Although not the most populated city in the region, Montpelier has by far the most jobs. Its employers provide 8,532 jobs which is two-thirds higher than employment of Barre. Barre's firms fewer than 10. Employers in Berlin have the highest average number of employees at just over 20 each. The number of employers and the number of self-employed helps insulate the region from dramatic economic shifts.
Small business is Central Vermont's largest employer.
The small business owner or self-employed person can implement change immediately. The diversity of firms is a buffer from damage by a single industry, and the very small sizes mean a quick reaction to shifts in the economy. Central Vermont employers average fewer than a dozen people per company. This is a vital economic strength. Small businesses tend to be able to react to changing market conditions much more rapidly than larger companies.