Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Economic Development has announced additional details and guidelines for the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP). The application portal opens today, Thursday, August 3, and businesses and nonprofits can visit the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program page to learn how the program works and what you will need to have in hand before you begin the online application process.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is conducting a survey with farms, agricultural businesses, and service and non-profit organizations to learn more about the impact of this disaster on their business. The data will be used to allocate resources and obtain more relief. That survey remains open until August 28.
The state of Vermont and the U.S. EPA opened a new flood hazardous materials drop off site in Middlesex at the former Vermont State Police barracks on Route 2. Businesses and nonprofits can bring up to ten 5-gallon containers of waste to include cleaners, chemicals, paint and more. See the full list of what they will accept as well as other temporary locations.
Webinars and Events
The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce is hosting an in-person presentation at their Berlin Conference Center 1 p.m. Thursday, August 3 on the paths and pitfalls of rebuilding after the flood. Visit the chamber’s website for more information on “Rebuilding Commercial Properties."
SBA Update and Reminders
You can meet with a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representative at FEMA’s newest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Plainfield at Twinfield Union School. This is the fifth DRC in Vermont. Others are in Barre, Londonderry, Rutland and Waterbury. While at a DRC you can learn how to apply for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits.
You can also learn about SBA disaster loans at Vermont’s three SBA Business Recovery Centers, by going online or calling 1-800-659-2955.
If you are applying for an SBA loan for physical property damage, the deadline is Sept. 12, 2023. Applications for economic injury loans are due April 15, 2024.
ACCD is encouraging businesses and nonprofits to apply for SBA loans. Applicants do not need to accept a loan if the SBA offers one.
SBA Vermont District Office
87 State St., Unit 205
Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: 802-828-4422
www.sba.gov/vt
