e-Newsletter - May 2023   
NEK Community Announcements

Saturday, May 6th is Green Up Day
Every year Vermont calls on volunteers to pitch in and help clean up Vermont's neighborhoods and natural landscape. This Springtime tradition raises public awareness about keeping VERMONT beautiful and litter-free. Each town has a Green Up Coordinator. Click Here for town details and find out where to pick up and drop off bags in your community. Volunteers make a huge difference!

East Hardwick Receives Better Connections Award
The Better Connections program focuses on community-driven engagement that empowers local leaders to plan transportation investments to improve public health and revitalize communities - making them more livable and walkable. The Town of Hardwick plans to guide future economic development, land use, and transportation infrastructure investments that provide better connections to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. NVDA supports the East Hardwick community as they work to turn their vision into reality.

Congratulations Brownington, Lyndon, and Newark!
2023 Transportation Alternatives grants were awarded to three NEK communities. The Town of Brownington will use grant funding for final construction of a stormwater mitigation project. Lyndon is applying the grant funds to reconstruct the Sanborn Covered Bridge. Newark plans to construct a new salt/sand storage building for winter maintenance activity.

Webinar: 2023 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 . A webinar will be held May 4th @ 10.00 am. Email Caitlin Corkins for webinar information Caitlin.corkins@vermont.gov.
Business Announcements

Representatives from North Country Career Center Met with First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden
On Apr 5th, students and instructors from the Career Center's Transportation Science Technology Program met with Gov Scott, the U.S. Secretary of Education, and the First Lady at BETA Technologies in Burlington. NCCC's high-profile program was chosen to represent the inclusion of EV technologies and training for secondary students to prepare them for cutting-edge careers in the hybrid and electric vehicle workforce. BETA Technologies is a Vermont-based aerospace manufacturer developing electric battery-powered aircraft. In that state-of-the art setting, three Career Center students demonstrated their diagnostic technology skills to the visiting program delegation! https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/

Loan Forgiveness for Spring 2023 College Graduates
The purpose of the student loan repayment program is to incentivize and retain new graduates from VT state colleges and universities who live in Vermont and work for a Vermont company for two years. The application window is March 1-December 1, 2023. Any graduate with a BS or BA who takes on full time employment at a Vermont-based business, government or nonprofit sector can apply for $5,000. Read the program criteria Here

Local Apprenticeship Program
Free on-the-job training is starting this spring for fiber optic internet technicians, splicers, and installers. NEK Broadband is building a 2,800-mile high-speed network to connect every address in the NEK and more workers are needed to get the job done! This training can lead to careers in information technology, smart grid, and engineering trades. Read more: cewd.vtc.edu/installer or contact fiber@vsc.edu.

USDA REAP Program for Businesses and Farms
The REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) 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 from the Inflation Reduction Act will be coming into the state over the next several years. The VT-NH USDA-Rural Development office will facilitate the program. Questions? Contact Tracy Rexford Tracy.rexford@usda.gov.

Forestry Accelerator Applications Are Now Open
Forest Products Accelerator is a program of DoNorth Coworking. The four-month hybrid program (July-November 2023) is FREE and offers virtual and in-person components aimed at startup and pre-seed stage businesses in the forest industry. The Forestry Accelerator is looking for VT and NH businesses that are commercializing new and improved products, services, and technology. Visit the website for more information www.forestaccelerator.org or email Jared.reynolds@northernvermont.edu.

FREE: Dusty Micro Business Desk Series
Do you have an idea for a small or micro business? Are you looking for information that will help you build a solid foundation for your start-up? Over the course of the next two months, Northeast Kingdom Community Action will offer a series of eight zoom sessions on Wednesdays at noon. Join Dustin Smith and attend any or all sessions. Find out more at mbdp.org or contact Dusty at dsmith@nekcavt.org (802) 323-9010.

VT Cheese Council Offers Webinar Series for Cheese Producers, Farmers & Food Producers
The "Business Miniversity" includes presenters from VMEC and other organizations who will provide business skills training suitable for food industry professionals, managers and small business owners. For more information, a complete schedule and link to register, visit the VT Cheese Council Business Miniversity Here. May 8-June 21, 12:00-1:30 pm. (If registering through the VMEC website, participants may obtain a 20% discount.)

Attention Business Owners: Enhanced Rebates and Discounts on Efficient Lighting
Get help with commercial lighting upgrades in your small and medium-sized businesses. Efficiency Vermont is offering LED discounts and rebates for eligible project costs. Some offers expire July 1st. Visit the website to learn more. Efficiency VT Bizlighting

Energy Announcements

Craftsbury Energy Committee Receives Grant
Energize Vermont awarded a grant to the Craftsbury Energy Committee to support their WindowDressers project involving community volunteers who assemble insulating window inserts to reduce heating costs and improve comfort. Town energy committees interested in learning more about Vermont Window Project community workshops should contact Becca Dill becca@energizevermont.org or WindowDressers President jack.sumberg@windowdressers.org

Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP)
The MERP program is designed to help communities most in need of improving their energy resilience (those with a high energy burden.) The new program is easy to access and use, even for the smallest municipalities! MERP offers Community Capacity Mini-Grants intended to facilitate public communication, education and outreach. NVDA is available to help with grant applications, assessments, and implementation. Learn more Questions? Contact Allie Webster, NVDA Energy Planner awebster@nvda.net

Upcoming Events

May 18th, VT Community Development Association Spring Conference
9:30 am - 4:00 pm, West Windsor VT Town Hall. VCDA theme for 2023 is "Recreation for Economic Vitality: Local & Regional Strategies for Success." Learn more and register Here

June 1st, Vermont Employee Ownership Conference
The 21st Annual VEOC Conference will be held in-person at the UVM Davis Center. Keynote speaker: Derek Peebles, Sr. Director Policy & Advocacy for Inclusive Economy at American Sustainable Business Network. Learn more

June 14th, 11th Annual Veterans Summit - Northern VT University-Lyndon
There is no cost to attend or to have an exhibitor table, but advanced registration is required. All are welcome. Register Here Questions? Contact Jessie Dall veterans.summit.reg@gmail.com

Career Training & Adult Education Courses


Vermont Tech - Continuing Education & Workforce Development www.vtc.edu vtworkers.vsc.edu VTC Healthcare Here.

North Country Career Center, Newport https://nc3.ncsuvt.org/adult-education
Contact Marina Cole (802) 334-5469 x3305 marina.cole@ncsuvt.org

St. Johnsbury Academy https://stjacademy.org/adult-education/
Contact Sandra Mings Lamar (802) 748-7738 smingslamar@stjacademy.org

Lyndon Institute Career & Technical Education Center https://www.lyndoninstitute.org/academics/career-technical-education
Contact Jeremy White jeremy.white@lyndoninstitute.org or Michelle Parson, Work-based Learning Coordinator, michelle.parson@lyndoninstitute.org.

Contact Chris Damato (802) 266-8910 cdamato@canaanschools.org

Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead https://www.ce.sterlingcollege.edu
Community Funding Opportunities
 
  • AOT Road Grants-in-Aid Program Municipalities are invited to participate in the program that provides funding to implement best management practices in accordance with the VT DEC Municipal Roads General Permit. Submit a Letter of Intent on the AOT website by May 5th to be eligible.
  • Water Quality Restoration Formula Grant The Clean Water Service Provider for Basin 17 and the Memphremagog Basin Water Quality Council offers funding for non-regulatory projects that reduce phosphorus and improve water quality in the Basin. Apply by May 5th for the first round of funding. Additional rounds will be announced in September and December. Memphremagog Formula Grant
  • 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. A pre-application information and training webinar is planned for May 3rd. Contact Peter Pochop (802) 477-3123 or email Peter.Pochop@vermont.gov. Bike & Ped Program Guide
  • 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. Read the Grant Guidelines. Awards are made on a rolling basis.

Grant Funding for Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors

  • Funding Opportunities: The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintains a calendar of available funding opportunities on their website. Multiple grants target specific agricultural needs. Some are open year-round and others are available for specific time periods. VAAFM Grants Calendar

Funding for the Arts

  • Visit the Vermont Arts Council Website for Grant Funding Opportunities Vermont Arts Council Grants - Arts Project Grants; Arts Operating Grants; and Cultural Facilities Grants.

Grant Writing Assistance

  • 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.  

Loan Programs

  • 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. 

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 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. 
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 leaders and workers. VMEC
  • VT Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) VT PTAC provides businesses with training to understand the requirements of government contracting and the know-how to obtain federal, state and local contracts. Visit https://vtptac.ecenterdirect.com/events for a list of free workshops with sign-up information. Questions? Contact Brenda Plastridge Brenda.Plastridge@vermont.gov. VT PTAC
  • 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. Sign up for the Collaborative's monthly newsletter NEKstrong.com.