Worker relocation grant program application portal is now LIVE

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has officially launched a new relocation program that offers reimbursement grants, up to $7,500, to workers across the country who move to Vermont after July 1, 2021. The application portal opened today, and the program will be overseen by the Vermont Department of Economic Development.

This new program builds upon Vermont’s previous successful recruitment initiatives and aims to attract new residents to the state, grow the workforce, and support employers facing workforce challenges due to low unemployment or finding qualified candidates.

“As we work to strengthen Vermont’s workforce and economy, I appreciate the Legislature’s continued work and partnership, aimed at attracting more people to live and work in Vermont,” said ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle.

During the 2018 legislative session, the Vermont Legislature created and passed S.94 which, in part, created the remote worker grant program that encouraged workers who were able to relocate to make the move to Vermont while bringing their current job with them.

During the 2019 legislative session, the Legislature and Governor Scott worked together to pass Act 80, which created the new worker relocation grant program, aimed at those moving to the state and taking a job here.

Together, these two programs awarded over 300 grants to newly settled Vermonters in communities across the state.

This latest iteration of the program will be available to those who relocate to Vermont, on or after July 1, 2021, and fill a qualifying position with a Vermont employer.

Remote worker grants will be available to those who relocate to Vermont, on or after February 1, 2022 and work remotely from within Vermont for an out-of-state employer.

“This program will attract workers from out of state to fill vacancies with Vermont employers who are dealing with critical workforce shortages and focus on those sectors most severely impacted by the pandemic,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein.

The qualifying occupations targeted by this new program are those with an acute need and projected to have the most openings in the near term, including cooks and servers, childcare workers, registered nurses, construction laborers, delivery drivers, elementary school teachers and retail salespeople.

Similar to previous programs, this program requires applicants to relocate to Vermont before being considered for a grant. Those interested in receiving a grant must submit a complete application including proof of residency and documentation of eligible expenses. Grants will be awarded to those newly relocated workers who submit complete applications on a first come, first served basis.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY

The criteria outlined below will be used to determine eligibility for the New Relocating Worker Grant. Applicants must meet all criteria to be eligible.

An eligible applicant is someone who, on or after July 1, 2021:

  • Relocated to Vermont, became a full-time resident; and

  • Became a full-time employee of a Vermont employer; and

  • Is employed in an occupation identified by the Vermont Department of Labor in its Short Term Occupational Projections with the Most Openings; and

  • The wage for the position equals or exceeds the Vermont livable wage rate as updated 1/15/21 in accordance with 2 V.S.A. §526. Currently this is $13.39 per/hr; and

  • Incurred qualified relocation expenses; and

  • Is subject to Vermont income tax; and

  • Is employed by an employer who attests that, after reasonable time and effort, the employer was unable to fill the employee’s position from among Vermont applicants.

QUALIFYING RELOCATION EXPENSES

Upon successful relocation to Vermont and review of your application, the following qualifying relocation expenses may be reimbursed:

  • Closing costs for a primary residence or lease deposit and one month rent,

  • Hiring a moving company,

  • Renting moving equipment,

  • Shipping,

  • The cost of moving supplies

Incentives are paid out as a reimbursement grant after you have relocated to Vermont. Grants are limited and available on a first come first served basis.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

Applicants should have the following information and documents available to upload with their application:

Employer information:

  • Employer name

  • Employer address

  • Employer representative name (this should be the hiring manager)

  • Employer representative e-mail address

  • Employer representative phone number

Proof of residency documentation:

  • Copy of Vermont Driver’s License or Vermont Real ID

  • Copy of the applicant’s paycheck stub

  • Plus, two pieces of documentation from the following: Vermont housing lease or purchase contract, Vermont utility bill with new service address, Vermont property tax bill, and/or Vermont homeowner/renter insurance.

Documentation in support of each qualifying relocation expense submitted for reimbursement:

  • Itemized invoice and

  • Proof of payment

If you have additional questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].

APPLY NOW

New Remote Worker Grant

*Remote Worker Program coming February 2022. Check back for updates.

The New Remote Worker Grant is to encourage professionals who perform the majority of their employment duties remotely from a home office or co-working space to relocate to Vermont.

More details below.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY

The criteria outlined below will be used to determine eligibility for the New Remote Worker Grant. An eligible applicant is someone who, on or after February 1, 2022:

  • Relocated to Vermont, became a full-time resident; and

  • Is working full time remotely for an out-of-state employer from a home office or coworking space located within VT; and

  • The applicant’s wage equals or exceeds the Vermont livable wage rate as updated 1/15/21 in accordance with 2 V.S.A. §526. Currently this is $13.39 per/hour; and

  • Incurred qualified relocation expenses; and

  • Is subject to Vermont income tax

QUALIFYING RELOCATION EXPENSES

Upon successful relocation to Vermont and review of your application, the following qualifying relocation expenses may be reimbursed:

  • Closing costs for a primary residence or lease deposit and one month rent,

  • Hiring a moving company,

  • Renting moving equipment,

  • Shipping,

  • The cost of moving supplies

Incentives are paid out as a reimbursement grant after you have relocated to Vermont. Grants are limited and available on a first come first served basis.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

Applicants should have the following information and documents available to upload with their application:

Employer information:

  • Employer name

  • Employer address

  • Employer representative name (this should be the hiring manager)

  • Employer representative e-mail address

  • Employer representative phone number

Proof of residency documentation:

  • Copy of Vermont Driver’s License or Vermont Real ID

  • Copy of the applicant’s paycheck stub

  • Plus, two pieces of documentation from the following: Vermont housing lease or purchase contract, Vermont utility bill with new service address, Vermont property tax bill, and/or Vermont homeowner/renter insurance.

Documentation in support of each qualifying relocation expense submitted for reimbursement:

  • Itemized invoice and

  • Proof of payment

If you have additional questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].

For more information about the program and how to apply visit the Think Vermont or Vermont ACCD webpages.

About Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)

The ACCD’s mission is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. The ACCD is comprised of four Departments: the Department of Economic Development (DED), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Department of Administration, and the Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM). The Agency

Source: Montpelier 8.19.2021 Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development