Flood-damaged bridge in Fayston. DED photo.
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER GOLDSTEIN
The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) portal is officially open and applications can now be submitted to receive grant funding for 2023 and/or 2024 flood damage. If your business or nonprofit has damaged property, I strongly encourage you to visit our BEGAP page to learn more. Our team also pre-recorded a webinar that walks applicants step-by-step through the application process and answers several FAQs.
Additionally, September is National Preparedness Month, and the flooding in recent years has underscored the importance of making sure we are ready when a disaster strikes. To help prepare in the event of a disaster, you can use the U.S. Small Business Administration's new Business Resilience Guide.
Wishing you continued resilience and success as we navigate these challenges together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.
Sincerely,
Joan Goldstein
Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
[email protected]
Caledonia County “Capital for a Day”
Manufacturing roundtable in Lyndon
On August 27, members of the ACCD Team visited East Burke, Lyndon, St. Johnsbury, Hardwick, and beyond to discuss flooding impacts and recovery, efforts to increase and improve Vermont’s housing stock, and the challenges facing the manufacturing sector. The day included a cabinet meeting at The Inn at Burklyn, a manufacturing roundtable in Lyndon, and discussions with outdoor recreation providers in East Burke. State officials also toured flood-damaged businesses in Hardwick and hosted at business roundtable about how to apply for BEGAP.
Success Stories: Brownfields Revitalization Fund – State Program
The Brownfield Revitalization Fund (BRF) program plays an essential role in the redevelopment of properties that are underutilized due to contamination on the site. Since October 2021, $18.3 million has been awarded to 39 clean-up projects across 11 counties resulting in 644 units of housing and 693 jobs.
Some projects that were made possible by BRF have made headlines in recent weeks:
- Fairlee Dispensary Brings New Life to a Defunct Gas Station (VTDigger)
- Nonprofits Break Ground on Affordable Housing in Burlington (Seven Days)
- New Cabot Creamery Store (Hardwick Gazette)
On The Road
Left: J.K. Adams Co. cutting boards. Right: Commissioner Goldstein at the office of the Council of State Governments, pointing to the Vermont emblem.
This month, Commissioner Goldstein met with J.K. Adams Co. in Dorset alongside Secretary of Agriculture, Anson Tebbets. J.K Adams Co. makes quality wood products, ranging from cutting boards to wine racks.
Commissioner Goldstein also travelled to Lexington, Kentucky, for an intensive five-day “leadership boot camp” as part of the Henry Toll Fellowship Program. She was selected to participate by the Council of State Governments which announced the honor last month.
BEGAP Technical Assistance
All applicants seeking assistance in preparing to submit a BEGAP grant application, including translations, can receive help from the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC). Fill out their support request form and they will follow up with resources to help. Businesses may also attend walk-in clinics hosted by the RDCs of Vermont. Clinics will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Tuesday, September 17 : Mad River Valley Planning District Offices, 4061 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673
- Wednesday, September 18: Town of Hyde Park Municipal Building, 344 VT-15, Hyde Park, VT 05655
- Beginning Monday, September 23 CVEDC will host daily drop-in hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM as long as there is demand at 41 State Street, 2nd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Interim Act 250 Exemptions
The Act 250 Interim Exemption Map has been released to help developers and investors create and improve housing. This resource shows where builders and municipalities can build now, without an Act 250 permit. The exempted areas displayed on the map are in effect until 2027.
SBA Physical Damage Loan Deadline is October 12
The U.S. Small Business Administration has physical damage loans available to businesses that suffered damage on July 9, 10, and 11 in the following counties: Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, Washington. Applications may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance.
ACE Exports Compliance Webinar
The U.S. Commercial Service is hosting a two-day virtual program bringing together experts from the U.S. Census Bureau, The Bureau of Industry & Security, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection to provide training on export filing requirements. Get tickets in advance of the October 28-29 event.
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) Assistance
Does your community have a vision to boost outdoor recreation, revitalize Main Street, and promote equitable access to the outdoors? RERC is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency planning assistance program that helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their main streets. Applications for the next round of assistance are due on October 16.
The Solutions Summit: A Focus on Vermont’s Workforce
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s Solutions Summit is on September 25th in Burlington. The premier workforce development conference will bring together leaders, educators, and policymakers to address the challenges of the modern job market. Register to attend and be a part of shaping the future of work in Vermont.
Vermont Employment Pathfinder Launch
A free app leveraging artificial intelligence is now available to help bridge the gap between job seekers and the skills employers need. With an estimated 17,000 open jobs and more than two open jobs for every unemployed Vermonter, innovative technology like the Vermont Employment Pathfinder can help employers find the talent they need to thrive.
U.S. Department of Labor Approves Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits
The Vermont Department of Labor announced federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available to some Vermonters left without work due to flooding. DUA gives temporary “individual assistance” money to those who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
Manufacturing Day is October 4
The countdown to “MFG Day” is on! Are you ready to showcase the future of modern manufacturing? It's not too late to join the excitement. Plan, host, or find an event in Vermont and inspire the next generation.
Are you the next Small Business Person of the Year?
The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently accepting nominations for the National Small Business Week awards, which highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members from all 50 states and U.S. territories. The deadline for submission is December 5.
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