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January 2025 - News & Announcements from NVDA

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Regional Planning & Economic Development in the Northeast Kingdom

David Snedeker, Executive Director [email protected]    

e-Newsletter - January 2025

Community Announcements

NVDA Board of Directors Approve Three Town Plans

Congratulations to Danville, Guildhall and Granby for the successful completion and regional approval of their Town Plans. NVDA staff members worked with each community to develop plans that reflect their goals and priorities. On December 12, the Board of Directors also held a public hearing to confirm the municipal planning efforts of Burke, Ryegate and Sutton.

Governor Scott Announces Award Recipients: Transformational Tourism Grants

Catamount Film & Arts, Highland Center for the Arts, Newport Downtown Development, and St. Johnsbury Works all received grants for creative projects that have the potential for long-term impact in attracting visitors to the region. The T-Term program is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Learn more

Kingdom Trails are OPEN for Winter - Fatbike, Nordic Ski & Snowshoe!

Kingdom Trails offers miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails for all seasons and continues to foster recreation, education, and community connection year-round. Winter trail users are reminded to check the Trail Conditions page on the website before heading out: https://www.kingdomtrails.org/Trail-Conditions

Regional Emergency Management Committee - January Meetings

  • Orleans-Essex REMC: Mon, Jan 13th, 1:00 pm / Newport Fire Station
  • Caledonia-Essex REMC: Wed, Jan 29th, 1:00 pm / Barnet Fire Station

The meetings are in-person and via ZOOM. Contact Bruce Melendy [email protected] for ZOOM access information.

 

Community Meeting: Jan 14th, 4:00-5:30 pm, St. Johnsbury Welcome Center

The Department of Housing & Community Development is updating the new 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan as required by the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This plan guides how Vermont invests its housing and community development resources each year. Eligible project include housing, economic development, public services, public facilities, infrastructure and planning. All are invited. Please take the Citizen Participation Survey and plan to attend. NVDA is sponsoring the meeting and refreshments will be served.

Climate Economy Resilient Communities Accepting Applications

The Climate Economy Resilient Communities program assists 3-5 communities each year working on local climate action solutions with services adapted to the community's needs. Eligible entities include town and volunteer committees or groups. The VT Council on Rural Development is accepting applications on a rolling basis until Jan 7th for program and staff support in 2025. For more information and a simple online application, visit the website Here

VT Community Development Association - 2025 Winter Conference

Jan 15th, 9:00 am-3:45 pm, St. Albans City Hall

Learn how communities are finding success and creative solutions to fund their development projects. Don't miss this opportunity. Connect with fellow community leaders, learn how to navigate new funding sources, and hear from compliance and technical assistance experts to find creative solutions to complex projects. Learn more about the VCDA Conference and Register here.

VLCT's 2025 Legislative Preview

The start of the legislative session is here. VLCT will work with lawmakers on issues facing Vermont's cities and towns. The Legislative Preview outlines VLCT's legislative priorities; news about changes in leadership; a state budget forecast; and more. Read the Preview

Business Announcements

NVDA Welcomes Jennifer Burchell

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Burchell has brought her professional skills to the NVDA Business Office! Jennifer has twenty years of experience in bookkeeping, as well as experience in office and property management. She has also volunteered on a number of area nonprofit boards and committees, and currently resides in St. Johnsbury. We look forward to her valuable contributions in support of our work in the Northeast Kingdom.

20 NEK Residents Receive Free Introductory Solar Training

Twenty residents and students from Barnet, Canaan, Coventry, Craftsbury, Danville, Jay, Lyndonville, and St. Johnsbury are participating in an online course for beginners that provides entry-level introduction to solar installation and design. In-person learning is also offered at Canaan Technical Center, North Country Career Center & Union High School, and NETO Weatherization. This opportunity aims to boost renewable energy education and workforce development in the region. To receive energy planning support for your community, or learn more about this collaborative effort between NVDA and the VCRD Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund, contact Allie Webster, NVDA Energy Planner [email protected]

VT State University - Employment Opportunity

VSU is seeking a Project Manager/Entrepreneur in Residence for its coworking space in Lyndonville. The role is integral in supporting entrepreneurship in the Northeast Kingdom and building a diverse coworking community. Read more about this unique opportunity Here

Flood Recovery Assistance & Resources

 

Career Training & Continuing Education

St. Johnsbury Academy Adult Education is bringing back two popular Leadership courses: Starting Your Leadership Journey and Advancing Your Leadership Journey. Click on the links for detail. All classes are conducted in person and facilitated by Dr. Martha Dubuque. Register online. Questions? Sandra Mings Lamar [email protected]

Vermont State University Division of Workforce, Community & Economic Development - Five Center & Program areas:

https://vermontstate.edu/about-us/workforce-community-and-economic-development-at-vermont-state/

North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/home

Contact Chris Damato (802) 334-5469 x3305 [email protected]

Lyndon Institute Career & Technical Education Center https://www.lyndoninstitute.org/academics/career-technical-education

Contact [email protected] or Michelle Parson, Work-based Learning Coordinator, [email protected].

Canaan School CTE Program

Chuck Patterson, Coordinator of Curriculum, [email protected] or call (802) 266-8910

Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead https://www.ce.sterlingcollege.edu Contact [email protected]

 

Funding Opportunities for Businesses & Communities

  • USDA Rural Development offers an extensive list of funding opportunities for Community & Economic Development. Click on the link to learn more USDA Rural Development - Together, America Prospers
  • Trade Show Assistance Grant Is your agriculture, food, or forestry Business looking to expand into new markets? The Trade Show Assistance Grant, from the VT Agency of Agriculture, might be able to help! These matching grants provide funding to help businesses exhibit at out-of-state and international trade shows to connect with wholesale buyers. The application period closes Jan 20th. This year, additional funds provided through the VT Dairy Promotion Council, will help dairy businesses reach new markets. Learn more
  • 2025 Downtown Transportation Fund The DTF has expanded eligibility to Designated Village Centers that have participated in the Better Connections Program. Visit the website to see if your town is eligible. The fund supports revitalization efforts involving public infrastructure, streetscaping, parking, bicycle & pedestrian safety, street lighting and wayfinding signage. 2025 Application & Guidelines Deadline: Feb 17th (Note: The application includes a preliminary project review by Historic Preservation, which must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the application deadline.)
  • Community Housing Accelerator Program VT Housing Finance Agency is now accepting applications for the Community Housing Accelerator, a new program that will provide low-interest loans to developers of middle-income rental housing with 4-20 units. Visit the VHFA website Here for more information. Apply by Jan 8th.
  • Better Connections Program The Better Connections program is accepting applications for the FY25-26 grant cycle. Awarded on a biennial basis, the planning funds can help cities and towns build more livable, walkable, and welcoming communities. Learn more Here. Interested parties must submit a pre-application form electronically and schedule an interview by Jan 24th. Grant applications are due Feb 21st.
  • Municipal Planning Grants Municipal Planning Grants help Vermont towns and villages adapt to change and prepare for the future. This flexible funding can pay for a variety of projects from capital programming for infrastructure to bylaw updates for new housing and neighborhoods. Applications are due Mar 31st.
  • NVDA Professional Assistance Cost Sharing Program NVDA is providing grant funds to NEK businesses and nonprofits for professional assistance to support the cost of outside professional services. Grant funding for eligible projects can cover as much as 70% of project costs with a 30% match requirement. Professional Assistance Cost Share Program. Contact Annie McLean for help to identify the scope of your project. [email protected]
  • 2025 VT CWSRF and DWSRF Funding Cycle has Begun The Vermont Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds cycle has begun. Project Priority List applications are due by Feb 14th. Learn more: DWSRF CWSR
  • Community Heart & Soul The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program is uniquely designed for small cities and towns (population 2,500-30,000). Successful applicants will receive $10,000 grants to match funding from a participating municipality or a partnering organization. Apply Here. Awards are made on a rolling basis.

 

Funding for VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors

  • Agriculture Grant Now Open: Water Quality Grants for Farms are designed to help farm businesses undertake capital improvement projects. A virtual information session is available on Jan. 6th, 3:00-4:30 pm. Note: The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a website of grants, loans, and financial assistance that targets specific agricultural needs Here. View the VAAFM Grants Calendar Here.
  • Farm Succession Webinar Series Land for Good is hosting a free webinar series in January to learn about key issues, tools, and resources to help farmers make informed decisions and take steps toward transferring their farm to family or a non-family successor.
  • Farm to Plate is Vermont's food system plan. The plan is being implemented statewide to increase economic development and jobs in the farm and food sector; improve soils, water, and resiliency of the working landscape in the face of climate change; and improve access to healthy local food for all Vermonters. Sign up for their newsletter Here

 

Funding for the Arts

  • Artist Development Grants The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for its Artist Development Grants, which support artists at all stages of their careers including funding of new work when the activity allows the grantee to accept a rare and important opportunity. There are two grant funds each year for up to $2,000. (New this year is a random draw method to select from eligible applications.) Apply by Jan 28th.
  • Vermont Arts Council www.vermontartscouncil.org Sign up for ArtMail Newsletter.

 

Loan Programs

  • NEK Prosperity Fund The NEK Prosperity Fund is a project of NEK Prosper, NEK Community Action (NEKCA), and Community Capital of VT. The fund was created to organize and focus investment on equity and population health. Loan recipients will receive business support services from NEKCA's financial and business counselors. NEK Prosper
  • USDA RD Home Repair Loan Program Federal regulations have made it easier for low-income rural residents to rehab and modernize their homes through USDA 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants. The program provides funding for single family housing to remove health and safety hazards.
  • Vermont Community Loan Fund The VCLF is a community-focused alternative lender that provides loans and other resources to local businesses, organizations, early care & learning providers, and developers of affordable housing who don't qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. For more information visit the website Here
  • Northeast Kingdom Special Loan Program The VT Economic Development Authority (VEDA) is offering low interest loans under its Small Business Program to growing qualified businesses in Essex, Caledonia and Orleans Counties. The NEK Program can make loans of up to $150,000 for fixed asset acquisition or for working capital purposes. Contact Sandy Croft at (802) 828-5472 [email protected].
  • NVDA Revolving Loan Program The Northeastern Vermont Development Association has a limited amount of loan funds available for businesses in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. Funds may be used for the purchase of real property and equipment, working capital, and feasibility studies. For more information contact Tina Gonyaw [email protected] (802) 748-1220 www.nvda.net.
  • NVDA EPA Revolving Loan Fund is available to businesses and municipalities for brownfield cleanup projects. Contact [email protected].
  • Efficiency Vermont Energy Loan  The loan program offers affordable financing options to help residents and business customers move forward with energy efficiency projects designed to deliver savings and spur the economy. Energy Loan 

 

Incentive Programs for Vermont Businesses      

  • VT Employment Growth Incentive Program (VEGI) Vermont offers an economic incentive for business recruitment, growth and expansion. The VEGI program provides financial incentives to qualified businesses that meet performance requirements. Authorization occurs through an application to the VT Economic Progress Council. For more information, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/vegi or contact Jessica Hartleben [email protected]     
  • VT Training Program (VTP) The Vermont Training Program can be used to train new employees or existing employees if the training is needed for new equipment or technology. VTP can pay up to 50% of an employee's wages/salary during the training period - for pre-employment, new hire, and/or incumbent employee training. Are your employees eligible? VTP
  • State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) The VT International Trade Division will manage STEP, a grant program for small businesses to compete globally by offsetting the cost of export-related activities like foreign trade missions, export trade shows, training workshops, or designing international marketing campaigns. 2024 STEP grants are awarded on a rolling basis. Visit www.accd.vermont.gov/STEP
  • Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program The tax credit program helps to stimulate private investment by supporting the creation and improvement of rental housing. Successful projects range from modest renovations in small village centers to multimillion-dollar redevelopments. The program creates jobs and supports general rehabilitation, code compliance work, facade improvements, and flood mitigation upgrades. State & Federal Tax Credits For NVDA assistance contact Annie McLean [email protected]

 

Business Resources

  • VT Manufacturing Extension Center Visit the VMEC website and check out current postings for learning opportunities involving professional development, coaching, and hands-on training for manufacturers and their employees at all levels. VMEC
  • Vermont APEX Accelerator (formerly VT PTAC) VT APEX Accelerator provides businesses with free one-on-one counseling services, technical assistance, and market research to understand the requirements of government contracting. Visit the website Here for a list of workshops with sign-up information. Questions? Contact Brenda Plastridge [email protected].
  • VHCB Farm & Forest Viability Program The program mission is to enhance the economic viability of Vermont farms and forestry enterprises. Business coaching services are offered to eligible farmers, agriculturally-related businesses, forest products enterprises, and forest landowners. VHCB
  • VT Department of Labor For Information about job openings and training opportunities by region and industry visit labor.vermont.gov/jobs. VDOL provides free services to employers to help recruit, train and retain a quality workforce. Labor.vermont.gov/jobs
  • VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) Experienced business advisors are available by email, phone or video conferencing. Do you need help constructing financial statements or application forms for recovery relief funding? For free customized service, contact: Heidi Krantz [email protected] , Heather Gonyaw [email protected], or Rick Daniell [email protected]
  • Micro Business Development (MBDP) An experienced business coach can help with business financials, marketing plans, and access to financing for low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs form Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties. Contact Dustin Smith, [email protected] (802) 323-9010 for free coaching. www.nekcavt.org
  • NEK Collaborative (NEKC) The Collaborative's mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents in the NEK through coordinated economic and community-supported development. www.nekcollaborative.org.

Looking for Commercial Space?

[email protected] (802) 748-8303 [email protected] (802) 748-1220

Commercial Building Lots for Sale: St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park

& Orleans Industrial Park (water & sewer available)  

Northeastern Vermont Development Association  www.nvda.net   

St. Johnsbury Office: 802.748-5181 Fax: 802.748-1223

NVDA is the regional planning and development organization serving Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties. An equal opportunity lender, provider and employer. This monthly newsletter is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce & Community Development 

Northeastern Vermont Development Association | PO Box 630 36 Eastern Ave. Suite 1 | St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 US

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