Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom
NEK Community Announcements
HOME Act Signed into Law
Northeastern Vermont Development Association Governor Scott signed the HOME Act into law on June 5th. This legislation marks a strong compromise between housing and environmental advocates who worked with the Administration to find a path forward for housing policy reform. The HOME Act modernizes local zoning and land use regulations by allowing higher density development in areas with sewer and water service, creating more housing opportunities and affordable homes. Key provisions of S.100 include: Affordable & Inclusive Housing Expansion; Land Use Regulations; and Municipal Zoning Reforms. Read more
Business Announcements
Loan Clinic, July 5th
SBA is hosting a Free webinar on July 5th at noon to provide information about guaranteed loan programs. SBA guarantees loans to make it easier for small businesses to get funding by reducing lender risk. Funds can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and operating capital. Amounts range from $500 to $5.5 million. To access the webinar, visit Loan Clinic webinar or call 802/490-7604, code 301113174#. For more information, contact [email protected].
Apply to Join the Vermont Maple 100
Vermont maple businesses are invited to participate in the Vermont Maple 100 this fall from September 15th-October 15th. The VT Agency of Agriculture and VT Department of Tourism sponsor this annual promotion to showcase Vermont's maple-related products and activities. It's easy and absolutely Free! Every business that signs up will be featured on VermontVacation.com. Don't miss this unique opportunity! Apply by July 31st. Application
AmeriCorps VISTA Positions at NVDA
NVDA is seeking two AmeriCorps volunteers to help build the Northeast Kingdom's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply on line for the full-time positions: Community Outreach VISTA-VT and Resource Development VISTA-VT
VMEC Awarded Federal Grant for Vermont Manufacturers
The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center has secured federal funding to assist Vermont small and medium-sized manufacturers in building domestic supply chain initiatives. Learn more The program will support supplier scouting services, analyze domestic manufacturing capabilities, and expand knowledge of VMEC's manufacturing ecosystems to stimulate growth of supply bases. A VMEC Business Advisor will focus solely on working with manufacturers to assist in navigating the new supply chain platform.
Upcoming Events
July 15th - Ride the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail with Governor Scott, 7:30- am-7:30 pm
Gov. Scott and Senator Bernie Sanders invite towns to showcase their communities along the completed 93-mile LVRT from Swanton to St. Johnsbury. The Governor will bike the entire trail and make brief water stops with Senator Sanders, who secured the original federal grant to help establish the LVRT back in 2005! The public is invited to join all or part of the ride and any of the planned stops. The Celebration team will work with communities to plan their participation. Visit Rail Trails Celebration. Questions? Contact Jackie Cassino, Rail Trails Program Manager [email protected].
August 15th, VT Community Leadership Summit - Vermont Technical College
The theme, Strengthening Skills, Capacity, and Opportunity for the Future aims to bring together dedicated 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 for our collective future. 2023 Community Leadership Summit
Energy Announcements
DPS Accepting Nominations for Stakeholder Advisory Group
The Department of Public Service is reviewing Vermont's Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and related programs, and looking for individuals to serve on the Stakeholder Advisory Group. The Department is conducting a technical analysis to review options for modifying or expanding the current RES requirements. A Stakeholder Advisory Group will explore the possible impact of modifications and ensure consideration of a broad array of perspectives. Read more Nominations are due July 5th. Nomination link
Career Training & Adult Education Courses
Vermont State University - Center for Professional Studies https://www.northernvermont.edu/academics/non-traditional-students/center-for-professional-studies/ Contact Ann Nygard [email protected]
Vermont Tech - Continuing Education & Workforce Development www.vtc.edu vtworkers.vsc.edu VTC Healthcare Here.
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
- 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.
- Hazard Mitigation: Flood Resilient Communities Fund Eligible projects include flood-vulnerable property buyouts, floodplain restoration, and buffer plantings. Visit the website for more information. https://vem.vermont.gov/flood-resilient-communities-fund. The next application deadline is July 31st.
- 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.
Grant Funding for Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors
- USDA Rural Energy for America Program for Businesses & Farms REAP Renewable Energy Systems provides guarantee loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems, equipment, or energy efficiency improvements. Visit the website Here. Funding for this program is from the Inflation Reduction Act. The VT-NH USDA-RD office will facilitate the program. Questions? Contact Tracy Rexford [email protected].
- 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 projects!
- Efficiency Vermont's 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
- VT Talent Pipeline Management (VTPM) VTPM addresses the talent-supply gap by connecting employer needs with training programs and funding resources to prepare the labor force with job-ready skills. In 2021, VTPM invited Advanced Manufacturing employers to participate in a collaborative planning process to assess hiring needs for new and replacement jobs over a two-year period: Aug 2021-2023. Read the VTPM Report: Hiring Needs - VT Manufacturing (Any Vermont manufacturer is welcome to join the VTPM collaborative to connect job seekers with career opportunities.) Visit https://www.vermonttpm.org or contact Mary Anne Sheahan for more information. [email protected].
- 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.
This monthly newsletter is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce & Community Development
David Snedeker, Executive Director. [email protected]