Regional Planning &
Economic Development
in the Northeast Kingdom
David Snedeker, Executive Director
dsnedeker@nvda.net
e-Newsletter – January 2024
Flood Recovery Rebates Increased for Businesses
Efficiency Vermont Flood Recovery program has been enhanced to include more incentives for qualifying equipment losses. Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by flooding can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product, up to four products, in addition to standard offers. Learn more
Links to Flood Disaster Assistance:
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
VT Emergency Management Flood Recovery Resources Hazard Mitigation Fundin Program Multi Agency Resource Centers
USDA Rural Development Disaster Assistance Website
VT Community Foundation VCF Special & Urgent Needs
Efficiency Vermont Flood Recovery Rebates
Business Announcements
Position Available: VtSBDC Area Business Advisor
VtSBDC is a statewide small business program providing resources for small business, from start-up to transition. Professional business advisors provide one-to-one, no-cost confidential business advising and low-cost online training. The open position serves Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties with remote work, mobile and shared office space. Job Description www.VtSBDC.org
Town of Lyndon’s Small Business Fund Application is Now Live!
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 andhalf in 2025. Click here to fill out a short application or contact Annie McLean for more information Amclean@nvda.net.
Free Training: Working Lands Executive Business Skills Program
The program, funded by the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, is focused on enhancing human resources skills and compliance. The series of monthly trainings will provide business owners in Vermont’s agriculture, food, forest, and wood products sectors with business skills in human resources, management, employment law and compliance, and hiring strategies that enhance employee performance and retention. The program will be led by a labor and employment team from Paul Frank+Collins. Participation is very limited! Reach out to Laurie Noyes lnoyes@pfclaw.com as soon as possible.
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
VTRANS Electrify Your Fleet Program
The Electrify Your Fleet Incentive Program aims to accelerate the retirement of internal combustion engine vehicles. A pool of $500,000 is available to all Vermont commercial, municipal and nonprofit fleet owners. The rebate has designated up to $2,500 for each vehicle replaced or avoided. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fleet owners must fill out the online preliminary application form Here. Deadline is on a rolling basis.
Community Announcements
Introducing Carter Finegan, MERP Coordinator
Carter Finegan recently joined NVDA to assist the Northeast Kingdom’s 50+ communities with the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP). Originally from the southeast, Carter found her love for snow and small towns when she moved to Montana to pursue a degree in Orgnismal & Ecological Biology at the University. As NVDA’s MERP Coordinator, she will be responsible for overseeing the scheduling and implementation details of the VT Municipal Energy Resilience Program and will play a critical role in ensuring that NEK municipalities have a competitive chance toward receiving MERP implementation grants to improve the energy performance of municipal buildings. Welcome Carter! cfinegan@nvda.net.
A New Regional Plan for the NEK – Survey Closing January 3rd
NVDA is updating its Regional Plan, a guiding document that outlines a vision for the region and goals to help achieve that vision. The Plan covers a range of topics, including transportation, housing, energy, recreation, and zoning. We’re gathering input from our communities and you can help! Please take a moment to complete the survey before Wednesday, Jan 3rd. Click on this Link or visit our website nvda.net. Thank you for making your voice heard!
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Won!
The Lamoille alley Rail Trail won the People’s Choice Award for America’s Transportation Awards contest, an annual event sponsored by the American Association of State Highway & Transportation officials. The VT Agency of Transportation submitted the project for competition to celebrate the popular 93-mile multi-modal recreation path connecting eighteen town centers with links to other trails in Vermont and Canada. The People’s Choice Award comes with a $10,000 cash prize for a charity or transportation-related scholarship of the the winner’s choosing. Congratulations LVRT!
Three NEK Projects Receive Climate Catalyst Innovation Awards
The VT Council on Rural Development announced that 25 Vermont projects will receive funding to support local innovators in developing community-led climate and energy solutions. NEK winners in this third competitive round include Craftsbury Energy Committee, to support the WindowDressers Program; the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village in Brownington will planta heritage tree garden; and NVDA will provide free online training in Solar Installation and Design for twenty NEK residents.
Plans for Caledonia Food Co-op Are Moving Forward!
The Caledonia Food Cooperative is entering Phase 2 of its fundraising campaign. The full-service grocery store, planned for St. Johnsbury in the former Walgreens building, will attract downtown shoppers, provide healthy food, support local farmers, and offer living wages for dozens of co-op workers. Read more at www.caledoniafood.coop.
2024 Legislative Preview
The second half of Vermont’s 2023-2024 legislative biennium officially begins January 3rd. Visit the VLCT website to view priorities for this session. 2024 Legislative Preview
Upcoming Virtual Events
Jan 10th, 10:30 am, Project Management 101
Join Jenna Lapachinski of the Preservation Trust of VT for an introduction to project management for community revitalization projects. Learn how to organize around an initial vision, define goals and prioritie, navigate funding options, and move the project from idea to implementation. This is a Zoom event. Register
Jan 23rd and Jan 26th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, DEC Natural Shoreland Erosion Control Certification Training
In-person training @ VT State University-Randolph, Jan 23rd. Online training Jan 26th. Both sessions are free. Visit the website for more information and to register. Here
Feb 7th, Vermont Student Entrepreneurs: Finding Your Groove
This is a great experience for high school and career-tech students! Join the visual media competition for 9-12th graders to celebrate Entrepreneurship Day and explore the world of entrepreneurship through creative expression. The FREE virtual event offers cash prizes. Questions? VT Small Business Development Center lbutler@vtsbdc.org
Webinar Series: VT Urban & Community Forestry Program UCF Winter Webinar Series
Feb 7th – Using your Municipal Tree Inventory
Feb 15th – Urban Trees and Biochar in Stockholm & Montpelier
Feb 23rd – Tree Pest & Disases Round-Up
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:/ c3.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
Chck 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 Nakasi Fortune continuingeducation@sterlingcollege.edu
Community Funding Opportunities
BONUS Round of Funding for Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program Additional state income tax credits are available for projects that enhance the historic character and improve building safety of historic commercial and community buildings in designated communities. The tax credit program also funds flood mitigation upgrades and exterior facade improvements. Applications for the bonus round are due Jan 8th. Visit the website Here to download the Program Guidelines and Application. A pre-recorded webinar is also available on the website which covers program basics and scoring criteria. Questions? Contact Caitlin.Corkins@vermont.gov.
1772 Foundation Historic Preservation Grants Matching grants of up to $10,000 ar available for Vermont preservation projects. Buildings must be owned by a 501(c)3 non-profit. Funds are not available for municipally owned buildings, schools, or active churches. Read the guidelines Here. Letters of Inquiry will be accepted until Jan 11th.
Downtown Transportation Fund (DTF) The Department of Housing & Community Development has made available the DTF to support revitalization efforts in Designated Downtowns and eligible Designated Village Centers. The DTF program has invested millions in public infrastructure and helped municipalities update streetscaping, parking & rail facilities, bicycle & pedestrian safety, utilities, street lighting and wayfinding signage. Application deadline: Feb 19th. The Application includes a preliminary project review by Historic Preservation which must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the application deadline. Downtown Transportation Fund
Funding Cycle Open: FFY2024 Clean Water Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water RevolvingFund (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 rollingbasis.
Funding for the Arts
Artist Development Grants The grant program supports artists at all stages of their careers including the creation of new work. Apply for any amount up to $2,000. Application deadline is Jan 30th. Artist Development Grant & Application. Questions? Dgustin@vermontartscouncil.org
Grant Funding for VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors
Trade Show Assistance Grants (TSAG) These matching grants provide businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers. The funding can partially offset the expenses associated with travel, promotion, and fees. TSAG Apply by Jan 15th.
BEGAP – Agriculture Assistance ACCD funding relief is available through the Agency of Agriculture to support agricultural losses related to flooding. BEGAP for Ag Operations Questions? email agr.floodresponse@vermont.gov or contact Abbey Willard 802/ 272-2885.
Agriculture Funding Opportunities: The VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets maintans a website of grants, loans and financial assistance that targets specific agricultural needs Here. View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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 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
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 homesthrough 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 star 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
VT Farm Fund Revolving Loan Programs Are you thinking about investing in new infrasructure 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 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 employee 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 leaders and workers. VMEC
Vermont APEX Accelerator (ormerly 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 ideo 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.
Looking for Commercial Space?
dsnedeker@nvda.net (802) 748-8303
tgonyaw@nvda.net (802) 748-1220
Commercial Building Lots for Sale: St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park
& Orleans Industrial Park (water & sewer available)
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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
