Economic Development in Swanton Vermont

Located in the heart of northern Vermont, Swanton offers a strategic location, strong community values, and opportunities for sustainable growth. As the third-largest community in Franklin County, Swanton is positioned to serve as a regional hub for commerce, recreation, tourism, and innovation.

Just 40 minutes north of Burlington and approximately 60 miles south of Montreal, Swanton is uniquely situated as a gateway between major regional and international markets. With direct access to Interstate 89, active rail infrastructure, proximity to the Canadian border, and access to Franklin County State Airport, businesses and residents benefit from exceptional connectivity and opportunity.

Swanton is more than a place to do business—it is a place to build community.

Swanton envisions a vibrant, connected, and resilient community where economic opportunity, small-town character, innovation, and quality of life work together to create a prosperous future for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

We strive to be a regional destination for entrepreneurship, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, agriculture, workforce development, tourism, and community investment while preserving the values, natural beauty, and welcoming spirit that define Swanton.

Infrastructure & Community Investment

Swanton is committed to supporting and improving the infrastructure that drives economic growth and community development.

Priorities Include:

• Supporting the modernization and expansion of municipal infrastructure and public facilities.
• Identifying funding opportunities for transportation, utilities, broadband, recreation, and community development.
• Collaborating with regional, state, and federal partners on revitalization initiatives.
• Encouraging responsible and sustainable development that supports long-term community goals.
• Enhancing accessibility, connectivity, and mobility throughout the community.
• Investing in infrastructure that supports tourism, active transportation, and outdoor recreation.

Business Growth & Entrepreneurship

Swanton values local businesses and recognizes entrepreneurs as vital contributors to the community's success.

Local leaders are committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and regularly review zoning bylaws, permitting processes, and development policies to ensure they support responsible growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial success.

Priorities Include:

• Supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation across all age groups.
• Connecting businesses with technical assistance, funding opportunities, and regional resources.
• Promoting local commerce, tourism, and downtown vitality.
• Building partnerships that strengthen the local and regional economy.
• Creating development policies that encourage investment while preserving community character.
• Supporting small businesses that serve residents, visitors, and outdoor recreation users.

Recreation, Tourism & Trail-Based Economic Development

Swanton recognizes that outdoor recreation is a growing economic driver and a defining asset of our community.

Located along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT), connected to the internationally recognized Champlain Bikeways network, and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Swanton is uniquely positioned to benefit from year-round recreation and trail-based tourism.

The Town is actively exploring and developing a Trail Friendly Business Program designed to help local businesses attract and serve trail users through amenities, services, and partnerships that enhance the visitor experience while supporting local economic growth.

Priorities Include:

• Expanding trail-related tourism opportunities.
• Supporting businesses that cater to cyclists, walkers, paddlers, snowmobilers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Developing a Trail Friendly Business Program.
• Enhancing connections between trails, downtown businesses, parks, and community destinations.
• Promoting Swanton as a gateway to northern Vermont recreation opportunities.
• Encouraging overnight visitation and extended stays that benefit local businesses.

Quality of Life & Community Well-Being

Economic development is about more than business—it is about creating a community where people want to live, work, visit, and stay.

Priorities Include:

• Expanding recreation, wellness, and outdoor opportunities.
• Supporting arts, culture, history, and community events.
• Encouraging healthy lifestyles and social connection.
• Promoting environmental stewardship and community pride.
• Enhancing Swanton's identity as a welcoming and family-friendly community.
• Supporting initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, public spaces, and community connections.

• Direct access to Interstate 89.
• Access to Franklin County Airport.
• Close proximity to Burlington and Montreal.
• Access to regional, national, and international markets.
• Gateway to northern Vermont recreation and tourism opportunities.

Community-Focused Leadership

Swanton believes in collaborative growth. The Town is committed to working alongside residents, committees, developers, investors, nonprofit organizations, agricultural producers, and businesses to identify priorities and collectively move forward together.

Community leaders continually evaluate policies, infrastructure investments, and development opportunities to ensure Swanton remains competitive, welcoming, and prepared for future growth.

A Place with Momentum

From recreation and tourism to workforce initiatives, housing development, and business growth, Swanton continues to invest in projects that support community vitality, connectivity, and opportunity.

With strategic investments in trails, parks, economic development, community wellness, and infrastructure, Swanton is building on its strengths while preparing for the future.

Whether you are starting a business, expanding operations, investing in development, relocating your family, or exploring partnership opportunities, Swanton welcomes collaboration and innovation.

As one of Franklin County's fastest-growing communities, Swanton offers the advantages of strategic location, community partnership, recreational assets, and a high quality of life.

Together, we are building a stronger future for Swanton.

• http://www.fcidc.com/
• https://www.fcrccvt.com/
• https://www.nrpcvt.com/
• https://www.vtsbdc.org
• https://www.investinvermont.org/borrowers/business-resource-center.html
• https://nvedd.org/
• https://accd.vermont.gov/
• https://www.nbrc.gov/
• https://www.sba.gov/district/vermont