Community Announcements

Eclipse Countdown

Depending on where you are in Vermont, the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th will last up to 3 minutes, 26 seconds, with a partial eclipse before and after. The state is expecting tens of thousands of visitors to travel to Vermont to watch the occurrence. There could be interruptions in cell service due to the influx and travel is expected to be intense after the eclipse is over. The VT Department of Housing and Community Development has dedicated a website www.Vermont.gov/eclipse for the latest updates, including forecasting and observation safety.

Barnet's McIndoe Falls Academy Receives Preservation Grant

The Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants support the preservation and restoration of Vermont's historic sites and community gathering spaces in communities with fewer than 7500 residents. The Academy building, which served as a school until 1969, has been the focus of village life for nearly 175 years. Congratulations Barnet!

NEK Broadband High-Speed Internet Continues to Expand

Building a a brand new internet network involves both large and small steps. The latest NEK Broadband service expansion involves 100 miles and over 400 potential customers in Barnet, Peacham, Walden and Danville. Crews continue to expand the network as cable is hung on utility poles along the routes. The mission of this Vermont-based organization is to make sure every address where there is electric utility service in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties, has access to at least one high-speed internet service. The effort has parallels to one hundred years ago when electricity was first being brought to rural areas of Vermont. Residents and businesses interested in getting high-speed internet with no data caps should register at https://get.nekbroadband.org/.

Upcoming Legislative Breakfasts - Presented by North Country Chamber of Commerce and NEK Chamber of Commerce.

• April 1, 7:30-8:45 am, Eastside Restaurant, Newport Presenters will be Senator Robert Starr, Representatives Michael Marcotte and Larry Labor. For more information contact vice-president@vtnorthcountry.org.
• April 22, 7:30-8:45 am, Eastside Restaurant, Newport Presenters will be Senator Russ Ingalls, Representatives Brian Smith and Woodman Page. For more information contact vice-president@vtnorthcountry.org
• April 29, 8:00-9:00 am, St. Johnsbury House For information about guest presenters, contact director@nekchamber.com

Vermont Homes for All Toolkit

The VT Development of Housing & Community Development created a "Design & Do" Toolkit full of tips and resources for small-scale home builders, community leaders, planners, and investors. Visit the website Here to download The Homes for All Toolkit for free and sign up for an informational webinar on April 10th.

Statewide CISMA Webinar April 15th, 7:00-8:00 pm

Cooperative Invasive Species Management Associates (CISMA) is a nonprofit group of volunteers who monitor and respond to the spread of invasive plants and share resources to help communities control invasives in their area. The free webinar is for landowners and residents interested in learning more about invasive species management in Vermont. Beth Torpey, NVDA's Water Resource Planner, will be a Presenter. Register here

Capital Planning Forum April 11th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Vermont Bond Bank's Third Annual Capital Planning Forum is an in-person event in Barre for municipal officials and government units of all sizes to explore best practices in capital planning. Learn more & Register

Climate Catalyst Leadership Program

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is accepting applications for the fifth cohort of Climate Catalysts to begin in May. The program brings together new and emerging leaders from Vermont communities to form a structured group focused on building peer connections, strengthening leadership skills, and receiving development support for their climate-related community projects. There is no cost to participate. Learn more & apply Application deadline: April 15th.

Economic Development through Shared Energy Infrastructure, April 15th, 10:30 am, St. Johnsbury Welcome Center A one-hour discussion about how geothermal networking can support economic development while reducing our carbon footprint. All are welcome! Please RSVP to jkasprzak@stjvt.com or call Joe Kasprzak (802) 748-3926 ext. 5. Hosted by the Town of St. Johnsbury Energy Committee and Economic Development Office.

Save the Date! June 5-6, Bellows Falls to host the Downtown Historic Preservation Conference & Vermont Creative Network's Creative Convening The 2024 Historic Preservation Conference will take place on June 5th, and as part of the conference the Creative Sector Convening on June 6th will offer businesses and organizations new skills to invigorate Vermont communities through creativity. Details are coming soon and registration will open in April.

Emergency Planning & Recovery Opportunities

SBA Deadline for Working Capital Loans for VT Nonprofit Organizations Private nonprofit organizations have until April 15th to file for federal economic injury disaster loans for severe flooding loses that occurred in July 2023. Private nonprofits in Caledonia, Essex and Orleans counties are eligible. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Contact SBA's customer Service Center (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.

Public Assistance Disaster Declaration Approved for Essex & Orleans Counties

A total of seven Vermont counties were notified that they will receive assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by flooding. Cities and towns in the declared counties will qualify for 75% reimbursement for eligible recovery costs related to debris removal, repairs to roads & public buildings, contractor assistance, and staff overtime.

Hazard Mitigation Funding Announcement

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is offered through Vermont Emergency Management to support natural hazard mitigation in the state after the July 2023 flooding. Funding is for projects and planning to reduce the future risk of flooding, landslides, or other natural hazards. Pre-applications are due Jun 21st. To learn more, visit Vermont's Disaster Based Funding

Links to more Flood Disaster Assistance:

• VT Arts Council Flood Disaster Resources
• VT Legal Aid Flood Related Legal Assistance
• NVDA Website Flood Recovery & Assistance
• VtSBDC Disaster Recovery Guide for Business
• VT Dept of Labor Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• VT League of Cities and Towns VLCT Flood Recovery & Resources
• SBA SBA Disaster Assistance
• FEMA Individuals & Households Program
• USDA Rural Development Disaster Assistance Website
• VT Community Foundation VCF Special & Urgent Needs

Business Announcements

VtSBDC Appoints New Business Advisor for NEK

Rick Daniell has joined the statewide team of advisors for VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC). As a native of the NEK, Rick will use his broad business experience, community connections, and commitment to the region to serve small businesses in Orleans, Essex and Caledonia counties. Like his counterparts throughout Vermont, Rick will be providing one-on-one, confidential, no-fee advising to business owners who seek to start, grow, or transition their small businesses. www.vtsbdc.org

Seeking Vermont Welcome Wagon Project Manager

The NEK Chapter of the VT Welcome Wagon Project is a unique program that connects new arrivals to our area with a community host. The goal is to accelerate the time it takes for newcomers to connect with the community in meaningful ways. This is a grant funded position through 2026. Applications are accepted through April 17th. Visit the NEK Young Professionals Network to learn more Here



Vermont Nursing Demand, 2024-2026 Report

The Nursing Needs Assessment Summary is a job forecast for each level of nursing with 50 Vermont healthcare organizations including all hospitals. The Vermont Training Program (VTP) is offering the Nursing Apprenticeship Pipeline, a sustainable framework and employer sponsored program which helps hospitals expand nursing education to fill the skill gap. Questions? Contact Mary Anne Sheahan at VTP (802) 343-6364.

NEK Learning Services: Step Up to Child Care Classes in August

The Step Up to Child Care program is tailored to meet the needs of those who want to enter the field of early childhood education (ECE). The free training is designed to provide extra support to community members who may not feel ready to enroll in college courses. This includes individuals who were previously employed in ECE before new state regulations, as well as those who want to open a home child care center. For more information contact Annie Christoni, (802) 334-2643 annie.christoni@neklsvt.org.

Career Training & Adult Education Courses

Vermont State University - Lyndon, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

https://vermontstate.edu/about-us/workforce-community-and-economic-development-at-vermont-state/ Ann Nygard, ann.nygard@vermontstate.edu

Vermont Technical College - Vermont State University) 2 campuses: Williston & Randolph https://vermontstate.edu/ Division of Workforce, Community & Economic Development

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

Contact Chris Damato (802) 334-5469 x3305 Christian.damato@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 David.Schilling@lyndoninstitute.org or Michelle Parson, Work-based Learning Coordinator, michelle.parson@lyndoninstitute.org.

Canaan School CTE Program

Chuck Patterson, Coordinator of Curriculum, Cpatterson@ensuvt.org or call (802) 266-8910

Sterling College School of the New American Farmstead https://www.ce.sterlingcollege.edu Contact continuingeducation@sterlingcollege.edu

Funding Opportunities for Communities & Businesses

• Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) Often, small rural towns in need of investment lack in-house capacity to develop local projects and access grant funds. The Vermont Council on Rural Development is offering free technical support services through MTAP. Need help to review assets and needs and prioritize projects, or help with grant-writing, permit applications, or regulatory compliance? Learn more by contacting Jessica Savage, VCRD's Director of Community Collaboration jessica@vtrural.org.
• Rural Fire Protection Grant Program The installation of new dry hydrants and other types of rural water supplies is still the program priority, but eligible projects may include repair/upgrade, replacement, or relocation of existing rural water supplies (whether previously grant funded or not), and drafting site development. visit vacd.org/programs/rural-fire-protection to download the application packet or contact Troy Dare (802) 828-4582 to have an application mailed.
• 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
• Newport Small Business Technical Assistance Program Newport Downtown Development is offering funding for technical assistance services for small businesses located in the Designated Newport City Downtown. Reimbursable grant funds can cover up to 100% of the project. NCIC is assisting in the management of these funds. For more information, questions or application, contact Aimee Quimby, Aquimby@ncic.org 802) 748-5101 x2019.
• Town of Lyndon Fund The Lyndon Small Business Fund was established to support both the development of new businesses in Lyndon and the growth of existing small businesses. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis over a two-year period. NVDA will manage the program. Half the funding will be dispersed in 2024 and half in 2025. Click here to fill out a short application or contact Annie McLean for more information Amclean@nvda.net.
• Funding Cycle Open: FFY2024 Clean Water Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWSRF) The VT Agency of Natural Resources is soliciting a project priority list. Planning and design funds are available at any time, however, any project that requires construction funding must be on the priority list. For more information and applications visit Priority Lists - CWSRF & DWSRF
• Better Places Grants If your town is thinking of more parks and green spaces, a vibrant main street, public art, and community gardens, Better Places grants can help. The statewide 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.

Funding for the Arts

• Creation Grants The VT Arts Council is accepting applications for its annual Creation Grant, which supports artists or artist groups in creating new work. Funds may be used to compensate artists for time spent creating new work, to purchase materials, or to rent equipment or space for the process. New this year - Applicants will have an option to have their proposal spotlighted on the Councill's website. For more information Click here Application deadline is Apr 9th.
• Arts & Community Spaces Flood Recovery & Resilience Grants The VT Community Foundation's Arts & Community Spaces "Coming Together After the Floods" grant program is now open. Applications will be accepted until April 16th. VCF is inviting proposals for collaborative projects, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, in flood-affected communities that advance shared recovery through the arts, humanities, or hands-on projects that reactivate community spaces. Projects from nonprofit organizations, municipalities or schools are eligible. Visit the VCF website Here. Questions about your project? Reach out to Andy Barker abarker@vermontcf.org or Kate McCarthy kmccarthy@vermontcf.org.

Funding for VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors



• Value Added Producer Grants USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets. Learn more & apply Application deadline Apr 16th.
• Agriculture Funding Opportunities: 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

Grant Writing Assistance

• Grant Basics: VLCT Free Online Webinar, April 9th, 10:00 am Setting priorities and selecting the right projects are cornerstones for winning grants. Join VLCT's Federal Funding Assistance staff to learn how to turn ideas into projects. Register here
• 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 working land businesses to access funding for development projects. For more information visit vhcb.org/redi. Questions? Mariah Noth Mariah@vhcb.org (802) 828-1098.

Loan Programs

• VHFA - 2024 Rental Revolving Loan Fund Applications are being accepted until April 29th. Visit the VT Housing Finance Agency website Here for guidelines and an application for the Rental Revolving Loan Fund.
• 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 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. 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 NVDA Revolving Loan Fund is available to businesses and municipalities for brownfield cleanup projects! Contact dsnedeker@nvda.net.
• 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 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 - for pre-employment, new hire, and/or incumbent employee training. Are your employees eligible? Contact John Young, Director of Workforce Development Programs (802) 355-2725 John.young@vermont.gov. VTP
• 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 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 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 provides free services to employers to help recruit, train and retain a high 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 hkrantz@vtsbdc.org or Heather Gonyaw hgonyaw@vtsbdc.org
• 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 County. Contact Dustin Smith, NEK Community Action dsmith@nekcavt.org (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.