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July 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 - July 2025

Community Announcements

Congratulations Judy and Sincere Thanks!

At its Board of Directors meeting on June 19th, the NVDA Board and staff honored Judy Butson for her 33 years of dedicated professional service to the NVDA organization as the Business and Finance Manager. As she steps into retirement she will certainly be missed, but we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Grand Opening: Memphremagog Community Maritime Science & Education Center

A Grand Opening of the Memphremagog Science & Education Center (MemSEC) is scheduled for July 5th, 4-7 pm at the Gateway Center, Newport Marina, 84 Fyfe Drive. MemSEC is a dedicated learning space for environmental education with interactive exhibits that promote nature and cross-border collaboration to preserve Lake Memphremagog and its watershed. mcmvt.org

Local Road Projects Receive AOT Funding

The VT Agency of Transportation awarded nearly $1.5 million for the 2026 VT Better Roads Program supporting municipal road work that improves water quality, and results in maintenance cost savings. Clean Water Fund dollars were awarded to projects that bring road segments into full MRGP compliance. Congratulations go out to Albany, Averill, Bloomfield, Brownington, Canaan, Charleston, Concord, Craftsbury, Danville, Derby Town, Granby, Greensboro, Guildhall, Hardwick, Lowell, Maidstone, Stannard, Troy and Westmore!

Free Posters for Recreation Trails: Invasive Forest Pests

VT Urban & Community Forestry is working with the Agency of Agriculture, Forests, Parks & Recreation to raise awareness among trail users about how they can help reduce the spread of invasive forest pests. Flyers can be posted at trailheads across Vermont.

  • Flyer #1 Clean Your Gear Encourages trail users to clean boots, gear, pets, and horses to prevent the spread of invasive species.
  • Flyer #2 Help Spot Tree-of-Heaven Primarily for open paths, bike paths & rail trails,.

To request one or both (8.5 x 11) weatherproof flyers, send an email to [email protected] with information on the number of flyers and where to send them.

Learn more VTinvasives.org

Congratulations Canaan!

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced community awards from the Spring Round Grants for Economic Development and Transportation Infrastructure projects. Canaan Naturally Connected, Inc, received $449,044 of NBRC funding to renovate the historic Episcopal Church into the Canaan Community Center. The project will create a vital hub for economic and social engagement in Essex County. In addition, the community effort will enhance workforce development, increase access to cultural programming, preserve the historic integrity of the building AND stimulate regional revitalization. Well done, Canaan!

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. Find registration and vendor information Here.

Save the Date: August 11th, Vermont Community Leadership Summit

The 2025 VT Community Leadership Summit "Communities in Action!" will take place at Vermont State University in Randolph. Workshops, panels, and networking sessions will explore how working together gets things done, even when times are tough and resources are limited. All are encouraged to attend. Visit vtrural.org/summit to learn more.

Business Announcements

Two Workshops by VT Small Business Law Center

  • July 2nd, 4:00-6:00 pm Business Contracts: Basics and In Practice - Learn about contract basics, practical practices, and how to handled disputes. Zoom link Here
  • July 22nd, 4:00-6:00 pm Lending & Financing for Small Businesses - A panel of legal experts will demystify three pivotal capital moves - taking out a general loan, financing equipment or property, and bringing in outside investment. Zoom link Here

 

Vermont Tariff Resources & Task Force

The Agency of Commerce & Community Development has compiled key resources to help Vermont businesses understand and respond to evolving tariff-related challenges on the federal level, evaluate the potential impact on Vermonters, and focus on solutions. Vermont Tariff Resource Page.

OCNRCD Seeking Community Engagement & Communications Specialist

The Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD) has an opening for a 30hr/week Community Engagement & Communications Program Specialist. The position focuses on delivering a variety of communications, education, and outreach programming services focused on OCNRCD's program areas of soil and water quality. The office base is in Newport in a hybrid, shared workspace. Applications are due July 14th. Job description Here.

NEK Broadband Positions Open

NEK Broadband (dba NEKCV) is a community-driven organization committed to bringing reliable, high-speed fiber internet to the most rural and underserved parts of Vermont. As a small but growing team deeply rooted in the Northeast Kingdom, NEK Broadband is eager to hire locally. Several positions are open. Visit the website for specific details and information on how to apply. www.nekbroadband.org. Questions? Ruchi Nadkarni, HR Analyst [email protected]

CAE is Hiring

The Center for an Agricultural Economy has an opening on the Just Cut production team. Prepare fresh and frozen produce orders of beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots in the industrial kitchen at the VT Food Venture Center in Hardwick. $19/hr, Mondays & Tuesdays. The job has the potential to become a full time, benefited position. Applications will be reviewed starting July 7th. The position will remain open until filled. www.caevt.org/jobs

Do North Pitch Competition Returns this Fall!

The NEK's hottest pitch competition is back and pitchers will be pitted against one another as they compete for a cash prize! Save the date: Oct 23rd. Are you interested in helping participants develop their pitches? Do North is looking for advisors, industry experts, or volunteers to be sounding boards as the businesses prepare their presentations. Email [email protected] for more information.

Flood Recovery Updates

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Disaster Recovery Technical Assistance

The VT Agency of Commerce & Community Development received federal funding in response to July 2023 flooding events. The funds will help communities with unmet needs in the State-Identified MID areas of Caledonia and Orleans Counties. Eligible projects must have an unmet need with a direct tie-back to July 2023, and primarily benefit low and moderate income households and individuals. Contact CDBG-DR staff at [email protected] to schedule a technical assistance call. Visit the ACCD CDBG-DR website Here for additional information.

Flood Recovery Work Continues at NVDA

NVDA staff continue to participate in local recovery group efforts and long-term planning. Flood recovery work includes EDA-funded modelling of the Lamoille River Basin which includes Hardwick. The EDA effort also covers planning for business preparedness and continuity of operations.

Flood Recovery Resources:

Career Training & Continuing Education

St. Johnsbury Academy Adult Education [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 Communities & Businesses

Note: If your business is based in a Vermont Community of 5,000 people or fewer, you may be eligible for grant writing assistance through the Rural Economic Development Initiative REDI Program Complete the inquiry form on the website.

  • Vermont Community Foundation NEK Fund Established in 2011, the NEK Fund is a permanent resource that makes annual grant awards to support the people and communities of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties. Applications for the current round are due July 15th. VT Community Foundation NEK Fund Questions? Contact Jane Mulcahy [email protected]
  • New Grant Program for Logging Work in Vermont: SLoCAMP (Supporting Loggers to Comply with Acceptable Management Practices) is designed to support logging contractors working on harvest sites in Vermont. The program provides significant cost share on qualifying pre-harvest site prep, including hardening truck roads and landings, skid trail improvements, and temporary/permanent stream crossings. A live webinar will be held on July 15th from 7:00-8:00 pm. Register for the webinar here: Here Applications will open July 21st. Visit www.plcloggers.org/slocamp for more info.
  • Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program Applications are due Aug 1st. Successful projects range from modest renovations in small village centers to multimillion-dollar redevelopments. The tax credit program helps to stimulate private investment by supporting property owners who restore buildings, improve housing, and help revitalize their communities. The program creates jobs and also funds flood mitigation upgrades. State & Federal Tax Credits For NVDA assistance contact Annie McLean [email protected] - 2025 Guidelines & Application
  • Village Trust Initiative The second round of the Village Trust Initiative (VTI) opens July 7th with a Sept 5th application deadline. Village Trust Initiative There will be additional rounds of VTI funding going forward.
  • 2025 VTrans Bicycle & Pedestrian Grant Program The Program aims to improve access and safety for bicyclists and/or pedestrians and develop Carbon Reduction Strategies through the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects. Two funding categories available in this round are Federal aid and "Small Scale" projects. Federal aid projects use funds received from the Federal Highway Administration for either scoping or design/construction projects. "Small Scale" projects are state funded. Program guidelines and application can be found Here Grant applications are due July 11th. Questions? Doug Morton, NVDA Transportation Planner [email protected]
  • 2026 Park & Ride Grant Program VTrans is soliciting proposals from Vermont communities for the development of Park & Ride Facilities. The funding is available for engineering and construction activities. Maintenance of existing lots is not eligible under this program. For more information and the online application, visit the website Here Communities that were unsuccessful in the past are encouraged to reapply. Questions? Contact Tina Bohl, Project Manager [email protected]. Apply by Aug. 26th.
  • USDA Funding Opportunities Subscribe to USDA's newsletter "Innovation Matters" for many funding opportunities supporting community facilities, infrastructure, and economic development Here
  • Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program 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 Grants 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.

Funding for the Arts

  • The Vermont Arts Council For information about the VT Arts Council and to learn about funding opportunities, sign up for the ArtMail newsletter.
  • Vermont Creative Network is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working to advance Vermont's creative sector through research, advocacy, and networking. Each month the Network offers a monthly round-up of upcoming creative sector opportunities that highlight current funding, training, and professional development resources. Learn more at www.vermontcreativenetwork.org.

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. 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 Two Efficiency VT loan programs offer affordable financing options to help residents and business customers move forward with energy efficiency projects designed to deliver savings and spur the economy. Residential Energy Loan and Business 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

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. VDOL also 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  

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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