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March 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

560 Railroad Street, St Johnsbury

The Northern Forest Center has completely transformed historic Bertrand's Hall on Railroad Street in downtown St. Johnsbury. The refurbished building will have nine market-rate apartments and two commercial suites. The Northern Forest Center, a non-profit organization based in Concord, NH, has been investing in property redevelopment, across northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, contributing to downtown revitalization. The beautiful refreshed building, with modern amenities and historical character, will attract and help retain area employees. Applications are being accepted and long-term occupancy is expected in April. Visit the website

 

Regional Emergency Management Committees - March Meetings

  • Orleans-Essex REMC: Mon, Mar 17th, 1:00 pm / Newport Fire Station
  • Caledonia-Essex REMC: Wed, Mar 26th, 1:00 pm / Barnet Fire Station

The meetings are in-person and via ZOOM. Contact Bruce Melendy [email protected] for information about the meetings. 1-802-424-1420

 

Get Help Filing Your Taxes

Schedule an appointment with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA can help individuals and families file state and federal income tax returns and also help with VT Renter Credits, Homestead Declarations and Property Tax Credits. VITA is free for low and moderate-income Vermonters and staffed by local volunteers who understand this often complicated process. The IRS filing deadline is April 15th. Learn more

 

Rural Edge Community Programs

Rural Edge, formerly known as Gilman Housing Trust, is a regional nonprofit housing and community development corporation that focuses primarily on low income affordability. Rural Edge offers multiple community programs: Quality Housing, Property Management, Financial Services, Education, and Support Services to strengthen community bonds. The offices at 1222 Main Street in St. Johnsbury are open by appointment (802) 535-3555. Visit the website and learn more ruraledge.org

 

Legislative Breakfast, March 31st @ 8:00 am

The next NEK Legislative Breakfast will be held at the St Johnsbury Athenaeum on Monday, Mar 31st. Sponsored by the NEK Chamber of Commerce, the monthly breakfasts have attracted a strong turnout. All of the region's legislators have participated to answer questions and interact with local constituents. You're invited to attend!

 

Firefighter Appreciation Day - A New Summer Event!

Firefighter Appreciate Day will take place at the Canaan Recreation Park, on July 19th, from 3:00-8:00 pm. Resource and food vendors will take part in the free event as a way for community organizations, clubs, and local board members to interact with the public. Registration and vendor information can be found Here.

 

Business Announcements

 

Join Vermont at Aeromart Montreal, March 25-27

Vermont businesses in aerospace, aviation, and defense are invited to participate in Aeromart Montreal, the premier forum for global aerospace supply chains. Thanks to funding from State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), eligible businesses can attend for $500 (a $4,500 value!)

 

Save the Date: April 10th, NEK Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Northeast Kingdom Chamber and it's vision for the future. Guest Speaker will be Kyle Clark, President and CEO of BETA Technologies and potential buyer of the Caledonia County Airport. www.nekchamber.com

 

Peak Pitch 2025 - March 11th

Northern New England's premier pitch event, Fresh Tracks Capital, will be held at Sugarbush Resort. This is a skiing, networking and fundraising event.. Questions? Contact Holly Killary [email protected]. Visit: Peak Pitch 2025 to register.

 

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? [email protected] or Sandra Mings Lamar [email protected]

Vermont State University Division of Workforce, Community & Economic Development - Five Center & Program areas: View all online career training courses Here.

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

(*Note: Some federal funding opportunities may be temporarily paused.)

 

  • 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]
  • 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: USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Apply by Apr 17th. 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 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

 

  • The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for three FY26 grants: The Creation Grant supports artists or artist groups in creating new work. Animating Infrastructure Grants are for community projects that provide opportunities for artists to engage with communities in the design and/or fabrication of permanent or temporary public art. Deadline: April 1st. Cultural Facilities Grants award up to $30,000 to nonprofit organizations and municipalities to enhance, create, or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. (This application requires two estimates.) Deadline: May 15th. For more information about the VT Arts Council, sign up for the ArtMail newsletter.

 

Loan Programs

 

  • Vermont State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) The SIB program, operated by the VT Economic Development Authority in conjunction with the VT Agency of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, is available to assist in the construction or reconstruction of highways, roads & Bridges, and certain facilities related to rail transit. Also, in certain cases, electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas refueling stations available for public use are eligible for SIB financing. Learn more
  • 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.

 

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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