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Northeastern Vermont Development Association monthly news

Submitted by tim on

NEK Community Announcements

Good News for Troy and Lyndon!
VTrans is investing funds from the General Fund Bridge Program for rebuilding eligible off-system bridges using 100% federal monies for the construction phase. VTrans established two categories during the selection process: Historic Bridges and Existing Capital Projects. Thirty-four bridges were ultimately selected from around the state to participate in the program - with two from the NEK! The towns of Troy and Lyndon are now able to rebuild their covered bridges with funding from the General Fund Bridge Program. Read more
VT FLAP Call for Projects
The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division will be conducting a Call for Projects for the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) in Vermont for FY 23-26. An estimated total of $1.2M will be available for programming in the state. The Call for Projects application period runs from June 1, 2022, through September 1, 2022. Project award values will be 100% federal. Applicants may provide additional funds to contribute to the project beyond the requested FLAP funds. https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs-acess Questions? Richelle Ellis, Access Program Planning Coordination, [email protected].
Updates to Vermont Wetland Maps
Wetlands, also known as swamps, marshes, and bogs, are found throughout Vermont and can sometimes be difficult to identify. The State currently has an outdated map that shows the general location of some protected wetlands The map is not completely accurate or comprehensive and the State is working to improve it by adding protected wetlands, and revising wetland locations. Want to learn more? To view draft documents, maps, and to provide comments, visit https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/wetlands/rulemaking.
Introduction to Floodplain Management: NFIP 101
FEMA's online Floodplain Management Training will help floodplain administrators, emergency managers, elected officials, and others learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and its requirements. New administrators will also learn how floodplain management decisions affect insurance, health, and public safety. NFIP 101 is free and does not require ASFPM membership. Read more
Vermont 211 Launches New Website
Vermont 211 is a confidential 24/7 Helpline that connects Vermonters with community, health, and human services resources. https://vermont211.org This is a free information and referral program of the United Ways of Vermont. Call 2-1-1.
Vermont Special Events List for 2023
The VT Homeland Security Unit and the VT Intelligence Center are compiling a list of statewide special events occurring between Dec. 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. A comprehensive list of events helps local first responders, area law enforcement, and public safety organizations with situational awareness to better protect Vermont citizens and guests. Special events include gatherings that attract a minimum of 1,000 participants and spectators in a public and/or private venue. Examples include concerts, marathons, firework displays, parades, community celebrations, sporting events, etc. Town officials can assist in keeping Vermont prepared by completing an online Special Events Reporting Form.
Vermont Community Leadership Summit, August 10th
The 2022 event, presented by the VT Council on Rural Development, will include skills workshops, networking opportunities, community project panels, and forum discussions with over 500 leaders from across Vermont! VT Technical College in Randolph will host the all-inclusive summit. Registration opens in July. https://www.vtrural.org/Summit22
Business Announcements
SBA Loan Clinic, July 6
The Small Business Administration is hosting a free webinar at noon, July 6th about its guaranteed loan programs. SBA loans make it easier for small businesses to get the 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. Access the webinar here SBA Loan Clinic By phone, call (802) 490-7604 and enter code 301113174#
Radically Rural's PitchFork Challenge!
The PitchFork Challenge provides money and momentum for rural entrepreneurs who are coached to create a compelling pitch describing their business. Participants have an opportunity to hone their pitching skills, make valuable connections, and compete to win a cash prize of $10,000! Applications are due by Monday, July 11th. PitchFork Challenge
Calling for RFPs - Weatherization Workforce Training
Efficiency Vermont is seeking proposals from professionals or organizations for workforce programs that increase the number of people working in or supporting the weatherization field in Vermont. RFPs must be delivered electronically to [email protected] by July 18th. Weatherization Workforce Development Program
2022 Vermont Maple 100 - Registration Now Open
Does your business have a connection to maple? The VT Agency of Agriculture and VT Tourism are accepting applications for businesses interested in participating in a month-long promotion (September 15-October 15) highlighting maple activities, adventures, and maple-inspired products. Farms, food businesses, sugarmakers, restaurants, lodging establishments, recreation businesses, and more, are invited to help visitors experience creative ways to enjoy Vermont's sweetest treat. Celebrate all things maple! Promote a special maple-inspired product, host an event, or serve a Maple 100 special menu item at your restaurant. Each activity will be featured on VermontVacation.com. Visit bit.ly/maple100 to sign up. Applications close July 30th.
Do North Co-working KickstartNEK Workshops - 2 Locations in August
This 3-hour course, broken down in three parts, helps participants develop and refine their business model to launch and grow their business. Part 1, Explore Your Idea; Part 2, Refine Your Model; Part 3, Define Next Steps. Register at bit.ly/getstartednek. Questions? email [email protected]
  • August 4, 5:30-8:30 pm @ Do North, Lyndonville
  • August 10, 5:30-8:30 pm @ Spark, Greensboro
NEK Entrepreneur Mentoring Program
The NEK Entrepreneur Mentoring program is launching this Fall and applications are being accepted now from both mentors and entrepreneurs. Mentors with relevant experience starting or growing a business should apply. Entrepreneurs from any industry can participate if interested in growing their business and willing to accept feedback and coaching. For more information visit: https://donorthcoworking.com/mentorship/.
RFQ - Seeking Consultants for Rural Economic Development Initiative
The VT Housing & Conservation Board is seeking skilled grant writers and technical assistance consultants to provide support to community-based economic development projects through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI.) REDI provides assistance to rural communities and small businesses to access federal and other complex funding sources. Consultant Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Responses are due by August 1st.
VT PTAC - Support for Businesses Seeking Government Contracts
Have you considered selling your goods and services to the state or federal government? July marks the beginning of a new program year for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center. Visit https://vtptac.ecenterdirect.com/events for a list of free July workshops with sign-up information: Lunch Bites-Selling to the VT National Guard; Intro to VT PTAC; and HUBZone Certification Program Overview. As a partner in the procurement process, PTAC will help with every phase of contracting - including registration, certification, and bidding. http://ptac.vermont.gov. Questions? Contact Brenda Plastridge, [email protected]. https://vtptac.ecenterdirect.com/
Job Opening at Northern VT University
The full-time administrative position, Coordinator of Partner Engagement & Workforce Development, will contribute to the Learning & Working Initiative at NVU by generating opportunities for students to gain professional skills by integrating academic learning with work, and securing high-impact experiences such as internships and successful career placement. Read more
UVM Job Opening: Farm & Forest Business Outreach Educator
This new position will expand the overall capacity of the Farm and Forest Viability network to offer Business and Transfer Planning to farm and forest businesses across Vermont. The position will be located in either the St. Johnsbury or Rutland Extension Office. Read more
Career Training & Adult Education
SBA's Executive Entrepreneurship Training https://sbathrive.com/
The T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders Reimagined training series includes in-person coaching, self-paced instruction, mentoring and classroom time. Six months of free intensive training sessions from July-December. Visit the SBA website to see if you qualify and find out how to apply to the nearest cohort.
North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/adult-education
Contact Marina Cole to register or learn more: (802) 334-5469 x3305 [email protected]
Visit the website to view many offerings that include Career & Technical Training, Home Improvement Skills, Childcare, Life Skills, and Enrichment & Professional Development courses.
Contact Sandra Mings Lamar (802) 748-7738 [email protected]
Vermont Tech - Continuing Education & Workforce Development www.vtc.edu
  • Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship & Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship - a series of courses fully grant funded.
  • Health Care Trainings - Find one-day seminars, online training, short certificate programs, and a variety of training opportunities for in-demand healthcare careers. Visit the website VTC Healthcare
  • Upgrade your skills with flexible, affordable classes. NVU offers job training, career advancement and non-degree education through online platforms and traditional learning. Explore the website for more information. Contact Ann Nygard, [email protected] (802) 626-4867
Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead
  • Sterling College offers full tuition funding for Veterans interested in continuing education courses in agroecological farming and craft food production. For more information about eligible course offerings, email Nakasi Fortune [email protected]
Funding Opportunities
  • Grant Funding for Municipalities Along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail VTrans has issued a notice about an upcoming grant program to fund projects that improve trail amenities and function. Municipalities located adjacent to the LVRT are eligible to apply. There is no program cap on the amount awarded for a specific project. A 20% local match will be required. All projects will need to be developed according to published guidelines for municipal assistance. Visit the website Here. Complete information will be available in August.
  • Coming Soon! Local Emergency Management Enhancement Grant VT Emergency Management is releasing a new grant program this summer. The program will provide opportunities to purchase EOC equipment, backup generators, etc. Up to $500,000 is expected to be available. Municipalities are encouraged to begin thinking about priority needs. Complete information will be available when the program opens.
  • FY2023 Building Communities Grants This program, administered by the Department of Buildings and General Services, includes funding for Recreational Facilities, Human Services Facilities, Educational Facilities, and Regional Economic Development. The grants are for construction and capital improvements. Deadline to submit applications is Sept.10th. http://www.bgs.vermont.gov/commissioner/building-communities-grants.
  • E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Grants for Vermont Micro-businesses The VT Community Action Partnership and Micro Business Development Program have come together to establish Economic Micro Business Recovery Assistance for the Covid-19 Epidemic. The direct grant program supports the smallest Vermont micro-businesses owned by individuals with a household income at or under 80% of the state median household income. $5,000 grants are awarded to qualifying businesses having 5 employees or less (including the owner.) Visit the website for more information and to apply on a first come, first served basis: mbdp.org/embrace-grant.
  • Better Places Grants If you are thinking of more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, public art projects, and community gardens, Better Places grants can help turn those ideas into reality. The statewide community grant program is supported by the VT Department of Housing & Community Development, the VT Department of Health, and VT Community Foundation. There is no deadline to apply. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis while funding is available. The Better Places program anticipates offering two rounds of funding in 2022. Visit the website for more information: Better Places
  • Rural Fire Protection Grant Program The VT Rural Fire Protection Task Force and VT Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) is offering maximum grant awards of $10,000 per project/system. The installation of new dry hydrants and other types of rural water supplies are still a priority of the program, but other eligible projects are included. Learn more. Visit the website vacd.org/programs/rural-fire-protection to download the application packet.
  • Firefighter Assistance Grants The goal of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) is to meet the fire and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. For more information visit: FEMA AFG Funding.
  • NCIC Technical Assistance Grants Cost sharing grants are available for professional services that businesses may not otherwise be able to afford. Contact Aimee Quimby for more information (802) 748-5101 x2019 [email protected]
  • Grant Available for Permitting Costs for Value-Added Forest Products Businesses The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is offering grant funds to cover permitting costs for businesses engaged in adding value to forest products. Sawmills, firewood processors, and furniture makers are eligible, but not logging and forestry. Applications will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis. Visit FPPA Grants for more information and to apply.
  • 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. Read the Grant Guidelines for more information. Awards are made on a rolling basis.
  • Need Help with Grant Writing? 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 small businesses access funding for community and business development projects. REDI funds may be used to hire a grant writer, develop a fundraising strategy for a project, or complete steps to make a grant application more competitive (such as a business plan, engineering, etc.) Eligible applicants must be based in or serving populations under 5,000. For more information with an online application visit vhcb.org/redi. Questions? Contact Mariah Noth [email protected] (802) 828-1098.
Loan Programs
  • USDA RD Home Repair Loan Program Federal regulations have made it easier for low-income rural residents to rehab and repair their homes through USDA 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants. The program provides funding for low income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes, and/or remove health and safety hazards.
  • Vermont Recovery Loan Fund (VRLF) This revolving loan program, provides flexible terms and low-to-no-cost debt financing and advisory services to help alleviate economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. Loans are available to businesses across multiple sectors including manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, forestry & wood products, education & early care, nonprofits, and other drivers of rural economic development. For more information on VRLF and other VT Community Loan Fund lending programs, 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. Find out more by visiting 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 (NVDA) 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 Judith Butson [email protected] (802) 748-1222. www.nvda.net
  • NCIC Loan Program Northern Community Investment Corporation (NCIC) offers a variety of business lending and support programs with flexible financing solutions to meet the needs of the business and the borrower. For more information contact Aaron Krone (802) 748-5101 x2021 [email protected] or visit www.ncic.org.
  • Efficiency Vermont's Energy Loan This 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. Find out more: Energy Loan
  • VT Farm Fund New Producer Loan Are you thinking about projects for your farm or food business this spring, but wondering how to cover the up-front costs? The VT Farm Fund can help. The Business Builder Loan is for farm businesses to invest and innovate for growth. The VT Farm Fund is a program of The Center for an Agricultural Economy. [email protected].
  • VT Farm Fund (VFF) Revolving Loan Programs: Emergency & Business Builder Loans When local farmers and food producers are struck by disaster or have a new business idea that will increase efficiency, they are best served by quick and easy access to a loan with friendly terms. Find out more at www.vermontfarmfund.org. Questions? Contact Kate Stephenson (802) 560-3099
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 applicant 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] or visit VTP.
  • VT Talent Pipeline Management (VTPM) VTPM addresses the talent-supply gap by connecting employer needs with training programs and funding resources to better prepare the labor force with job-ready skills. During July and August 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 effort to connect job seekers with career opportunities.) Visit the website https://www.vermonttpm.org or contact Mary Anne Sheahan for more information. [email protected].
  • State Trade Expansion Program - STEP Program The STEP grant program provides funding assistance in the form of reimbursement to help businesses with an array of export-related projects aimed at increasing international sales through trade missions, trade shows, and export education. The objective is to increase the overall number of small business exporters, and assist in developing a strategic plan to boost export sales and accelerate growth. For more information visit accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/programs/international-trade
  • 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 2021 round of funding. Tax Credit for Downtown & Village Centers
Business Resources & News
  • VT Manufacturing Extension Center Patrick Boyle has been appointed the next CEO of VMEC, replacing Patricia Giavara who is retiring after 19 years at the Center. Visit the VMEC website and check out training opportunities for leaders and workers involving professional development, coaching, and hands-on training. VMEC
  • VT Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) VT PTAC provides businesses with training to understand the requirements of government contracting and the know-how to obtain federal, state and local contracts. Contact Brenda Plastridge [email protected]. VT PTAC
  • 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. The VHCB also has a program specifically focused on helping those businesses navigate pandemic impacts. VHCB
  • VT Department of Labor and its Workforce Development Division are ready to assist Vermonters on their path to re-employment. For Information about job openings and training opportunities by region and industry, visit labor.vermont.gov/jobs. VDOL is also available to assist businesses with virtual job fairs. For more information contact Kinsley Sicard, [email protected].
  • 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: Ross Hart [email protected] (802) 535-4240 (c) or Heidi Krantz [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. NEK Strong, the Collaborative's monthly newsletter, offers no-cost and low-cost Business Resources NEKstrong.com. Sign up!
Northeastern Vermont Development Association www.nvda.net
St. Johnsbury Office: 802.748-5181 Fax: 802.748-1223
Newport Office: 194 Main Street, Suite 219, Newport, VT 05855; 802.334-5861
NVDA is the regional planning and development organization serving
Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties. An equal opportunity lender, provider and employer.
This monthly newsletter from NVDA is made possible in part by a grant
from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce & Community Development