More business assistance Webinars as grants come through

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (AAFM) announced on Tuesday the COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program for dairy producers and processors who have experienced income loss, additional expenses, and market disruption as a result of the pandemic. The application opens Friday, July 17th with $25 million available for businesses through the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund.

For details about the application process, eligibility, and upcoming educational Webinars on the program visit the AAFM website.

Economic Recovery Grants

There is still Economic Recovery Grants funding available via ACCD and the Department of Taxes. Funds are available to Vermont businesses who can demonstrate revenue loss in any one-month period from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020, when compared with the same month in 2019. The Economic Recovery Grants landing page has full details, including eligibility requirements, document preparation instructions, and a series of FAQs to assist businesses in completing the application.

Webinars for Business

The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce announced two upcoming Webinars designed to help local businesses in different ways. The first webinar on July 15th at 2:00pm, “Pandemics, Politics, and Planning: A Market and Economic Discussion,” features a discussion about both local and global markets with the People's United Advisors' senior investment and planning team.

The second Webinar on July 16th at 10:00am, “Race Against the Machine: A Webinar Addressing Systemic Racism,” will be facilitated by Dr. Jude Smith Rachele of Abundant Sun and Xusana Davis, Executive Director of Racial Equity for the State of Vermont. This webinar will discuss the past and present of systemic racism in Vermont and outline how businesses can shape the future of diversity, equity and inclusion.

UVM Study with Vermont Futures Project

The Vermont Futures Project has partnered with the UVM Center for Research on a statewide survey of people taking refuge in Vermont during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective is to learn what these temporary residents would need to make Vermont their permanent residence. The results will be shared with community and business leaders, policy makers, and others to help inform our next steps. Please share this survey with your networks.

Business Impact

ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help us assess the full impact as we work toward solutions.