August 23, 2023
ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle gives a BEGAP update at Governor Scott's weekly press conference.
BEGAP By The Numbers
Governor Scott and ACCD Secretary Lindsay Kurrle shared the latest BEGAP numbers Wednesday, while encouraging businesses to continue to apply as funding remains available.
Here are the highlights. Among the 351 successfully submitted applications:
- 70% are currently being reviewed or in the queue to be reviewed
- 30% are completed and approved for a BEGAP grant
- A total of $397,136 has been paid out to date, with an average award amount of $13,694
Many incomplete applications due to missing documentation or estimates continue to be submitted, prolonging the review process and delaying awards. If business owners are having trouble finding a contractor to give them an estimate, use the new Contractor Estimate Tool. It includes several types of repairs from installing drywall and flooring to plumbing and heating work.
Interested BEGAP applicants should also visit the BEGAP program page and check out the FAQs.
NEW: Economic Injury Survey
ACCD is encouraging businesses to participate in its new Flood Economic Injury Survey. BEGAP grants are for physical damages only, but ACCD still wants to know about economic impacts and lost revenue businesses are experiencing due to recent flooding. Though this survey is not tied to any specific funding at this time, the data will be compiled to help inform recovery efforts and advocate for potential future funding or aid. It takes about 10 minutes to fill out the survey.
Flood Property Buyouts
Grant funding is available to cover 100% of the cost for voluntary buyouts of residential, commercial, and vacant parcels. Eligible properties include those that flooded in July and those that were spared but are at risk of future flooding.
If a property owner is considering pursuing a voluntary buyout, or if a municipality has property owners who may be interested, please fill out this intake form. Vermont Emergency Management will then direct you to the appropriate application materials in the next few weeks.
SBA Centers Update
The operating hours are changing at Vermont’s three SBA Business Recovery Centers where businesses can get information on physical damage and economic injury loans. See updated hours below:
Lamoille County
Lamoille County Agriculture Building
29 Sunset Drive Morrisville, VT 05661
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Washington County
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
751 Granger Road - Berlin, VT 05641
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Windsor County
Engel & Völkers Okemo Building
126 Main Street Ludlow, VT 05149
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Help for Vermont Artists
The Vermont Arts Council has announced a second round of Flood Relief Grants. Artists affected by the flood can receive up to $3,000 each for damage to tools or studio space, or lost revenue due to cancelled shows. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Vermont Strong License Plates
Vermont Strong licenses plates will go on sale next week and half the proceeds will help continue to fund BEGAP. The other half will benefit the Vermont Community Foundation's Response and Recovery Fund.
License plates will be available online Monday or local DMV offices starting September 1st and will cost $35 each. There is also an option to buy a license plate and a pair Darn Tough socks that will be sold as a bundle only online for $70. ACCD will share the website when it goes live on Monday.
*If this is the first time you are receiving this newsletter from ACCD, you have been added as part of reporting your business damages to Vermont 211. If you would prefer not to receive updates from ACCD on business resources related to this flooding event, you can unsubscribe below.
Agency of Commerce and Community Development
1 National Life Dr
Montpelier, VT 05620-5001