Governor eases mask guidance to crowds, multi gatherings, VT enters Step 2

Submitted by tim on Mon, 05/03/2021 - 01:45

Mask Guidance Update

Governor Phil Scott on Friday announced a change in the state’s mask mandate policy. Effective May 1st, when you are outdoors, masks are only required when you are in a crowd or with multiple other households where you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance. This change in guidance reflects changes made by the CDC this week to mask wearing. Find full prevention information at the Health Department website.

Vermont Forward Step Two

On May 1st, Vermont entered Step Two of the Vermont Forward Plan, moving all sectors to Universal Guidance and increasing gathering and event sizes. This move followed the timeline of Vermont vaccination rates which have remained on pace over the last month. Visit the Vermont Forward Plan for full details on the move to Step Two.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Registration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will begin accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) via the application portal on Monday, May 3rd at noon, 12:00pm EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

In preparation, qualifying applicants should familiarize themselves with the application process:

Register for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov. Businesses working with Square or Toast, do not need to register.
Review the sample application, updated program guide, and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 relief options.

Business can find program information and materials in more than 30 languages on the RRF information website.

If business owners missed this week’s SBA webinar on the program, a recording is now available.

Economic Recovery Bridge Grants Announced

A reminder that ACCD has posted guidelines for the upcoming Economic Recovery Bridge Grants to provide priority funding of $10 million to businesses that have not received prior State or Federal financial assistance. To the extent that funds remain available, the program is also intended to provide funding to businesses that have suffered a tax loss even after receiving State or Federal aid.

Further guidance, FAQs, and translated versions will be posted in the coming weeks. The application portal will go live in early June.

Research and Development Business Webinar

Join the Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center (VT PTAC) and the U.S. Department of the Navy (DON) for a free web session introducing the DON Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs on May 3rd at 9:00am. This event will provide an overview of the DON SBIR/STTR programs and current opportunities. Vermont small businesses are eligible to participate and underrepresented small businesses are strongly encouraged to participate. Registration is required.