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USDA awarded a Community Connect Grant of $2.8 million to link Groton and parts of South Ryegate with fiber

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Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom

David Snedeker, Executive Director

[email protected]   

e-Newsletter - December 2024   

Community Announcements

Good News for Groton & NEK Broadband!

USDA awarded a Community Connect Grant of $2,847,276 to link Groton and parts of South Ryegate with fiber broadband access. The funding will be used to create a new community HUB; outfit Groton and South Ryegate libraries with new equipment; and deploy a Wi-Fi Hotspot at the Groton Nature Center that will help address an extensive dead zone communication area for visitors and first responders. The Community Connect Grant will transform the region by bringing internet service to its residents, businesses, and town officials to address the fundamental need for information on education, healthcare, public safety and community development. Congratulations from NVDA!

Public Meeting Seeking Input RE Vermont's Use of Public Waters Rules at the Gateway Center, 84 Fyfe Dr., Newport - Dec 10th, 4:00-8:00 pm

The meeting is scheduled to receive comment on five petitions proposing amendments for lake-specific changes to the Use of Public Waters Rules governing wakesports on Great & Little Averill Lakes, Echo Lake, Charleston, Lake Parker & Shadow Lake, Glover, and Lake Willoughby. Wakesports & Wakeboating Join the meeting Here Meeting ID: 271 524 703 497

Passcode: jhv7DQ or dial in by phone 1+802-828-7667,, 934454274# Questions? Contact Beth Torpey [email protected]

NEK Energy Network Meeting & MVI Training

Are you curious about your town's social, environmental and economic characteristics, and how climate change might impact your community? Join NVDA at the next Energy Network Meeting for a free virtual training session on using the new Municipal Vulnerability Indicators Tool developed by VT Agency of Natural Resources. Learn how to use maps to identify vulnerabilities and inform local planning decisions. Municipal Vulnerability Indicators (MVI) Tool

Dec 5th, 12:00-1:30 pm

Video link: https://meet.google.com/vge-ogwd-adu

Dial in: (US) +1 617-675-444 / PIN: 629 342 117 1032#

Climate Economy Resilient Communities Accepting Applications

The Climate Economy Resilient Communities program assists 3-5 communities each year working on local climate action solutions with services adapted to the community's needs. Eligible entities include town or volunteer committees or groups. The VT Council on Rural Development is accepting applications on a rolling basis until Jan 7th for program and staff support in 2025. For more information and a simple online application, visit the website Here

VCRD Community Visit in Lunenburg-Gilman, Dec 17th, 6:30-9:00 pm

The VT Council on Rural Development is hosting a 3-part Community Visit in Lunenburg and Gilman that brings community members together to discuss assets, challenges and ideas for their town's future. Topics for discussion include: Community Connection & Communication; Recreation; Businesses & Tourism; Youth & Young Adult Engagement; and Infrastructure & Affordability. The first two events were Oct 24th and Nov 19th, but community members are still encouraged to attend the third forum on Dec 18th. A listening team of federal, state, business and non-profit leaders attend all the forums to provide local leaders with the resources they need to build capacity. bit.ly/LunenburgGilman

NEK Towns Receive MERP Awards!

Awards have been announced for the VT Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) and 38 NEK communities received over $11.4 million for energy efficiency and resiliency measures for 85 municipally owned buildings! Projects include HVAC improvements, weatherization, LED & equipment upgrades, and solar panel & battery installation. Implementing these upgrades will enhance building systems and comfort to occupants, while lowering daily operational costs. For example, Albany received funds to upgrade their historic Town Hall / Library which will create a year-round gathering space for the community while lowering heating and maintenance costs. Lyndon received funds for five buildings to receive efficiency upgrades that are expected to save around $31,000 annually. NVDA would like to thank all town employees and volunteers who worked incredibly hard since the program's inception in 2022. The next phase is for each town to review and accept the Grant Agreement and submit documentation as required. NVDA will continue to provide programmatic support until the completion of these projects. Please contact Carter Finegan with any questions. [email protected].

Business Announcements

Online Business Filing System is Changing

The VT Secretary of State's Office is upgrading the Online Business Filing system. The current system will not be available after Dec. 10th. The new and improved system will be open on Dec 16th. All official filings that are currently on record at the VT Secretary of State's Office will be retained, but user profiles and associated data will not transfer to the new system. Businesses will need to make a new account on or after Dec 16th. Copy and save records/data associated with your user profile if you wish to retain them. Making a new account is easy with just an email address or phone number to get started. Questions? Learn more

Efficiency VT Offers Rental Property Services:

 

Employment Opportunity at CAE

The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) is seeking a full-time Facilities Coordinator who will be responsible for the daily upkeep, physical safety, and preventative maintenance of the physical infrastructure and grounds for the VT Food Venture Center and Food Hub.

Apply by Dec 9th. Learn more

Flood Recovery Assistance & Resources

 

Career Training & Continuing Education

Vermont State University Division of Workforce, Community & Economic Development - Five Center & Program areas:

https://vermontstate.edu/about-us/workforce-community-and-economic-development-at-vermont-state/

North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/home

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

St. Johnsbury Academy 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

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 [email protected]

Funding Opportunities for Businesses & Communities

  • Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The application period closes Dec 20th. AFG 2024
  • VTrans Grant Opportunities for SFY 2025 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Municipal Highway & Stormwater Mitigation Program (MHSMP) The applications are web-based and due by e-mail Dec 31st.
  • 2025 Downtown Transportation Fund The DTF has expanded eligibility to Designated Village Centers that have participated in the Better Connections Program. Visit the website to see if your town is eligible. The fund supports revitalization efforts involving public infrastructure, streetscaping, parking, bicycle & pedestrian safety, street lighting and wayfinding signage. 2025 Application & Guidelines Deadline: Feb 17th
  • Community Housing Accelerator Program VT Housing Finance Agency is now accepting applications for the Community Housing Accelerator, a new program that will provide low-interest loans to developers of middle-income rental housing with 4-20 units. Visit the VHFA website Here for more information. Apply by Jan 8th.
  • NVDA Professional Assistance Cost Sharing Program NVDA is providing grant funds for professional assistance to NEK businesses and nonprofits to support the cost of outside professional services. Grant funding for eligible projects can cover as much as 70% of project costs with a 30% match requirement. Professional Assistance Cost Share Program. Contact Annie McLean for help to identify the scope of the project. [email protected]
  • 2024-25 Recreational Trails Grants Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funding for trail maintenance and construction of municipal and nonprofit trail projects across the state. The Pre-application process includes a new Climate Resilience Risk Form to help guide the grant applicants to develop more resilient projects. The pre-application deadline is Dec 6th. Visit the website for key information Here
  • 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 VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors

  • Agriculture Grant Now Open: Specialty Crop Block Grant Pre-application deadline is Jan 8th. The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a website of grants, loans, and financial assistance that targets specific agricultural needs Here. View the VAAFM Grants Calendar Here.
  • Farm to Plate is Vermont's food system plan. The plan is being implemented statewide to increase economic development and jobs in the farm and food sector; improve soils, water, and resiliency of the working landscape in the face of climate change; and improve access to healthy local food for all Vermonters. Sign up for their newsletter Here

 

Funding for the Arts

  • Artist Development Grants The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for its Artist Development Grants, which support artists at all stages of their careers including funding of new work when the activity allows the grantee to accept a rare and important opportunity. There are two grant founds each year for up to $2,000. (New this year is a random draw method to select grantees from eligible applications.)
  • Vermont Arts Council www.vermontartscouncil.org Sign up for ArtMail Newsletter.

 

Loan Programs

  • NEK Prosperity Fund The NEK Prosperity Fund is a project of NEK Prosper, NEK Community Action (NEKCA), and Community Capital of VT. The fund was created to organize and focus investment on equity and population health. Loan recipients will receive business support services from NEKCA's financial and business counselors. NEK Prosper
  • 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. Contact Sandy Croft at (802) 828-5472 [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.
  • NVDA EPA Revolving Loan Fund is available to businesses and municipalities for brownfield cleanup projects. Contact [email protected].
  • 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 

 

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 Jessica Hartleben [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 - for pre-employment, new hire, and/or incumbent employee training. Are your employees eligible? VTP
  • State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) The VT International Trade Division will manage STEP, a grant program for small businesses to compete globally by offsetting the cost of export-related activities like foreign trade missions, export trade shows, training workshops, or designing international marketing campaigns. 2024 STEP grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Visit www.accd.vermont.gov/STEP
  • Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program The tax credit program helps to stimulate private investment by supporting the creation and improvement of rental housing. Successful projects range from modest renovations in small village centers to multimillion-dollar redevelopments. The program creates jobs and supports general rehabilitation, code compliance work, facade improvements, and flood mitigation upgrades. State & Federal Tax Credits For NVDA assistance contact Annie McLean [email protected]

 

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 manufacturers and their employees at all levels. 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 provides free services to employers to help recruit, train and retain a quality workforce. Labor.vermont.gov/jobs
  • 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] , Heather Gonyaw [email protected], or Rick Daniell [email protected]
  • Micro Business Development (MBDP) An experienced business coach can help with business financials, marketing plans, and access to financing for low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs form Caledonia, Essex and Orleans County. Contact Dustin Smith, NEK Community Action [email protected] (802) 323-9010 for free coaching. www.nekcavt.org
  • 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 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)  

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.

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