Friday, Governor Scott announced that effective August 1st, Vermonters will be required to wear masks in public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where physical distancing is not possible. There are some exceptions, including for children under 2 years old and for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. The Vermont Department of Health offers guidance on when it’s important to wear a mask.
Economic Recovery Grants Update
ACCD is happy to announce that the first economic recovery grant payments are being sent to Vermont businesses. Between ACCD and the Vermont Department of Taxes, $45 million is now on the way to Vermont businesses in need. Applications are continuing to be processed, but there is still money available.
Funds are available to Vermont businesses who can demonstrate a revenue decline of at least 50% in any one-month period from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020, when compared with the same month in 2019. The Economic Recovery Grants landing page has full details, including eligibility requirements, document preparation instructions, and a series of FAQs to assist businesses in completing the application.
Sole Proprietor Grants Application Now Live
The Sole Proprietor Stabilization Grant Program is now accepting applications for grants of $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 to qualifying sole proprietors through a lottery draw. The program is funded through $1.5 million from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s CDBG Program and passed through ACCD. The application window will be open until July 31, 2020 and grants will be awarded through a lottery system on August 14, 2020.
Full details can be found on the program portal, including the program breakdown, eligibility requirements, application materials and timelines, as well as technical assistance and FAQs.
Chittenden County COVID-19 Recovery Forum
On Thursday, July 30th at 6:30pm, the Local Support and Community Action Team of the Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force will hold a virtual recovery forum for Chittenden County. The event will provide an opportunity to:
Share challenges and ideas for community response and recovery
Connect with others working to respond, recover and build long-term resilience
Meet with a “visiting team” of state, federal, business and nonprofit leaders who will share recovery strategies from across the state and ideas for resources and support
The Vermont Department of Labor has announced a series of Virtual Job Fair events. The series will highlight local employers and will include a Q&A about local career opportunities. Register to attend any of these upcoming events:
July 30th at 11:00am:Bennington, Middlebury, Rutland, and others in southwestern Vermont
August 6th at 11:00am:Burlington, St. Albans, and others in northwestern Vermont
August 13th at 11:00am:Brattleboro, Springfield, and others in southeastern Vermont
August 20th at 11:00am:Montpelier, Morrisville, White River Junction, and others in central Vermont
The Creative Sector Reopening and Recovery Guide
The Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont Creative Network, and the Vermont Creative Sector Response and Recovery Team have created a resource guide for the creative sector's reopening and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics covered in the reopening and recovery guide include employee and volunteer health and safety, patron health and safety, patron education, specific sector guidance, and more.
Business Impact
ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help us assess the full impact as we work toward solutions.
