Since its inception in 1986, Healthy Living has embodied the values of the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. This honor is presented annually to a Vermont business that has exhibited outstanding accomplishments in sales, community involvement, employee relations, and recognition of its place in our environment. Congratulations, Healthy Living Market and Café!

During the 2022 legislative session, the Vermont Chamber focused on the workforce crisis currently impacting Vermont’s businesses. While there is no easy fix, there are a variety of new or expanded tools for relocation, training, housing, and child care that are available for employers to use as workforce recruitment and retention tools.

Amy Spear, Vice President of Tourism at the Vermont Chamber and Director of VTIR, was on WCAX discussing the ongoing labor force problems Vermont restaurants are facing.

"Visitors make up 40% of restaurant expenditures in the state. However rising wages, inflation, and short staffing resulting from the pandemic continue to cause problems. There are 581 restaurants still shouldering $120 million in need through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program.”

VEDA will begin accepting applications on September 15 for the Short Term Forgivable Loan Program, which will provide assistance to businesses that continue to experience current and on-going economic harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To prepare, please review the FLP instructions and the FLP calculator tool to determine your eligibility and estimated tentative loan amount.

The CHIPS bill invests $54.2B in subsidies to expand semiconductor production, which will power the growth of GlobalFoundries in Vermont and fuel the renaissance in US chip semiconductor manufacturing, strengthening our manufacturing and supply chains at home and ensuring our national security in the face of future geopolitical uncertainties.

Norwich University dedicated the Senator Patrick Leahy School of Cybersecurity and Advanced Computing during the “U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy Cyber Symposium.” Formerly the School of Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Computing, the new name reflects Leahy’s longstanding support of cybersecurity education at Norwich University and in the state of Vermont.

After 25 years in web development and hundreds of RFPs, Propeller Media Works has seen what works and what doesn't. They're sharing resources that highlight the agency-side perspective to help companies better plan for these projects and choose the best team to be your long-term partner.

Read How to Write A Website Redesign RFP: Guide & Tips and Questions for Selecting The Best Web Development Partner

Vermont’s first technology-based economic development program has launched, making targeted technical and scientific research assistance available to early-stage tech companies and established small businesses. Companies accepted into the Elevate Vermont program will receive one-on-one support from an expert advisor to apply for the federal grant programs. The application for Technical Assistance is now open and accepting submissions on a rolling basis until funding is depleted. Two additional applications will open in the coming months to provide even more support for companies.

As of April 4, 2022, the unique identifying number used across the federal government changed from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID (generated by SAM.gov). You may need a Unique Entity ID (UEI) to bid on government contracts or to apply for grants. Register for your UEI number and find additional details at SAM.gov . If you have any questions about how to proceed or need help requesting your UEI, please contact your nearest VT PTAC counselor for individualized assistance.

The Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) has launched the Justice Forward Fund (JFF), a new financing and business assistance resource for Black, Indigenous & Vermonters of Color. The JFF provides low- to no-cost loans up to $40,000 and free business development services to Vermonters traditionally, systemically, and generationally excluded from financial markets and services, including BIPOC Vermonters and New Americans.