Virtual Workforce Support Sessions for Employers

Submitted by tim on Mon, 11/21/2022 - 11:24

Vermont Department of Economic Development Employers interested in recruitment, training, and retention resources have a new opportunity to connect with experts in a series of lunchtime learning sessions. Workforce Development Specialists from the Department of Economic Development, Department of Labor, and Vermont State Colleges (Vermont State University and Community College of Vermont) will cover:

Who to contact for workforce programs and services,
How to upskill incumbent workers or train new hires,
Where to find labor market information like wage rates and projections,
What funding may be available to help pay for training.

Meetings will be held virtually on Thursdays from Noon to 1PM on December 1st, December 8th, and December 15th. Please r egister to attend or contact Vermont Training Program director John Young for more information.

Watch Community Recovery and Revitalization Program Webinar Recordings

The application for the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program opens soon and now is the time to start gathering the required documentation. Five informational webinars – one for each eligible project type – are now available to watch anytime. ACCD encourages all potential applicants to watch the recordings prior to submitting their application.

This new funding opportunity is available to support capital improvements or capital expansions that were delayed due to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19. Eligible projects may include those that assist industries most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic such as arts and entertainment, hospitality, agriculture, and educational services. The funding is also intended for projects that create childcare slots, build new affordable housing options, and establish or improve municipal water and wastewater systems to build housing or create jobs through business creation and expansion. Projects located with a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) are also eligible.

Webinar recordings and full program details can be found at the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program page.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Short Term Forgivable Loan Program

As of November 1st, the Short Term Forgivable Loan Program application is open to all business sectors. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees, operating since March 13, 2020, and suffering economic harm from COVID-19 may apply.

For application and guidelines visit the VEDA website.

Working Lands Primary Producer Impact Grant

Primary producers of farm or forest products may apply for up to $250,000 to support market development, research and design, infrastructure improvements, energy projects, or workforce training and development. The application is open through December 16 and requires a 100% match.

Application details are available on the WLEB website.

Worker Relocation Incentive Program Now Open

The Worker Relocation Incentive Program, which will provide incentives of up to $7,500 to defray moving costs for those relocating to Vermont from out of state, is now open and accepting applications. This program will provide grants to both new workers (moving to Vermont to take a Vermont job) and remote workers (moving to Vermont and bringing their job with them) to defray moving costs. This new program includes all occupations to better serve employer needs across all sectors. The program also includes a pre-approval process for those who have not yet moved to the state. The pre-approval informs applicants prior to moving if they are eligible to receive a grant once they relocate, and it reserves funding to pay their grant once they complete their move and submit the required verification documentation.

Find the application and eligibility details at ThinkVermont.com.

Vermont Department of Economic Development 11.21.2022.