News & Announcements from NVDA, October 2022

Business Announcements

Vermont Receives $249,000 State Trade Expansion Award The Agency of Commerce & Community Development received grant funding through the SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). The federal-state partnership initiative aims to increase the number of small businesses seeking to export their products into foreign markets and/or expand export activity through trade shows, trade missions, market research, and export education. STEP opens the gate to access the vast markets in neighboring Canada. Find out more about eligibility and the application process ACCD International Trade Assistance.

There's still funding available! CNPP Assistance for Small Businesses

The Vermont Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) is reopening for all businesses that meet the basic eligibility criteria. There is no income/LMI eligibility limitation at this time. Would your business benefit from a website redesign, a new point-of-sale system, or other technical assistance? Visit the website Here. Apply: https://www.cognitoforms.com/BDCC1/CNPPClientIntakeForm.

VMEC Hosts Panel Discussion with NVDA & Other Regional Development Corporation Leaders / Oct 26, 2:00-3:00 pm

October is Manufacturing Month. Vermont Regional Development Corporations serve every geographic region of the state and serve as "satellites" of the VT Department of Economic Development. They provide local knowledge and facilitate broad assistance in their regions. Hear how they assist manufacturing businesses, develop partnership opportunities, and network through the manufacturing community! Register Here for the Zoom meeting.

2022 VT Small Business Profile Available

The SBA Office of Advocacy has released the 2022 Small Business Profiles for Vermont. The profile contains snapshots about the businesses that create jobs and help grow our local economies. Vermont has 78,883 small businesses, most of which are sole proprietorships. They employ 157,131 workers which is 60.2% of the state's workforce. View the profile Here. To view the Small Business Profiles for other states, visit the webpage.

Rural Innovation Network News

Congratulations to Whiteout Solutions on being selected to participate in the second annual CORI Virtual Pitch Event which celebrates the innovation and entrepreneurship happening across rural America!

Hospitality HVAC Assistance Program

The VT Public Service Department is seeking proposals for the Hospitality HVAC Assistance Program. The program offers relief to businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and travel services industry that were negatively impacted by Covid-19. Funds granted through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) are for repairs, replacements, or upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The goal is energy-cost reduction/stabilization. Grants can be up to $25,000. VT Dept Public Service Hospitality HVAC - RFP

VEOC Webinar: Introduction to Broad-Based Employee Ownership, Oct. 21, 12:00-1:00 pm

This brief presentation will cover broad-based employee ownership from Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), to Worker Cooperatives and Employee Ownership Trusts. Register

Employment Opportunities

Seeking Applicants for Two Planning Positions at NVDA

NVDA has openings for highly skilled, self-motivated full-time Planners. The positions will remain open until filled. To learn more about NVDA visit www.nvda.net. No phone calls please.

• Municipal & Regional Planner with a planning background and desire to work in a rural context with a staff of dedicated professionals, NVDA's Commissioners, and municipal officials. Municipal & Regional Senior Planner
• Regional Transportation Planner to work with Senior Transportation Planner to coordinate and implement NVDA's annual transportation work program in collaboration with other planning staff and local communities. Ideal for an individual interested in all aspects of rural transportation planning. NVDA Transportation Planner

Kingdom Trails is Hiring

Kingdom Trails has openings for a variety of year-round and seasonal positions: Signage and Mapping Manager, Retail Supervisor, LEAP AmeriCorps Education Coordinator, Welcome Center Information Specialist, and Trail Ambassador. Kingdomtrails.org/employment.

Upcoming Events

Kingdom Career Connect, October 4

For area 7th and 8th grade students. A day of hands-on career workshops at NVU-Lyndon featuring workforce presenters. www.vsac.org/vermont-career-connect

2022 MFG Day/Month - October 7th & all month long!

MFG Day/Month is held annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month. The nationwide celebration helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging companies and educational institutions to open their facilities to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Learn more MFG Day

2022 VLCT Town Fair, October 6 & 7

Getting Together to Get More Done - Killington Grand Resort. Connect with municipal colleagues from around the state. This year's training sessions focus on Governance, Infrastructure, Partnerships and Operations. Register at VLCT.org/TF22

Downtown Celebration with Senator Patrick Leahy, October 10

Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Waterbury, 1:00-5:00 pm. Senator Leahy has put Vermont's historic downtowns at the center of his economic development agenda and he's championed investments in preservation programs in nearly every downtown in the state. Everyone's invited. Food, live music, drinks, and a toast to Senator Leahy and other Downtown Champions. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are appreciated. RSVP

Weatherization for All! Free NEK Button Up Event, October 15

Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, Brownington, 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Hear from energy experts and learn about resources making affordable energy efficiency upgrades. Free museum admission & tour at 12pm. For more information visit Buttonupvermont.org. Questions? Allie Webster [email protected].

2022 Conservation Summit, October 15

Association of VT Conservation Commissions: Resilient Communities & Landscapes - Planning for a Climate-Changes Future, Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT Open to everyone interested in how municipalities can respond to climate change. Register Here

Northern VT University Fall Career & Internship Fair, October 20

Varsity Gym, Johnson Campus, 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Register Here by Oct. 13th. Post jobs and internships at www.collegecentral.com/VSC

Questions? [email protected].

2022 REV Conference & Expo, October 27 & 28

Our Clean Energy Future in a Changing World The in-person renewable energy event will be held at the DoubleTree Hilton in South Burlington. View the Agenda and register REV2022

2022 State & Local Government Municipal Day, October 28

National Life Building, Montpelier, 8:30 am-3:45 pm. Participate in a day-long event of workshops and networking opportunities. Online pre-registration is required. Municipal Day

Career Training & Adult Education Courses

Two Free Courses at NVU & VTC for Vermonters

• Northern Vermont University Center for Professional Studies https://www.northernvermont.edu/academics/non-traditional-students/center-for-professional-studies/ Take two Free courses at NVU while funding lasts. Select courses and training options through the Center for Professional Studies. This opportunity is available for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. Visit vtworkers.vsc.edu to learn more and sign up! NVU also offers career advancement and non-degree education through online platforms and traditional learning. Contact Ann Nygard [email protected]
• Vermont Tech - Continuing Education & Workforce Development www.vtc.edu If eligibility criteria is met, act fast! This legislature-funded program at VT Tech and the VT State College System offers two Free courses to upskill and reskill Vermont's workforce. First come, first served until funding lasts. vtworkers.vsc.edu VTC also offers one-day seminars, online training, short certificate programs, and a variety of training opportunities for in-demand healthcare careers. Visit VTC Healthcare website Here.

North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/adult-education

Contact Marina Cole (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 Jeremy White, [email protected]

Canaan School CTE Program https://www.canaanschools.org/career-technical-center/ Contact Chris Damato (802) 266-8910 [email protected]

Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead

https://www.ce.sterlingcollege.edu

• Sterling College offers tuition funding for Veterans interested in continuing education courses in agroecological farming and craft food production. For more information email Nakasi Fortune [email protected]

Funding Opportunities

• AARP-VT Grants for Winter Placemaking The Winter Placemaking micro grants ($4K per project) will support community efforts to spearhead a demonstration project by activating a public space to make it accessible and welcoming. AARP Winter Placemaking Submit applications by Oct.19th. Questions? [email protected]
• Working Lands Enterprise Initiative - Business Enhancement Grant Vermont farm, food, and forest businesses can apply for grant funding to invest in business enhancement initiatives such as market, infrastructure and workforce development. Application deadline is Oct. 28th. FY23 Business Enhancement Grant Do you need a business advisor who can help frame your project concept? Contact Clare Salerno [email protected].
• Creative Futures Grant Program The aim of this program is to provide aid to creative sector organizations and businesses that continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic. Funds may be used to cover a wide range of operating expenses. Capital expenditures will not be allowed. Applications for the first round are due Nov. 1st. VT Arts Council - Creative Futures
• Capital Equipment Assistance Program The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets' Water Quality Division has funding available for new or innovative farm equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff to improve water quality, reduce odors from manure application, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and more. Generally, the program will cover 90% of the equipment cost. Applications close Nov 1st. Click Here for more information.
• Zoning Bylaw Modernization for New Homes and Great Neighborhoods The VT Department of Housing & Community Development has funding available to update zoning bylaws and expand opportunities for community investments in housing and infrastructure. Bylaw Modernization Grants. Municipalities can use this new funding to hire expert bylaw-writing assistance or consulting staff to collaborate with local stakeholders. Changes to municipal bylaws can create big opportunities for great neighborhoods and help towns prepare for a new State designation. Applications are due Nov. 1st.
• Municipal Planning Grants The MPG program works to strengthen Vermont communities by funding local planning initiatives. A wide range of municipal planning and implementation activities are eligible for funding with a small local match of 10%. Individual towns may apply, or joint applications from several municipalities can be submitted. The grant program is administered by the VT Department of Housing & Community Development. MPG Applications are due Dec. 1st. Questions? Contact Jacob Hemmerick (802) 828-5249 [email protected]v
• Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund The VT Council on Rural Development (VCRD) has opened a second competitive round of the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund that supports innovators and projects that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. Eligible applicants are municipalities, town committees, schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Award amounts range from $500-$4,000. Learn More and Apply
• BRIC Program - Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities FEMA's annual funding program is open for eligible applicants with significant funds available for Municipalities (with an approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in place), State Agencies and Regional Planning Commissions. Application deadline is Dec. 9th. More information Here.
• 2023 Communities Caring for Canopy Grants This grant opportunity provides seed funding to help towns develop and sustain community-wide programs for trees and forests in public places and right-or-ways. Applications are due Dec. 30th. Learn More and Apply
• 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. Tune in to the next Better Places webinar on Wed, Oct 19th @ 12 noon and hear how local leaders in Arlington and White River Junction used crowdfunding to create public places in their communities. This statewide 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 lasts. 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 a priority of the program, but other eligible projects are included. 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.
• 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 reviewed on a rolling basis. Visit FPPA Grants 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. 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

• NEK Prosperity Fund This new loan fund is the result of 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 enhanced business support services to improve the local economy, population health, and the area's standard of living. Visit the NCIC website NEK Prosperity Fund
• 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].
• VEDA's Short-Term Forgivable Loan Program provides financial assistance to businesses that continue to experience current and on-going economic harm due to COVID. There are no restrictions to how the funds must be spent - only that the money be used for operating costs and not capital investments. Certain eligibility criteria apply. Forgivable Loan Program (FLP)
• 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
• NCIC Loan Programs Northern Community Investment Corporation offers a variety of business lending and support programs with flexible financing. New! $2,500 Limited Availability Loan with 0% interest, up to two years to repay, and no fees!. There are two ways to qualify for this opportunity: income level or geographic location. NCIC's Fast Loan Program offers quick access of up to $25,000 for start-up businesses, and up to $50,000 for existing businesses. These are limited, special offer loan funds. For more information call (802) 748-5101 or email Peter Corey [email protected]. 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, 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 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 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].
• VT Talent Pipeline Management (VTPM) VTPM addresses the talent-supply gap by connecting employer needs with training programs and funding resources to prepare the labor force with job-ready skills. In 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 to connect job seekers with career opportunities.) Visit https://www.vermonttpm.org or contact Mary Anne Sheahan for more information. [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 leaders and workers. 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. Visit https://vtptac.ecenterdirect.com/events for a list of free workshops with sign-up information. Questions? 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. 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. For more information contact Kinsley Sicard, 802/ 748-4890, [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: Heidi Krantz [email protected] or Charley Ininger [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. The Collaborative's monthly newsletter, NEK Strong, offers no-cost and low-cost Business Resources NEKstrong.com. Sign up!