Forest Economy Stabilization Grant applications close on September 4

Submitted by tim on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 09:20

Vermont Business Magazine VT Leap, based in Middletown Springs, has announced that after two weeks, applications representing 76% of the available funding for the Forest Economy Stabilization Grant program (FESG) have been submitted. Applications close on September 4^th, or when funding is exhausted.

Have you already applied or started an application? There are a number of applications in the system that are either incomplete or remain in unsubmitted (partially completed) status. Be sure to check your email inbox or spam filter for messages confirming that your application was successfully submitted (which are sent immediately upon successful submission) or emails that the application was reviewed, but was determined to be incomplete, and corrections are needed. Those that have already submitted applications can login and check their status on the dashboard.

Time is running out, are you getting ready to apply for the FESG? Review our resources. The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and it’s in your best interest to complete the application completely and correctly the first time, for timely access to limited funding. We assembled the following tips and resources to support you:

Please, take your time to complete the application, so it is not marked incomplete. An application marked as incomplete, which you’ll receive notice of, will sit in the queue until it’s complete and won’t be funded if the deadline passes without corrections being submitted and approved.
Use the application manual as you go through the application, section by section.
Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions, they will be updated regularly with answers to new questions we receive.
If you still have a question, send us an email. We have several staff members ready to answer emailed questions promptly.
You can access the application here.
Need assistance in preparing financial statements or submitting an application? Reach out to a service provider: For support with preparing financial documents and navigating the online application, Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program business advisors are available to help at no cost to you. Businesses may complete this INTAKE FORM to connect with an advisor. For more information, please visit the Viability Program COVID Response & Recovery Support page, or contact: [email protected] or 802-828-1098. You can also work with your accountant, bookkeeper, tax preparer, or other consultant on preparing the documents you will need to apply to this first-come, first-served grant program.

Additional relief funding programs have been announced. Applications for the Agriculture and Working Lands Assistance recently went live. Forest products businesses are eligible for these grants and forest economy enterprises that were ineligible for the FESG should review the eligibility requirements to determine if they may be able to access these relief funds. Applicants have until October 1^st to apply for these grants.

The Logger Education to Advance Professionalism (LEAP) Program is a not-for-profit educational organization that strives to remain non-political. LEAP recognizes that the logging profession is an essential link between Vermont woodlands and forest industry. Along with landowners and foresters, loggers are partners in managing our forests for wood, water, wildlife and recreation. Vermont's forests have a legacy of providing these resources and are capable of sustaining these public benefits if properly managed. We see education as offering a positive approach, bringing everyone together to reach this common goal. The LEAP program is an instrument to encourage life-long learning among loggers. We will strive to promote professionalism through education and instill a stewardship ethic among loggers. The outcome of this endeavor, we envision, will be a well managed and productive forest landscape, and a positive public perception of the logging profession.