News & Announcements from NVDA

Business Announcements

Cheer On Whiteout Solutions Nov. 10th!

The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) has chosen Whiteout Solutions, a NEK business startup, to participate in a national pitch session with a prize of $10,000! Tune in Nov 10th to support our local entrepreneurs as they compete against ten other rural startups from across the country. Learn more and register to watch the virtual event Here. Good Luck Whiteout!

Final Company Presentations: Forest Product's Accelerator - Nov. 16th

Join DoNorth Coworking and NVU at Burke Mountain Hotel, Nov. 16th from 3:00-6:00 pm for the Forest Product's Accelerator final presentations and reception. Participating companies will make short presentations that incorporate their Accelerator program experience and the prize winner will take home $10,000! Cohort-2022 Register Here www.forestaccelerator.org

Get a Free Business Energy Consultation

Efficiency Vermont is offering free on-site energy visits to all Vermont businesses. The consultations give businesses access to rebate offers, financing solutions, and technical advice. Schedule a walkthrough even if you plan to make energy updates further down the road. Learn more & sign up!

Employment Opportunities

Two Planning Positions at NVDA

NVDA has openings for 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 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

Job Opening at CAE

The Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick is seeking a Deputy Director with leadership skills to facilitate a supportive workplace across CAE departments, programs, and initiatives. Full time position with generous benefits. Learn more at www.hardwickagriculture.org/jobs.

Upcoming Events

Veterans Small Business Workshop, Nov. 3rd

VT Technical College, Randolph. A panel discussion of Vermont's veteran and military spouse business owners sharing their experience. Here about the challenges, successes, and resources they used to start and grow their businesses. This event is offered in a hybrid format. Participants can join by Zoom (link available upon registration) or in person. Register Here

NEK Together, Nov. 11th

Burke Mountain Conference Center, all day. This region-wide, cross-sector community summit is presented by the NEK Collaborative. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and municipal entities face the challenges of housing, workforce development, connectivity, and community engagement. Everyone across the NEK is invited to come together to build community-based leadership and engagement. Registration includes lunch and refreshments. NEK Together 2022

VT Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 16th

Hilton Burlington, 60 Battery Street, 7:45 am-7:00 pm. The 2022 in-person event will cover a range of topics like housing development, single family financing, affordable housing, homelessness, housing policy, local planning, and other special topics. Register Here

Save the Date: VCDA Fall Conference, Dec. 6th

VT Community Development Association Fall Conference will be held at The Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph. Registration opens soon. Visit the website and learn more about VCDA: vtcda.org

Career Training & Adult Education Courses

Two Free Courses at NVU & VTC for Vermonters - Fall 2022 and Spring 2023

• 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. Visit vtworkers.vsc.edu to learn more. 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 Free courses if eligibility criteria is met - act fast! This legislature-funded program at VT Tech and the VT State College System aims to up-skill and re-skill Vermont's workforce. First come, first served. vtworkers.vsc.edu VTC also offers one-day seminars, online training, short certificate programs, and opportunities for in-demand healthcare careers. VTC Healthcare 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

Contact Nakasi Fortune [email protected]

Funding Opportunities

• $10,000 Grants for New England Farmers Caledonia and Essex County farmers are eligible. The 2023 New England Farmer Microgrants Program offers grants for projects related to land access, farm succession, and the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. Western NE Regenerative Livestock Farming Grants and Farmland Access, Succession & Transfer Grants Applications close Nov. 4th.
• Local Emergency Management & EOC Enhancement Grant This funding for cities, towns, and villages supports Local Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) improvement projects to respond to threats and hazards. Improvements include, but not limited to, auxiliary power, technology, communications, and operational aids to enhance EOC capabilities. Applications due Nov. 15th. EMPG Grant
• 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
• BRIC Program - Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities FEMA's annual funding program is open for eligible applicants with 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.
• SFY 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program Grant This year funding is available for all eligible activities described as transportation alternatives in the Application Guide linked Here. 50% of the program funds are reserved for environmental mitigation projects relating to stormwater and highways including eligible salt and sand shed projects. Note: A webinar is offered Nov 16th from 10:00 -11:30 am to better understand the requirements associated with federal-aid projects. No password or pre-registration is required for the webinar workshop. Grant applications are due Dec. 14th.
• Primary Producer Impact Grant Are you a primary producer of Vermont farm or forest products? Are you seeking funds to support market development, research, infrastructure improvements, energy projects, or workforce training and development? This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The pre-application portal opens Nov. 9th and closes Dec. 16th. Click Here for more information.
• VT Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance Incentive funding will be offered by the VT Department of Environmental Conservation this fall and awarded to projects that reduce emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and nonroad equipment. Funding will be available for NEW projects only. Stay tuned for upcoming notification when Requests for Proposals are issued.
• 2023 Communities Caring for Canopy Grants This grant provides seed funding to help towns develop and sustain community-wide programs for trees and forests in public places and right-of-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. The statewide grant program is supported by VT Department of Housing & Community Development, 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, 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.

Grant Writing Assistance

• Workshop: Effective Grant Writing to Fund Your Initiative, Dec 7th, 10:00-11:30 am This virtual workshop is sponsored by the VT Community Leadership Network. Hear from a panel of grant funders and writers sharing tips and strategies on how to find grants to support your work, and how to craft an effective narrative. Register
• Grants Management Symposium, Dec 8th, Capitol Plaza, Montpelier. A full-day workshop designed to assist grantees with Community Development Block Grant compliance requirements. Attendees will be walked through the grant cycle, with time available for project specific questions in the afternoon. Questions? [email protected]. Register Here
• 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? Mariah Noth [email protected] (802) 828-1098.

Loan Programs

• NEK Prosperity Fund This business loan fund is 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 business support services to improve the local economy, population health, and the area's standard of living. Visit the website NEK Prosperity Fund
• 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 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 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. 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]. VTP
• 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].
• 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 next round of funding. Tax Credit for Downtown & Village Centers.

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 November 2022 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], Charley Ininger [email protected] or Karianne Scott [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. Sign up for the Collaborative's monthly newsletter NEK Strong. NEKstrong.com.