The Virtual Incubator Program consisted of three phases:  Phase 1 - Basic Computer Training, NxLevel® Business Training, Phase 2 - Web Site Development/E-Commerce, and ShoppeVermont.com

In addition to the training, some of the participants who met Federal Income Eligibility guidelines had the opportunity to receive a free computer if they completed all three phases of the training and set up their Internet business and website.

The VIP was a 17-month, statewide effort to further educate low-income Vermonters who were left behind by technological advances and to allow them to cross the digital divide.  This is a Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) initiative that has worked with low-income people to start or expand a business using the Internet and was available at all five Community Action Agencies in the state.

Phase 3 - ShoppeVermont.com

The website incubator, www.shoppevermont.com, will host the participants' new websites for one year.  Through this shopping village, each storefront will be linked to the website that was created for each Internet business.