Bridge damage on a closed trail in East Burke. Vermont DED photo.
Vermont Department of Economic Development The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) application portal will open on Thursday, August 29 at 8:00 AM. BEGAP is a grant program for businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from flooding. It is available for properties damaged in 2023 and/or 2024.
Property that is eligible for 2023 BEGAP funding may also be eligible for 2024 BEGAP funding. Separate applications must be submitted for each year's funding, for each physical location. A business or nonprofit can receive grants for up to three physical locations, per flood year.
Before the application opens, businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to visit the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program page to learn how the program works and what they need to have on hand before they begin the online application process.
BEGAP Eligibility and Grant Calculations
2024 BEGAP Funding: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for properties affected by the 2024 floods. The application portal will close on November 15, 2024. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $100,000. Preference will be given to Vermont-based operations, and 10% of funds have been set aside for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants.
2023 BEGAP Funding: Applications are due September 30, 2024, for properties affected by the 2023 floods that have not yet already received 2023 BEGAP funding. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $50,000, and 20% of funds have been set aside for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants.
Supplemental 2023 BEGAP Funding: Entities that previously received 2023 BEGAP funding, and have ongoing unmet need, should use the application to submit an inquiry for 2023 Supplemental BEGAP funding. Inquiries that are deemed to be eligible applicants will then receive an email directing them to apply for 2023 Supplemental BEGAP funding. Eligible applicants must have 50 or fewer employees and the previous BEGAP award must have been less than $500,000. Grant amounts (up to $50,000) will be determined by dividing the remaining 2023 BEGAP funds (following the close of 2023 BEGAP applications on September 30, 2024) by the aggregate unmet need of 2023 Supplemental BEGAP applicants. 20% of funds have been set aside for awards to Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants.
BEGAP Application Help
All applicants seeking assistance in preparing to submit this grant application can receive help from the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. Fill out their support request form and they will follow up with resources to help. Businesses located in the Northeast Kingdom may also attend one of two walk-in clinics hosted by the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA). Clinics will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Thursday, September 5th
NVDA Offices
36 Eastern Avenue, Suite 1 St. Johnsbury - Monday, September 9th
Do North Coworking - 3rd Floor Classroom
930 Broad StreetLyndonville
If you are a non-English speaker and need translation assistance, please email [email protected]. You will be connected with state-contracted translation and interpretation services.
DED will share a pre-recorded webinar that will walk applicants through the process step-by-step and answer FAQ’s.
For additional questions about the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program please email [email protected].
BEGAP FAQs
A list of frequently asked questions is available on our website. Additional FAQs will be added over time as questions arise.
BEGAP Help for Farms
Agricultural businesses are encouraged to visit the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) website for guidance before applying. If agricultural businesses have questions, they can email: [email protected]. 40% of 2024 funds are reserved for applications from agricultural and silvicultural businesses until November 15, 2024.
Severe Storm Recovery Newsletter
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development provides updates on the recovery efforts via the Severe Storm Recovery Newsletter. Please sign up here to receive these updates.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
FEMA has several Disaster Recovery Centers in Vermont. They are open seven days a week from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to learn more about disaster assistance programs, find out the status of your FEMA application, and get answers to other questions regarding federal assistance.
Barre Auditorium
20 Auditorium Hill
Barre
Goddard College
123 Pitkin Road
Plainfield
Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury
Vermont Department of Economic Development
1 National Life Drive
Montpelier, VT 05620-5001
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