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NEK Flood Recovery Updates

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Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom

 David Snedeker, Executive Director

        [email protected]  

e-Newsletter - September 2023   

NEK Flood Recovery Updates

Need help?

David Snedeker [email protected], Annie McLean [email protected].

BEGAP for Businesses & Nonprofits

Funding is still available! The $20 million dollar Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program through the Department of Economic Development is for businesses, nonprofits, and landlords that suffered physical flood damage. The grant funds are to help businesses reopen their doors, bring employees back to work, and help displaced Vermonters return to their rental housing. It's not too late to apply. 

Learn more: Business Emergency Gap Assistance.

BEGAP Assistance for Farmers

$1 million is available for agricultural operations that suffered flood damage. Grants are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. BEGAP for Ag Operations Review the FAQ page.

VT Main Street Recovery Fund

NVDA has made a donation to the VT Main Street Recovery Fund, a program for small businesses impacted by the flood. The Fund is raising money statewide and 100% goes directly to business owners to cover immediate costs until additional support is available. NEK businesses are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 for equipment replacement, operation expenses and supplies to help with clean up. There is also an opportunity to reapply as additional funds become available.

Efficiency Vermont Offers Flood Recovery Webinar

Watch the Aug 10th webinar recording or view the presentation slides for residents and businesses seeking help to rebuild after the flood: Webinar and Presentation slides Questions? Call 888-921-5990 or email [email protected] or [email protected] 802-540-7630.

Report All Damage to 211

Reporting is a key element of the state's tracking of flood impact. 211 does not provide resources or direct assistance, but it helps with FEMA registration and federal funding. Reporting will also be used to connect those in need with volunteers and organizations working to clean up and rebuild. No matter how big or small, reporting damage and loss of inventory, is essential. Go online to Vermont211.org, or dial 211 (or) 802/652-4636.

MORE links to follow for Flood Disaster Assistance:

Business Announcements

Hardwick's Iconic Yellow Barn is More than a Building!

After nearly five years of extensive planning and fundraising, August 18th marked the start of a new era of entrepreneurship and innovation in Hardwick. Groundbreaking at the Yellow Barn Business Accelerator celebrated a unique public-private endeavor where partners and funders worked to strengthen Vermont's farms and grow the region's food-based economy. The historic barn has long been a visible landmark representing an agricultural economy. The Accelerator project will create a hub of economic activity, providing production and administrative space for local businesses to showcase Vermont's agricultural products. Senator Leahy spoke of teamwork and the shared vision that propelled the redevelopment project forward. Congratulations to ALL! and a shout-out to NVDA's Senior Planner Alison Low, for her unwavering commitment to preserve and repurpose the historic structure.

Local Employers are Invited to Exhibit: NEK Job Fest, Sept 15th - Fenton Chester Arena

The NEK Workforce Partner's Fall Job Fest will be held at the Fenton Chester Ice Arena in Lyndon Center from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. The free event is sponsored by the Workforce Development Division of the VT Department of Labor. All regional employers are invited to participate. Register Here. A large turnout is expected!

Attention Manufacturers!

The VT Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) just launched CONNEX Vermont a program that will allow Vermont manufacturers to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains. The online platform is part of CONNEX Marketplace, a national program rolling out across the country. Register your business by Nov 20th for a free year of access to this supply chain tool for large and small manufacturers.

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. NVDA Regional Planner Contact [email protected] if interested.

Job Openings at CAE

Looking for a way to be involved in the local agricultural economy? The Center for an Agricultural Economy is seeking to fill two full-time, well-paying positions: an Accounting Coordinator to support the organization's accounting and financial systems; and a year round Delivery Driver to join the Farm Connex team. Visit the CAE website for more details and keep an eye out for future job opportunities. CAE is Hiring!

Community Announcements

LVRT is Partially Open!

State officials announced that about half of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail has reopened. The two end sections, 19.5 miles from St. Johnsbury to Walden (at the intersection with Route 15), and 30.3 miles from Swanton to Cambridge are open for public use. Major repairs are needed to rebuild significant portions of the remaining 43.2 miles between Walden and Cambridge due to bridge and culvert washouts, and slope failures. That section is closed until further notice. Follow Trail Updates.

Regional Emergency Management Meetings

  • Orleans-Essex REMC, Sept 25, 1 pm, Newport Fire Station
  • Cal-Essex REMC, Sept 27, 2 pm, Barnet Fire Station

Both meetings are open to the public. Zoom is also available. Contact Bruce Melendy for a Zoom link: [email protected]

Energy Announcements & Events

Say WATT? Help Shape Vermont's Electricity Future

The VT Public Service Department and NVDA have teamed up to ensure your voice is heard as critical energy policies are updated. Help us determine the future of electricity in Vermont. This September, attend an event near you (in-person & online). Share input. Ask questions. Get involved. NVDA's website has additional information about Energy Planning in the NEK Here

MERP Energy Assessment Deadline Has Been Shortened!

The deadline to apply for free Level 1 and Level 2 Energy Resilience Assessments through the Municipal Energy Resilience program has been moved up to 10/31/23. Buildings must be municipally owned (but perpetually leased facilities may be eligible.) Questions? NVDA can help. Contact Allie Webster [email protected].

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. Register Here.

Sept 24, 12:00-4:00 pm, NEK Solarbration!

Free family-friendly fun, live music and energy education in Peacham. All are welcome to celebrate the start-up of the 150kW Community Solar array providing renewable electricity to Peacham town buildings, as well as participating homes, farms, and local businesses from surrounding communities. Join the Solarbration with live music, food trucks, raffle prizes, and arts & crafts for all ages!

Oct 18-19, REV 2023 Conference, Burlington

This is the 23rd Renewable Energy VT Conference. There will be more than 70 speakers and 19 breakout sessions covering everything from innovation in energy storage to the future of renewable energy policy in Vermont. Visit the website to learn more and Register.

More Upcoming Events

Sept 14th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Small Scale Commercial Composting Workshop

Join the Caledonia County Conservation District for an in-depth tour and discussion about Compost Aeration and Heat Recovery System design, permitting, grants, and more. Kingdom View Compost in Lyndonville. Details and RSVP Here

Sept 14th, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, VT Forest Industry Summit at Bolton Valley Resort

Innovation in the Forest Economy, with guest speakers and topics ranging from mass timber to wood based textiles! Forest Industry Summit

Sept 26-27, Town Fair 23

Municipal Clerks, Treasurers, Listers, Public Safety officials, and town leaders are invited to participate in training workshops while connecting in-person with counterparts from around the state. Solutions to Enhance VT's Future at the DoubleTree Hilton in South Burlington. Register on the VLCT website: VLCT.org/TF23.

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!

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/ Ann Nygard, [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 [email protected] or Michelle Parson, Work-based Learning Coordinator, [email protected].

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

Chuck Patterson, Coordinator of Curriculum, [email protected] or call (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
  • Bylaw Modernization Grants The grant program is for single municipalities and multi-town consortiums that want to update their land use, development, and zoning bylaws in support of pedestrian-oriented development patterns to increase housing choice and affordability. Apply by Nov 1st. Program Description and Application Form.
  • 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
  • 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 Questions? [email protected]

Grant Funding for VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors

  • Northern Border Regional Commission's Forest Economy Program NBRC is accepting letters of interest for Fall 2023 program funding. The FEP supports regional forest-based economy and the industry's evolution to include new technologies and viable business models. Submit letters of interest by Sept 22nd. Visit the website for full information Forest Economy Program
  • More Funding Opportunities: The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a calendar on their website of multiple grants that target specific agricultural needs. Some are open year-round, 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.

 This monthly newsletter is made possible in part by a grant

from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce & Community Development 

Northeastern Vermont Development Association | PO Box 630, 36 Eastern Ave. Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819