Commissioner Goldstein speaks at a press conference at Burlington City Arts recognizing the economic contributions of Vermont's creative economy.
by Joan Goldstein, Commissioner, Department of Economic Development Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all were able to take a break during the holidays and unwind with family and friends.
At the Vermont Department of Economic Development (DED) we kicked off the year announcing the final round of Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) grants. This was the latest installment of $50 million allocated by the legislature in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money for CRRP and the Capital Investment Program (CIP) to help with projects around the state. Read on for more details about the 4th Round of CRRP at as well as an update on a hotel project in Randolph that was awarded a CIP grant.
I recently spoke at an event in Burlington celebrating Vermont’s creative economy.
A new study finds Vermont’s nonprofit arts community generated $158 million in economic activity in 2022. The state of Vermont supports the arts, too. DED has awarded $5.9 million in CRRP and CIP grants to 22 organizations including Burlington City Arts, Northern Stage Company in White River Junction, Rutland’s Paramount Theater, Catamount Film & Arts in St. Johnsbury, and Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. The state of Vermont is also a majority funder of the Vermont Arts Council.
We hear from many of you about your struggle to recruit workers in a housing crunch. I want you to know that the Scott Administration is working hard to increase Vermont’s housing stock and is collaborating with the legislature on this critical issue. You can learn more about that effort below.
Lastly, the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) is winding down. So far, we have awarded $20 million dollars to 530 businesses, landlords, and nonprofits that suffered physical damage in July’s flooding. You can still support BEGAP by buying a Vermont Strong license plate.
If we can be of any help to your organization, please reach out. We are also open to your ideas as we work to boost Vermont’s economy, so please share them.
Regards,
Joan Goldstein
Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
[email protected]
High Street & Green in downtown Brattleboro.
CRRP Round 4 Grants Awarded
Forty projects are recipients of the fourth and final round of Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) grants. Those 40 projects will share $10.5 million and are expected to create 117 new jobs, support 1,810 existing jobs, build or rehabilitate 75 units of housing, and add 60 new childcare slots.
One of the awardees is High Street & Green in downtown Brattleboro. Learn more about their project and this last round of CRRP grants.
CIP Helps Build Hotel
An extended stay hotel is taking shape in Randolph. The 64-room hotel is going up near Exit 4 on Interstate 89.
The project received a $963,197 grant from the Capital Investment Program funded by ARPA. In the last six months, they poured the foundation and started building up. At last check, the third-floor exterior walls were under construction.
A Banner Year for Outdoor Recreation
New data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that in 2022, outdoor recreation made up 4.6% of Vermont’s economy ranking the state 2nd behind Hawaii in contributions to state gross domestic product (GDP). Vermont ranked 3rd in 2021.
Check out the press release that went out at the end of December for more information.
Vermont Futures Project
The Vermont Futures Project wants your ideas on growing the population and housing stock by February 2 for their Economic Action Plan. They are also hosting a discussion on Vermont’s economic future at The Hub CoWorks in Rutland on January 25th. Registration required.
Register Today
Join industry professionals, policymakers, business owners, and community members at the 2024 Vermont Economic Conference hosted by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce at UVM’s Davis Center in Burlington. The event will feature a statewide economic outlook, networking, workforce development and diversity strategies. Registration is required.
Expanding Afterschool Options
A $3.5 million grant program administered by the Vermont Agency of Education will help increase and improve afterschool options across the state.
Grants may be used to expand existing afterschool programs, create new ones, or create comprehensive afterschool centers. Eligible recipients include Vermont school systems, community-based organizations, private businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations.
Applications are due March 6.
Artist Development Grants
The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for Artist Development Grants until January 30. These grants support activities that enhance an artist's craft or skills, or increase the viability of their business. Grantees may receive up to $2,000.
Improving Workplace Safety
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the University of Vermont’s Vermont Violence Prevention Project a two year, $943,976 grant.
UVM will use this grant to improve targeted violence and terrorism prevention efforts in all Vermont medium-to-large employers and colleges by implementing behavioral threat assessment and management best practices.
There is a webinar on January 25 at 8:30 am to learn more.
CONNEX Webinar
Join VMEC for a webinar at 12:00 on February 14 to learn more about CONNEX Vermont which connects small manufacturers and suppliers to buyers.
Commercial/ Industrial Site Locator
Vermont Department of Economic Development
1 National Life Dr
Montpelier, VT 05620-5001
