Funding Opportunities for Businesses & Communities

(*Note: Some federal funding opportunities may be temporarily paused.)

• USDA Rural Development offers an extensive list of funding opportunities supporting Community & Economic Development. Click on the link to learn more: USDA Innovation Matters: Funding Opportunities, Resources, Events & Learning
• 2025 Downtown Transportation Fund The DTF has expanded eligibility to Designated Village Centers that have participated in the Better Connections Program. Visit the website to see if your town is eligible. The fund supports revitalization efforts involving public infrastructure, streetscaping, parking, bicycle & pedestrian safety, street lighting and wayfinding signage. 2025 Application & Guidelines Deadline: Feb 17th
• Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Spring 2025 Program Webinars & Key Dates A new round of NBRC funding will be available for community and economic development projects statewide. Pre-applications are due Feb 28th. Potential applicants are welcome to join the upcoming Spring 2025 information sessions. Learn about core NBRC programs and get more information about specific programs (Catalyst, Forest Economy, and Timber for Transit). Program Timeline
• Municipal Planning Grants Municipal Planning Grants help Vermont towns and villages adapt to change and prepare for the future. This flexible funding can pay for a variety of projects from capital programming for infrastructure to bylaw updates for new housing and neighborhoods. Applications are due Mar 31st.
• NVDA Professional Assistance Cost Sharing Program NVDA is providing grant funds to NEK businesses and nonprofits for professional assistance to support the cost of outside professional services. Grant funding for eligible projects can cover as much as 70% of project costs with a 30% match requirement. Professional Assistance Cost Share Program. Contact Annie McLean for help to identify the scope of your project. amclean@nvda.net
• 2025 VT CWSRF and DWSRF Funding Cycle has Begun The Vermont Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds cycle has begun. Project Priority List applications are due by Feb 14th. Learn more: DWSRF CWSR
• 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 VT Farm, Food & Forestry Sectors

• Agriculture Grant Now Open: USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Apply by 4/17/25. Note: 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 Here.
• Farm to Plate is Vermont's food system plan. The plan is being implemented statewide to increase economic development and jobs in the farm and food sector; improve soils, water, and resiliency of the working landscape in the face of climate change; and improve access to healthy local food for all Vermonters. Sign up for their newsletter Here

Funding for the Arts

• The Vermont Arts Council is accepting applications for its annual Creation Grant which supports artists or artist groups in creating new work. Apply by April 8th. Sign up for ArtMail Newsletter.

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 Prosper
• 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.
• 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 EPA 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 Jessica Hartleben jessica.hartleben@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? VTP
• 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
• Downtown & Village Center Tax Credit Program The tax credit program helps to stimulate private investment by supporting the creation and improvement of rental housing. Successful projects range from modest renovations in small village centers to multimillion-dollar redevelopments. The program creates jobs and supports general rehabilitation, code compliance work, facade improvements, and flood mitigation upgrades. State & Federal Tax Credits For NVDA assistance contact Annie McLean amclean@nvda.net

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 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 , Heather Gonyaw hgonyaw@vtsbdc.org, or Rick Daniell rick.daniell@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 counties. Contact Dustin Smith, 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.