ACCD economic recovery grants and hazard pay grant programs are open

Ski Area Grant Application Deadline Extended

The deadline to submit applications for the Vermont Ski Area Recreation Safety Grants has been extended to Friday, November 6th. Vermont Ski Resort COVID-19 Winter Operations Guidance is anticipated to be announced next week so ski areas may take an extra week to assess their project needs and ensure their grant requests reflect this most current guidance. Ski areas who have already applied may re-submit an updated application package as necessary. Please read the full Notice of Funds Available for eligibility and application requirements.

Broadband Survey

The Department of Public Service is developing an Emergency Response Telecommunications Recovery Plan as part of Vermont’s CARES Act funding initiatives. Part of the initiative is to survey Vermont residents and business owners to better understand their use of Internet and wireless enabled services since the onset of the pandemic. The survey will close on November 2nd and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Vermont Frontline Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program

The application portal for the second round of the Vermont Frontline Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program is now open. Employers in qualified sectors, whose employees were engaged in activities substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency or were providing essential services to Vermonters may be eligible to apply for $1,200 or $2,000 per employee who meet grant criteria.

DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak said on Friday that even though some $26 million has already been requested for the $22.5 million program, businesses who have not yet applied should continue to do so because not every application so far will necessarily qualify.

This is a first come, first served program.

Business who have successful application should receive funds within a couple of weeks. They then would pay their qualifying employees through the regular payroll process.

For employees who have left that employer but who qualify for hazard pay, they will receive a letter from the state explaing how they can access the grant money.

This is the second hazard pay grant program. The first one targeted healthcare workers and first responders. This second one is intended for essential workers in service positions, such as at supermarkets, pharmacies and some retail.

For more details, informational webinars, and eligibility requirements, visit the grant program website.

Business Impact

ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please use the ACCD Business Impact Form to help us continue to assess the full impact as we work toward additional solutions.