Although some states are known for having mostly one type of business or industry, Vermont has many different kinds.

Businesses in Vermont make or manufacture a lot of things:
• electronics such as computer chips;
• machine tools, or machines that make other machines;
• wood products, for example furniture or salad bowls;
• quarried and finished stone used inside or outside the buildings we live or work in, or for tombstones or artistic statues;
• printed materials, ranging from magazines to special edition books;
• specialty goods and foods, including ice cream, teddy bears, canoes, blown glass and chocolate!

Many businesses in Vermont provide services to people or other businesses:
• insurance is provided for businesses, people, and other insurance companies;
• leisure and hospitality businesses such as campgrounds, hotels, inns, and restaurants take care of the many visitors drawn to Vermont;
• construction companies build homes, office buildings, roads and bridges;
• professional and technical consulting firms help others with specialized knowledge such as preventing environmental problems, energy efficiency and conservation, or developing organic farms.

Sometimes farming is not considered to be a business, but it is very important in Vermont. Rather than the large, industrial farms found in the Midwest or California, Vermont has many small, family farms that together add up for a significant part of our economy.

Another significant part of the Vermont economy is what are called creative industries — enterprises based on individual creativity, skill and talent or intellectual property —these include advertising, architecture, art and antiques markets, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, interactive leisure software, music, performing arts, publishing, software and computer services, television and radio. You can see an example of this type of work by playing the short video "Your Vote is Your Voice" on this website.