• 2023 VTrans Bicycle & Pedestrian Grant The program is seeking applications for new infrastructure projects that improve access and safety through planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects. Apply by June 9th. Bike & Ped Program Guide
• Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program Tax credits are awarded to projects that improve building safety, attract new business, and create jobs. Funding supports general rehabilitation, exterior facade improvements, code compliance work, and flood mitigation upgrades. Applications are due July 3rd. Downtown Village Center Tax Credit Program . FY23 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant funding will be awarded to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on streets and roads involving all roadway users. SS4A Funding Opportunity Submit applications by July 10th. Questions? Contact Pamela Thurber pamela.thurber@dot.gov.
• Rural Fire Protection Grant Program The installation of new dry hydrants & other types of rural water supplies is a priority, but eligible projects also include repair/upgrades, replacement, relocation of existing rural water supplies, and drafting site development. Visit vacd.org/programs/rural-fire-protection to download the application.
• Community Recovery & Revitalization Program (CRRP) The CRRP grant program is available to municipal, for-profit and nonprofit applicants seeking support for capital improvement projects to spur economic and revitalization efforts in the community. Awards will be made on a rolling basis. Details Here.
• Hazard Mitigation Funding: Flood Resilient Communities Fund Eligible projects include flood-vulnerable property buyouts, floodplain restoration, and buffer plantings. https://vem.vermont.gov/flood-resilient-communities-fund. Applications on a rolling basis.
• Better Places Grants If your town is thinking of more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, public art projects, and community gardens, Better Places grants can help. The statewide grant program is supported by VT Department of Housing & Community Development, VT Department of Health, and VT Community Foundation. Projects are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the website: Better Places
• 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.

• USDA Rural Energy for America Program for Businesses & Farms REAP Renewable Energy Systems provides guarantee loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems, equipment, or energy efficiency improvements. Visit the website Here. Funding for this program is from the Inflation Reduction Act. The VT-NH USDA-RD office will facilitate the program. Questions? Contact Tracy Rexford Tracy.rexford@usda.gov.
• Funding Opportunities: The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a calendar of multiple grants on their website that target specific agricultural needs. Some are open year-round and others are available for specific time periods. VAAFM Grants Calendar

• Final Round Now Open! Creative Futures Grant Awards of up to $200,000 are available to creative sector organizations and businesses, including sole proprietors, that demonstrate economic setbacks caused by the pandemic. The creative sector economy is defined as collective enterprises whose products and services are rooted in artistic and creative content and include culture & heritage; design; film & media; literary arts & publishing; performing arts; specialty foods; and visual arts & crafts. Application deadline is June 30th. Apply Here. Visit the VT Arts Council website for more grant opportunities.

• REDI Offers Funding for Grant Writing Assistance The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), a program of the VT Housing and Conservation Board, helps rural communities and businesses serving populations under 5,000 to access funding for development projects. For more information visit vhcb.org/redi. Questions? Mariah Noth Mariah@vhcb.org (802) 828-1098.  

• NEK Prosperity Fund This business loan fund is a collaborative effort between an economic development organization and a social service provider. NEK Community Action and NCIC launched the NEK Prosperity Fund to achieve a social return on investment. The aim is to provide borrowers with financial resources and business support services to improve the local economy, population health, and the area's standard of living. NEK Prosperity Fund
• 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. Visit the VEDA website or contact Sandy Croft at (802) 828-5472 Scroft@veda.org.
• VT Employee Ownership Loan Fund The VEOL Fund provides capital assistance to businesses that are already employee-owned or becoming so, as well as start ups owned by employees. VT Employee Ownership Loan. For more information, contact Don Jamison, Program Director of VT Employee Ownership Center (802) 338-7448, info@veoc.org.
• 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 tgonyaw@nvda.net (802) 748-1220 www.nvda.net
• Efficiency Vermont's 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 
• VT Farm Fund Revolving Loan Programs Are you thinking about investing in new infrastructure or equipment to grow your business in 2023? The VT Farm Fund can help with no-hassle, low-interest loans to farmers and food producers in need of financing. Find out about Business Builder Loans, New Producer Loans and Emergency Loans. The VT Farm Fund is a program of The Center for an Agricultural Economy info@vermontfarmfund.org. Contact Kristin Blodgett Kristin@hardwickagriculture.org for more information. 

• 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 Abbie Sherman, Abbie.sherman@vermont.gov.    
• 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. Are your employees eligible? Contact John Young, Director of Workforce Development Programs (802) 355-2725 John.young@vermont.gov. VTP
• VT Talent Pipeline Management (VTPM) VTPM addresses the talent-supply gap by connecting employer needs with training programs and funding resources to prepare the labor force with job-ready skills. In 2021, VTPM invited Advanced Manufacturing employers to participate in a collaborative planning process to assess hiring needs for new and replacement jobs over a two-year period: Aug 2021-2023. Read the VTPM Report: Hiring Needs - VT Manufacturing (Any Vermont manufacturer is welcome to join the VTPM collaborative to connect job seekers with career opportunities.) Visit https://www.vermonttpm.org or contact Mary Anne Sheahan for more information. maryanne@vtroundtable.org.
• Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program This program is designed to stimulate private investment, create jobs, restore historic buildings, and jumpstart revitalization efforts in Vermont's Designated Downtowns and Village Centers. Visit the ACCD website for information about eligible projects and the next round of funding. Tax Credit for Downtown & Village Centers. 

• 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 leaders and workers. 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 Brenda.Plastridge@vermont.gov.
• 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 also offers complimentary recruitment assistance to employers.
• 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 HKrantz@vtsbdc.org, or Karianne Scott kscott@vtsbdc.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.