Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein today announced forthcoming changes to the $20 million Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) formula, which will increase grant awards to flood impacted businesses, nonprofits, and landlords. Since August, when BEGAP launched, organizations that suffered less than $1 million dollars in physical damage were eligible for grants equaling 20% of net uncovered damages (damages less insurance proceeds, donations, or other grants), with a maximum payout of $20,000. The new formula eliminates the $20,000 cap and increases payouts to 30% of net uncovered damages. The change applies to all BEGAP grantees - past, present, and future.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott will join other New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers for the annual conference hosted by Québec Premier François Legault in Quebec City, September 24-25. The 11 member jurisdictions of NEG/ECP are: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Québec.

Vermont Business Magazine More than two months after the July 7-21, 2023, severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, some affected residents in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties may still be looking for answers. FEMA’s Individual and Households Program provides eligible survivors with financial assistance and direct services. Since the presidential major declaration on July 14, thousands of Vermonters have already filed an application. Some may receive a letter stating that their claim is ineligible for assistance. If you receive that letter, you may be able to change the outcome. Many times, it’s a simple fix. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on Thursday, September 21, at 11 am ET, will mark up critical legislation to address the primary care crisis in America, including the major shortage of nurses, doctors, dentists, mental health professionals, and other important health care workers across the country.

Vermont Business Magazine Tuesday night on the floor of the US Senate, Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) called on his colleagues to support Vermont farmers, families and communities by passing supplemental disaster aid and replenishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund. In his remarks, Senator Welch discussed the extreme hardships faced by Vermont’s farmers during the flood, highlighting the damage to three Vermont farms: Conant Riverside Farm in Richmond, the Paul Mazza Fruit and Vegetable Farm in Essex Junction, and the Foote Brook Farm in Johnson. He called for a disaster supplemental package that expands U.S. Department of Agriculture emergency grant relief programs and assistance to farmers.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Congressional Delegation, led by Senate Commerce Committee member Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), this week called on Amtrak to provide an update on the establishment of interim preclearance operations to support rail travel between Vermont and Quebec and the federal actions needed for the full implementation of a preclearance program. Senators Welch and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Representative Becca Balint (D-VT) asked Amtrak Board of Directors Chair Anthony Coscia to work with the delegation to expand rail service in Vermont.  

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) today announced $5 million of funding to support low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners in repairing or replacing their failed or inadequate on-site water or wastewater systems. This is the third round of funding for the program. Eligible homeowners may apply for this round of ARPA On-Site funding by October 31, 2023. The application process includes submitting an online pre-qualification application. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Fox US OPEN of Mountain Biking returns to Killington Resort on Sept. 21-24, 2023. The 20th anniversary of the event will bring professional and amateur athletes from around the world to compete in Downhill, Enduro and Dual Slalom racing, and offers one of the largest cash purses in Downhill Racing. Dakotah Norton and Nina Hoffman are expected to return to defend their 2022 titles, while athletes such as Asa Vermette, Althea Ostgaard, Neko Mulally, Wyn Masters, Jackson Goldston, Dylan Maples and more look to solidify their place in MTB history.  

Vermont Business Magazine This collaborative event on Thursday, September 21, will highlight the collective work towards building equity across our infrastructure initiatives and throughout the state of Vermont. There will be a brief moderated panel with representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, Vermont Agency of Transportation leadership and staff, Vermont Works for Women program participants, and working tradeswomen. The event will be held at the Vermont Agency of Transportation District 4 Garage, 223 Beswick Drive, in White River Junction.

Oktoberfest Vermont is so much more than just beer and we can't wait to show you why. A true carnival on the shores of Lake Champlain! It's officially time to blow the dust off of the dirndl in your closet! The Von Trapp Costume Contest brings out some of the best outfits this side of the Atlantic. The stakes have never been higher, as we will select one winner from each session and they will receive a two night stay at Von Trapp Lodge in Stowe. Don't fret if you don't have a dirndl. There are plenty of other ways to get festive, as well!

Vermont Business Magazine On September 14, Addison County was added to the disaster declaration due to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides occurring July 7-17, 2023.  Businesses and homeowners that suffered physical damage or economic injury are eligible for: Business Physical Disaster Loans; Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL}; Home Disaster Loans - Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

Public Assets Institute The typical Vermont family saw modest income growth last year, but it was not enough to keep up with inflation. According to new data from the U.S. Census, Vermont median household income1 rose to $73,991 in 2022. That was a 2.2 percent increase from 2021, the second smallest increase in the country. Only New Hampshire had a smaller increase. The picture looks a little bleaker when inflation is taken into account. Vermont median household income actually fell last year, by 5.5 percent, after adjusting for inflation.