Member Moments

At Opportunities Credit Union, we go above and beyond to provide small businesses with the help they need to succeed.

Through Member Moments, we highlight the unique stories and diverse backgrounds of our many successful partnerships throughout Vermont. These growing businesses are instrumental in helping to build strong communities as well as providing opportunities for Vermonters.

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ONTA Studios

I arrived at the ONTA Studio in the Kismet building in Williston to take a video of the owners. Zach and Lauren are two young entrepreneurs with a lot of passion. Zach had a massive smile on his face, and he stuck his hand out immediately for a handshake. He shook my hand, smiled, and [...]

Sweet Babu

With the help of Opportunities Credit union, Shana Goldberger grew her wholesale bakery business to include a "dessert bar" that serves treats that customers can enjoy in a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Birdfolk Collective

Nicole Carey, owner of the Birdfolk Collective, recently opened a new storefront in Waterbury with the help of Opportunities Credit Union.

Nest Coffee and Bakery

Jake, owner of the Firebird Cafe, opened Nest Coffee and Bakery after realizing that what the community of Essex Junction needed and wanted was a coffee shop. He sought the support of Opportunities Credit Union to help make his dream of a coffee shop a reality.

Urban Salon Team

Stacey Hamblett, owner of the Urban Salon Team, created a unique space where clients can link their inner and outer beauty. After financing fell through six weeks before opening with a traditional bank she’d been with for years, Hamblett received help from Opportunities Credit Union to realize her vision.

Coggio Upholstery

Tom Coggio, owner of Coggio Upholstery, takes the worn down treasures of local residents and offers the unique service of making them into something both beautiful and durable. He learned he could get business financing from Opportunities Credit Union at a significantly lower rate than he was paying to a national bank.

Aqua ViTea

Jeff Weaber is the founder of Aqua ViTea, a company that brews Kombucha, a fermented beverage that has been improving people’s’ wellbeing naturally for thousands of years. He had help from Opportunities to finance his rapid growth and expand his operations into mainstream grocery stores across the East Coast.

Clustas

A Vermont start-up, Clustas makes innovative, magnetic weights that have awesome potential both for fitness enthusiasts and for individuals dealing with physical challenges. At Opportunities Credit Union, Rollin Rachele found a financial partner that understands the local business scene and is eager to support entrepreneurs.

Mud City Adventures

Christine and Kevin are co-founders of Mud City Adventures, offering kids camps to Stowe residents during summers to encourage them to unplug and immerse themselves in multi-dimensional learning. They credit Opportunities Credit Union for helping to make the financial aspect of the business possible.

Village Spa

Heather Norton, the founder of Village Spa, wanted to give the small community of Brandon, VT a place to relax and recharge. Working with Greg Huysman, Senior Business Development Manager at Opportunities, she was able to receive financial help to expand her rapidly growing business.

Vitality Vending

Brent started in the business of healthy vending by developing Vitality Vending, a company dedicated to offering healthier options to the busy frequenters of vending machines. With the help of Greg Huysman, Senior Business Development Manager, Brent was able to finance the needs of Vitality with Small Business Loans from Opportunities.

The Hairy Bear

The Hairy Bear combines a family-friendly hair salon with the ability to give back to the community, making the process of getting a child’s haircut easy and enjoyable. Sandra Peck received a loan from Opportunities to move her salon to a more visible and highly trafficked location in order to save her business and help it grow.