Vermont Franchise Registration

Vermont has experienced an increase in startup businesses and large corporations due to a high growth rate of major industries like agriculture, wholesale trade, forestry, educational services, fishing and hunting, healthcare, and social assistance. Out of the 25 most concentrated industries in the United States, Vermont thrives in not less than 16, mainly because of the business incentives offered by the state and local agencies. Some of these incentives include zero income tax, capital, and incentive programs. In addition, a key attraction for businesses in the state is the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI), which provides payment to certain companies in specific industries based on specific performance requirements.

As a non-franchise registration state, Vermont has not enacted any franchise laws at the state level and has no business opportunity laws. This means that franchisors must adhere to any franchise laws that are put in place by the state when offering or selling a franchise in Vermont. However, federal franchise laws still stipulate the requirements for selling franchises in the form before getting into any agreement with a potential franchisee or receiving payment. 

Federal franchise law mandates that all franchisors are required to have a Franchise Disclosure Document that is updated before any offering or sale of a franchise in Vermont or any other State in the country. The FDD should contain relevant information about various aspects of the franchise business that the prospective franchisee needs to know before investing or acquiring the franchise. The franchisor should present the franchisee with the FDD 14 days before the sale of the franchise location, regardless of the state.

It is advisable to consult an expert franchise attorney before presenting a prospective franchisee with a Franchise Disclosure Document to ensure that it has been carefully designed and conveys accurate information about your business. This is an effective strategy when it comes to ensuring compliance with the federal franchise law. In addition, if you intend to franchise your business in other states apart from Vermont, you might be required to submit your FDD for state approval.

Although the state has not enacted any specific franchise laws, Federal Franchise Laws stipulated by the Federal Trade Commission Amended Franchise Rule must be followed by all who wish to franchise their business in the state. Failure to abide by these rules can result in costly fines and penalties, which prompts the involvement of legal counsel before committing to any agreement or payment from a prospective franchisee.

The state of Vermont requires all franchisors to familiarize themselves with the various franchise laws at the federal level and to adhere to set rules and regulations for an enhanced and transparent franchisor-franchisee relationship. The state lacks specific laws that regulate franchising, making franchising easy, attracting many businesses across different industries. The Vermont Department of Taxes helps franchisors understand what is required before any franchising opportunity.

For more information on how to register your franchise in Vermont, visit the Franchise Marketing Systems site:  www.FMSFranchise.com/about-franchising/guidelines/stateregulations