Funding Available for Rental Housing in Need of Repair
Agency of Commerce & Community Development Landlords and property owners that have vacant, unused rental properties may be eligible to receive up to a $30,000 grant per rental unit to fix up and renovate rental units and get them ready for use again. Grants are available from the Department of Housing and Community Development utilizing CARES Act funding to improve the overall quality, availability, and affordability of rental housing throughout the state.
Landlords and property owners should contact their local NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont Home Ownership Center to determine eligibility (certain affordable housing conditions apply) and to enroll in the program (act fast, as funding deadlines apply):
- Champlain Housing Trust: (Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle Counties)
- Downstreet Housing: (Lamoille, Orange, & Washington Counties)
- NeighborWorks of Western Vermont: (Addison, Bennington, & Rutland Counties)
- Rural Edge: (Caledonia, Essex, & Orleans Counties)
- Windham & Windsor Housing Trust: (Windham & Windsor Counties)
Agriculture and Working Lands Assistance Grant Program Webinars
The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is offering two webinars on September 14th and 16th about the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) Agriculture and Working Lands Assistance Application. These Application Tips sessions will walk attendees through the application, common errors to be aware of, and how to submit a correct application.
Survey for Farm and Food Businesses
Vermont farm and food businesses are encouraged to participate in a research survey being conducted by the University of Vermont and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to better understand experiences with COVID-19 and future resource and technical assistance needs. The survey is confidential and can help inform future funding priorities with COVID-19 relief and other funding sources. Participants will be eligible for a drawing for one of 40, $99 cash incentives. Must be 18+ to participate. Questions about the survey can be directed to Meredith Niles at [email protected]
Capital Equipment Assistance Program Open for Applications
The application is now open for the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets’ Capital Equipment Assistance Program. Up to $1,000,000 is available in funding for new or innovative equipment for nutrient management planning. Eligible recipients include farms, custom applicators, non-profit organizations, and other related businesses. Applications are due (or postmarked) by November 1, 2020. Details and the application are available at agriculture.vermont.gov/ceap
Virtual Job Fairs Continue Every Thursday
The Department of Labor recently launched #Hiring2DayVT Virtual Job Fairs. These weekly job fairs feature local employers from across the state, providing Vermonters an opportunity to learn about career opportunities closest to where they live. Job fairs are held every Thursday at 11 a.m. Details, registration, and featured employers are available here.
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.