Regional Planning &
Economic Development
in the Northeast Kingdom
David Snedeker, Executive Director
[email protected]
e-Newsletter – December 2023
Flood Recovery Check-In
VT League of Cities & Towns is holding a series of free monthly ZOOM meetings to support municipal officials and help smooth the path to flood recovery, mitigation and resilience.
- Dec. 12th, 1:00-2:00 pm, Flood Recovery: Municipal Technical Assistance (MTAP) with Doug Farnham, Chief Recovery Officer Register here.
Links to Flood Disaster Assistance:
Business Announcements
Twin States Energy Project Offers NEK Long-term Economic Benefits
The Twin States Clean Energy Link, proposed by National Grid, will deliver clean affordable energy connecting Quebec with the New England grid. The proposed transmission line would be buried along state roadways from Canaan to Lunenburg then cross under the Connecticut River into Dalton and continue through Littleton into Monroe. From there it would join an existing overhead transmission line upgraded to deliver power to the wide New England energy grid. Governor Phil Scott said, “This project represents a great opportunity for Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom.”
Dave Snedeker and the Board of Directors have agreed to partner with National Grid. “It’s a win-win-win for the state, the NEK, and the climate.” A proposed benefits package of grants and low-interest loans will be administered by NVDA over 30 years to support and promote economic and community development in the region. To learn more visit Twin States Clean Energy Link
InnovateNEK Receives $1.5M Grant
NVDA and Do North Coworking (VTSU) collaborated, with assistance from the Center on Rural Innovation, to secure a highly competitive US Economic Development Administration Build-to-Scale Venture Challenge Grant to support local entrepreneurship and workforce innovation. NVDA and Do North will launch the InnovateNEK initiative to cultivate tech innovation in the region, build off existing start-up support, and develop a network of mentors and investors to increase access to financial capital. Press Release Contact Annie McLean for more information about this recent announcement. [email protected]
10 Area Projects Receive Kingdom Trails Mini-Grant Awards!
Congratulations to: Town of Kirby, Knotweed Committee Project; East Burke Fire Brigade, Rescue Vehicles upgrades; Adaptive Sports Partners, swim equipment; Lyndon Town School, Winter Activities program & PROSPER program; Newark School, All Kids Ride Project; Burke Town School, Mountain Bike program; Lyndon Institute, Hilltopper Club program; H.O.P.E, Homelessness Tent & Materials program; and Thaddeus Stevens School, Expedition program. www.kingdomtrails.org
Save the Date! Feb 7th, 2024, Vermont 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 [email protected]
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 on a rolling basis.
VT Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance
Businesses and municipalities with vehicle fleets: The Department of Environmental Conservation is offering incentive funding and technical assistance for projects that reduce emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and non-road equipment. Diesel Emissions Reduction Assistance Program. The application deadline is Dec 14th. Questions? Contact Leigh Martin [email protected].
Community Announcements
The Passumpsic Tactical Basin Plan Community Survey – Your input is needed!
Work is underway to update a plan for cleaning up waters in the Passumpsic River watershed. Municipalities involved are: Newark, Sutton, Sheffield, Wheelock, Walden, Danville, St. Johnsbury, Barnet, Waterford, Concord, Kirby, Victory, Lyndon, Burke, Granby and East Haven. What lakes are rivers are important to you? How can they be protected? Fill out the brief community survey Here. View the Planning Story Map at https://arcg.is/favbb.
NVDA Receives Certificate of Energy Compliance
The VT Department of Public Service has notified NVDA that its updated and readopted Regional Plan complies with statutory energy planning requirements. Upon review, Mark Whitworth, NVDA Newark representative commented that drafting regional plans involves a tremendous amount of work which requires balancing competing goals. He commended the work of the planning team at NVDA. NVDA Regional Plan
Congratulations Concord!
On November 27th, the VT Downtown Development Board approved the Concord Village Center designation renewal and boundary amendment. The Village Center designation program supports local revitalization efforts by providing technical assistance and state funding to help designated municipalities build strong communities. Concord will be eligible for tax credits, priority consideration for grant applications, and more. Well done, Concord!
Upcoming Virtual Events
Vermont’s Opportunity for Federal Climate Funding
The ANR Climate Action Office invites Vermonters to learn about a one-time opportunity for the state to advance its climate solutions. Join the discussion and help influence how this funding could be used in communities across Vermont. (2 virtual options)
Comments may also be submitted to [email protected]
Jan 10th, 10:30 am, Project Management 101 – Virtual Workshop
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 priorities, navigate funding options, and move the project from idea to implementation. Register
Career Training & Adult Education Courses
Vermont State University – Lyndon, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Vermont Technical College – Vermont State University) 2 campuses: Williston & Randolph Division of Workforce, Community & Economic Development
North Country Career Center, Newport
Contact Chris Damato (802) 334-5469 x3305 [email protected]
Contact Sandra Mings Lamar (802) 748-7738 [email protected]
Lyndon Institute Career & Technical Education Center
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 Nakasi Fortune [email protected]
Community Funding Opportunities
- Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships – Funding Opportunity Seed grants (up to $300,000) will fund research projects, stakeholder engagement initiatives, student internships & service-learning experiences, and business plan development for start-ups & nonprofit businesses working to address rural challenges. Through this initiative, UVM will join as a partner with Vermont leaders who are working towards impactful solutions. A short Letter of Intent is due Dec 18th. For more information, see the full Request for Proposal Here Questions? Contact Tricia Coates [email protected].
- Historic Revitalization Grant The Preservation Trust of VT is awarding $50,000-$100,000 grants to preserve and rehabilitate community gathering spaces of economic and social significance in rural communities. Funds through the 2024 Paul Bruhn grant round are available for roof repair or replacement, structural repairs, window & door restoration, and code improvements. New for 2023: Privately-owned commercial and mixed-use buildings in Designated Downtowns or Village Centers are eligible to apply. Application deadline Dec. 21st. For more information and to apply visit www.ptvermont.org.
- 1772 Foundation Historic Preservation Grants Matching grants of up to $10,000 are 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.
- Recreation Trails Program Pre-applications accepted through Dec 30th. Funding is aimed to help municipalities, non-profits, and other entities build and maintain trails across Vermont. Visit the webpage for information about the process. 2024 RTP
- 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 [email protected].
- 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
- VT Urban & Community Forestry Program – Tree Grants! Grants are available in three categories to support a broad range of activities for urban and community forestry programs. Urban & Community Forestry Grants / Communities Caring for Canopy / Growing Urban Forests in the Face of Emerald Ash Borer. Apply by Jan 5th.
- 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.
Funding for the Arts
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 [email protected] or contact Abbey Willard 802/ 272-2885.
- 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
- 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 [email protected] (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 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].
- 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, [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 Revolving Loan Fund is available to businesses and municipalities for brownfield cleanup projects! Contact [email protected].
- 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 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 Contact Kristin Blodgett [email protected] 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, [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? Contact John Young, Director of Workforce Development Programs (802) 355-2725 [email protected]. 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 (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 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 [email protected] or Heather Gonyaw [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 County. Contact Dustin Smith, NEK Community Action [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
& 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.
Northeastern Vermont Development Association | PO Box 630, 36 Eastern Ave. Suite 1, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819