Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program to Increase Award Amounts

Submitted by tim on Mon, 09/25/2023 - 03:48

Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program to Increase Award Amounts

There are significant changes to the award formula for the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP), which apply to all BEGAP grantees - past, present, and future.

Since August, when BEGAP launched, organizations that suffered less than $1 million dollars in physical damage were eligible for grants equaling 20% of their net uncovered damages (damages less insurance proceeds, donations, or other grants), with a maximum payout of $20,000. The new formula eliminates the $20,000 cap and increases payouts to 30% of net uncovered damages.

Organizations that have already received a 20% payout do not need to take any action to receive the increased award amount. They will automatically receive an additional payment to bring their award up to 30%. For organizations in the queue, they are eligible for the 30% award.

If you are an agricultural operation and have not yet applied for BEGAP, visit the link below for more information. Applications will be processed, reviewed, and awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Learn More About BEGAP

Maple Funding Opportunities Webinar
Are you involved in the wide world of maple? Don't miss an upcoming webinar from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association this Thursday, September 28th at 6 PM!

There will be several grants available this year for producers, processors, researchers, and more!

Grant managers from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture will share information about their programs. You will also learn about the brand new Maple Agriculture Development Grants, launching soon!
Register here

WLEI Producer Association and Service Provider Applications
Vermont working lands service provider organizations and producer associations can apply now for grants to help enhance governance and leadership, invest in workforce development, and build executive business skills.

More details about the Service Provider Grant can be found at FY24 Working Lands Service Provider Grant, and details about the Producer Association Development Grant can be found at FY24 Working Lands Producer Association Grants.

Grant amounts range from $10,000 - $25,000.

Application closes: October 16th

Wallace Center Report: Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) supports underserved communities by providing them with food that has been grown by, and purchased from, historically marginalized farmers.

A recent report published by the Wallace Center highlighted the LFPA's creation of stable, reliable markets for farmers, and the development of new relationships and value chains throughout the food system.

Info on a second and final round of competitive grant funds for the LFPA program will be released on October 16th.

Read the full report

Rabbit Butchering Workshop
With Rural Vermont

Join Rural Vermont and Giant Journey Farm in Newfane on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00-1:00 to learn about raising and processing rabbits.

The workshop will be led by farm owners Seren and Rick on their quirky two-acre regenerative farm where they teach folks about farming while they grow year-round produce, and raise poultry, rabbits, and goats.

Registration is required. Tickets are on a sliding scale of $30-$50.

Workshop: October 28th