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News & Announcements from NVDA

Submitted by tim on

NEK Flood Recovery Updates

NVDA is here to help Northeast Kingdom businesses and communities with information, resources and flood recovery assistance.

VT Emergency Gap Funding for Businesses

The Business Emergency Gap Grant Program will provide $20 million in the form of grants to impacted businesses and nonprofits that sustained physical damage due to flooding. Business owners can seek grants to support demonstrated losses to their physical space and replacements of inventory, machinery, equipment, and supplies. The aim is to reopen businesses and bring employees back to work. Program details and and the portal to apply will open the first week of August. A link will be posted on the NVDA website as soon as it is made available.

VT Emergency Gap Funding for Municipalities

$11 million in state funding will be available to 40 Vermont towns most impacted by the flooding. The funds will be fast-tracked to towns to ensure they have a steady cash flow to support ongoing recovery efforts while awaiting FEMA reimbursement. It may help prevent municipalities from taking on borrowing costs. The program is under development and specific information will be released very soon. Read the July 21st Press Release. For additional information about flood resources visit www.vermont.gov/Flood.

VT Main Street Flood Relief Fund

The VT Chamber of Commerce has created a Flood Recovery Resources page on their website. Find information about the VT Main Street Recovery Fund & Application designed to help small businesses immediately with cash assistance. Small businesses can reapply as more funds become available.

Agriculture Assistance

If your farm has sustained damage, report losses to the Farm Service Agency. Email [email protected] or call (802) 828-5667. Multiple funds are available. Farmers can request up to $5,000 in grants from the Farmer Emergency Fund and apply for up to $10,000 in emergency loans from the Vermont Farm Fund.

Report All Damage to 211

Reporting is a key element of the state's tracking of flood impact. It helps with FEMA registration and federal funding - and also makes it possible to connect those in need with volunteers and organizations working to clean up and rebuild. No matter how big or small, reporting damage is essential. Go online to Vermont211.org, or dial 211 (or) 802/652-4636.

Act 250 Waiver Available for Earth Extraction, Asphalt & Concrete Operations

On July 13th, Gov. Scott issued a waiver to certain land use permit conditions and Act 250 permitting requirements to assure availability of material for use by municipalities or contractors to rebuild critical infrastructure impacted by the July storm. Owners of earth material pits or quarries, or asphalt or concrete plants should review the Emergency Instructions document and fill out the Storm Recovery Documentation form if they plan to utilize the waiver. Additional information is located on the NRB Storm Recovery page.

VtSBDC Disaster Recovery for Vermont

Visit the VtSBDC website Here for information on documenting storm damage. Vermont has been declared a state of emergency and residents living in Caledonia and Orleans Counties are eligible for direct federal assistance. SBA programs can provide assistance through disaster or business recovery centers. Download a copy of the VT Small Business Development Center's Disaster Recovery Guide for Business which contains steps business owners can take to prepare. Gather post-disaster information and document now.

It's been three weeks since catastrophic flooding struck. Cleanup work continues and resources are updated on a daily basis. Here are MORE links to follow for Flood Disaster Assistance:

Business Announcements

Aug 9th, Free Conservation Workshop at Small Axe Farm, 3:00-5:00 pm

Join the Caledonia County Conservation District & VVBGA on a tour of Small Axe Farm, 731 Whitehill Rd., East Ryegate. Hear from diversified vegetable growers and UVM Extension specialists about farm management practices that improve soil health, no till methods that prevent erosion on steep hillsides, how increasing pollinator biodiversity reduces pest pressure, and more! Questions? Contact [email protected] or visit online at CaledoniaDistrict.org/events/ RSVP kindly requested.

Attention: Women Business Owners in Vermont

Stand up and be counted! Until now, no one tracked business ownership by gender, a fact that matters in our economy. Click here This Way Up VT. Take the survey, and put yourself on the Map. This data will shed new light on what it takes to run a business in Vermont's rural economy and open more doors to funding, mentorship and connection. This is a Vermont Women's Fund initiative. www.vermontwomensfund.org

Planning Position at NVDA

NVDA has an opening for a Regional Land Use Planner with a background in planning and a desire to work in a rural context with a staff of dedicated professionals, municipal officials, and NVDA Commissioners. The full-time position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please. Municipal & Regional Senior Planner Contact [email protected] if interested.

Community Announcements

LVRT Celebration Postponed Until Further Notice

Due to historic flooding and the recovery efforts required, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is closed as crews assess and repair the damage. The July 15th celebration of the trail's completion, with Governor Scott and Senator Sanders, was postponed. Towns along the LVRT look forward to the announcement of a new date. Until then, visit the website for Trail Updates

New Reporting Form Required for New Zoning Bylaws

A new reporting form is required by the VT Agency of Commerce & Community Development when a community adopts or amends zoning bylaws. View the document Here

NEK Marketing Partnership

The website www.northeastkingdom.com is drawing interest from far and wide. Regional Chambers of Commerce, the Northern Forest Center, and other organizations have formed a partnership to promote the Northeast Kingdom and welcome visitors to experience all that the region has to offer. Check it out and sign up for the NEKed Moosletter!

Energy Announcements

Save the Date: September 20-21, Efficiency VT Best Practices Exchange

All are invited to the 12th Annual Best Practices Exchange at the Killington Grand Resort in Killington VT. The event is FREE for Vermont commercial and industrial businesses. Session themes include retro-commissioning, flexible load management, fossil fuel reduction, metering insights, and strategic energy management. Advance RSVP is required. Register Here. Overnight accommodations are available. Make reservations by Aug 27th.

Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The VT Community Electric Vehicle Chargers Incentive Program aims to make electric transportation more equitable and accessible for Vermonters. The statewide program is designed to increase access to electric charging opportunities at locations such as workplaces, multiunit homes, and public areas. Funding is issued on a first-come, first-served basis for full installation. Submit pre-applications Here. Pre-approved electrical contractors and local electric utilities will offer technical assistance to help applicants who may have limited experience with EV charging. To insure fair distribution, there are caps on the total incentives issued per applicant, per site, and per county. Questions? email i[email protected] or call 802-655-8722.

Free MERP Assessments

Applications now being accepted for building energy assessments through the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP). There are two assessment levels to choose from and both qualify for grants up to $500,000. Read more. See the BGS one-pager for information about each type of assessment. NVDA will help NEK communities with technical assistance for MERP applications, assessments, and implementation. Contact Allie Webster, [email protected].

Upcoming Events

VT Community Leadership Network

The VT Council on Rural Development www.vtrural.org is offering network discussions to bring community members and local leaders together to discuss urgent and long term needs. The August schedule will focus on response and recovery challenges from the recent flooding.

Aug. 3rd, 12:00-1:00 pm Community-Led Response & Recovery Register

Aug. 9th, 10:00-11:30 am Establishing, Managing & Disbursing Community Relief Funds Register

Aug 15th, VT Community Leadership Summit, Vermont Technical College in Randolph

The theme, Strengthening Skills, Capacity, and Opportunity for the Future aims to bring together community builders and people from all sectors to provide skills training to work on practical solutions for local and regional initiatives. All who care about the future of their community and state are encouraged to attend, make connections, and share ideas. 2023 Community Leadership Summit.

Sept 14th, Vermont Forest Industry Summit at Bolton Valley Resort

The theme, Innovation in the Forest Economy. Registration is now open. Forest Industry Summit

Sept 27-28, Radically Rural Summit

The 6th Annual Radically Rural Summit, with its theme of "Reimagining Rural", will be held in downtown Keene, NH. Anyone who enjoys shaping and sharing ideas about community development will benefit from participating. Learn more and register: Small Towns, Extraordinary Impact!

Oct 18-19, REV 2023 Conference, Burlington

This is the 23rd Renewable Energy Vermont Conference. For a recap of the REV 2022 conference, read more Here.

Career Training & Adult Education Courses

Vermont State University - Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

https://vermontstate.edu/about-us/workforce-community-and-economic-development-at-vermont-state/ Contact Ann Nygard, Director [email protected]

Vermont Tech (now Vermont State University) Continuing Education & Workforce Development cewd.vt.edu www.vtc.edu

North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/adult-education

Contact Chris Damato (802) 334-5469 x3305 [email protected]

St. Johnsbury Academy https://stjacademy.org/adult-education/

Contact Sandra Mings Lamar (802) 748-7738 [email protected]

Lyndon Institute Career & Technical Education Center https://www.lyndoninstitute.org/academics/career-technical-education

Contact Kilee Willey, [email protected] or Michelle Parson, Work-based Learning Coordinator, [email protected].

Canaan School CTE Program https://www.canaanschools.org/career-technical-center/

Contact (802) 266-8910

Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead https://www.ce.sterlingcollege.edu

Contact Nakasi Fortune [email protected]

Community Funding Opportunities

 

  • Kingdom Trails Mini-Grant Program The KT Mini-Grant program will award funds to projects that benefit the communities that include Kingdom Trails: Burke, East Haven, Kirby and Lyndon. Visit www.kingdomtrails.org/kta-mini-grant for information about eligibility and criteria. Apply by Sept. 28th. Questions? [email protected].
  • 2024 Municipal Planning Grants Vermont's flexible Municipal Planning Grants help municipalities implement town plan recommendations and jump start initiatives like flood resilience & recovery planning, zoning updates, community design, and more. Towns may apply for up to $30,000 and joint applications can be submitted for up to $45,000. The grant term is now 2 years. Program Description Online application opens Sept. 1st
  • Multiple USDA Funding Programs & Opportunities for Community Development, Housing, Health & Human Services, Environmental Protection, Business Innovation, Rural Energy, Technology, Agriculture, and more! USDA Rural Development
  • Rural Fire Protection Grant Program The installation of new dry hydrants & other types of rural water supplies is a priority, but eligible projects also include repair/upgrades, replacement, relocation of existing rural water supplies, and drafting site development. Visit vacd.org/programs/rural-fire-protection to download the application.
  • Community Recovery & Revitalization Program (CRRP) The CRRP grant program is available to municipal, for-profit and nonprofit applicants seeking support for capital improvement projects to spur economic and revitalization efforts in the community. Awards will be made on a rolling basis. Details Here.
  • Better Places Grants If your town is thinking of more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, public art projects, and community gardens, Better Places grants can help. The statewide grant program is supported by VT Department of Housing & Community Development, VT Department of Health, and VT Community Foundation. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the website: Better Places
  • Community Heart & Soul The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program is uniquely designed for small cities and towns (population 2,500-30,000). Successful applicants will receive $10,000 grants to match funding from a participating municipality or a partnering organization. Apply Here. Awards are made on a rolling basis.

Funding for the Arts

  • Artist Development Grants through the VT Arts Council, support Vermont artists at all stages of their careers. Grants can fund activities that enhance mastery of an artist's craft or skills, increase the viability of the artist's business, or support the creation of new work. Application deadline is Sept 26th. Learn more
  • New Flood Relief Funding for Artists If recent flooding has significantly and adversely affected an artist's ability to produce, perform, and/or market their work, this grant award for up to $3,000 may help with immediate relief. The application deadline is rolling as long as available funds last. Apply

Grant Funding for VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors

  • Funding Opportunities: The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a calendar of multiple grants on their website that target specific agricultural needs. Some are open year-round and others are available for specific time periods. VAAFM Grants Calendar

Grant Writing Assistance

  • REDI Offers Funding for Grant Writing Assistance The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), a program of the VT Housing and Conservation Board, helps rural communities and working land businesses to access funding for development projects. For more information visit vhcb.org/redi. Questions? Mariah Noth [email protected] (802) 828-1098.  

Loan Programs

  • NEK Prosperity Fund This business loan fund is a collaborative effort between an economic development organization and a social service provider. NEK Community Action and NCIC launched the NEK Prosperity Fund to achieve a social return on investment. The aim is to provide borrowers with financial resources and business support services to improve the local economy, population health, and the area's standard of living. NEK Prosperity Fund
  • USDA RD Home Repair Loan Program Federal regulations have made it easier for low-income rural residents to rehab and modernize their homes through USDA 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants. The program provides funding for single family housing to remove health and safety hazards.
  • Vermont Community Loan Fund The VCLF is a community-focused alternative lender that provides loans and other resources to local businesses, organizations, early care & learning providers, and developers of affordable housing who don't qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. For more information visit the website Here
  • Northeast Kingdom Special Loan Program The VT Economic Development Authority (VEDA) is offering low interest loans under its Small Business Program to growing qualified businesses in Essex, Caledonia and Orleans Counties. The NEK Program can make loans of up to $150,000 for fixed asset acquisition or for working capital purposes. Visit the VEDA website or contact Sandy Croft at (802) 828-5472 [email protected].
  • VT Employee Ownership Loan Fund The VEOL Fund provides capital assistance to businesses that are already employee-owned or becoming so, as well as start ups owned by employees. VT Employee Ownership Loan. For more information, contact Don Jamison, Program Director of VT Employee Ownership Center (802) 338-7448, [email protected].
  • NVDA Revolving Loan Program The Northeastern Vermont Development Association has a limited amount of loan funds available for businesses in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. Funds may be used for the purchase of real property and equipment, working capital, and feasibility studies. For more information contact Tina Gonyaw [email protected] (802) 748-1220 www.nvda.net
  • Coming soon: NVDA Revolving Loan Fund available to businesses and municipalities for brownfield cleanup projects!
  • Efficiency Vermont Energy Loan  The loan program offers affordable financing options to help residents and business customers move forward with energy efficiency projects designed to deliver savings and spur the economy. Energy Loan 
  • VT Farm Fund Revolving Loan Programs Are you thinking about investing in new infrastructure or equipment to grow your business in 2023? The VT Farm Fund can help with no-hassle, low-interest loans to farmers and food producers in need of financing. Find out about Business Builder Loans, New Producer Loans and Emergency Loans. The VT Farm Fund is a program of The Center for an Agricultural Economy [email protected]. Contact Kristin Blodgett [email protected] for more information. 

Incentive Programs for Vermont Businesses      



  • VT Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) Vermont offers an economic incentive for business recruitment, growth and expansion. The VEGI program provides financial incentives to qualified businesses that meet performance requirements. Authorization occurs through an application to the VT Economic Progress Council. For more information, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/vegi or contact Abbie Sherman, [email protected].    
  • VT Training Program (VTP) The Vermont Training Program can be used to train new employees or existing employees if the training is needed for new equipment or technology. VTP can pay up to 50% of an employee's wages/salary during the training period. Are your employees eligible? Contact John Young, Director of Workforce Development Programs (802) 355-2725 [email protected]. VTP
  • Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program This program is designed to stimulate private investment, create jobs, restore historic buildings, and jumpstart revitalization efforts in Vermont's Designated Downtowns and Village Centers. Visit the ACCD website for information about eligible projects and the next round of funding. Tax Credit for Downtown & Village Centers. 

Business Resources



  • VT Manufacturing Extension Center Visit the VMEC website and check out current postings for learning opportunities involving professional development, coaching, and hands-on training for leaders and workers. VMEC
  • Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) VT APEX Accelerator provides businesses with free one-on-one counseling services, technical assistance, and market research to understand the requirements of government contracting. Visit the website Here for a list of workshops with sign-up information. Questions? Contact Brenda Plastridge [email protected].
  • VHCB Farm & Forest Viability Program The program mission is to enhance the economic viability of Vermont farms and forestry enterprises. Business coaching services are offered to eligible farmers, agriculturally-related businesses, forest products enterprises, and forest landowners. VHCB
  • VT Department of Labor For Information about job openings and training opportunities by region and industry visit labor.vermont.gov/jobs. VDOL also offers complimentary recruitment assistance to employers.
  • VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) Experienced business advisors are available by email, phone or video conferencing. Do you need help constructing financial statements or application forms for recovery relief funding? For free customized service, contact: Heidi Krantz [email protected] or Karianne Scott [email protected].
  • NEK Collaborative (NEKC) The Collaborative's mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents in the NEK through coordinated economic and community-supported development. www.nekcollaborative.org.

Looking for Commercial or Office Space?

[email protected] (802) 748-8303

[email protected] (802) 748-1220

Commercial Building Lots for Sale: St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park & Orleans Industrial Park (water & sewer available)  

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Northeastern Vermont Development Association  www.nvda.net   

St. Johnsbury Office: 802.748-5181 Fax: 802.748-1223

NVDA is the regional planning and development organization serving

Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties - An equal opportunity lender, provider and employer.

 his monthly newsletter is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce & Community Development