every day. We are committed to helping them survive and thrive in the weeks and months ahead.”

“SVP is thrilled to partner with the Town of Westport on such an important program. We deeply value the local business community and the many contributions they make to Westport. Our volunteers are very happy to share their expertise with local businesses as they navigate these unprecedented times," stated Marjorie Almansi of SVP. 

Businesses are eligible to participate in the program if they have a bricks and mortar presence in Westport, an employee base, and have been an established business for at least one year.

Westport-based businesses interested in participating in the Local Business Advisor Program should email LBAPInfo@westportct.gov.

For more information about SVP, please visit https://www.socialventurepartners.org/connecticut/

Visit https://www.westportct.gov/COVID19 for more information on the Town of Westport’s response, resources and information on issues related to COVID-19.