Friday, August 7, 2020

Read on for:
Building Communities Grant Programs | Vermont Business Magazine's Rising Stars Nominations | Vermont's Economic Restart | Expanded Eligibility for Vermont's Economic Recovery Grants | Explore Castleton, Vermont | Career Hub | Events & Workshops

State of Vermont Announces Building Communities Grant Programs

The State of Vermont has announced available funding for the Building Communities Grants Program. Under the grant program, which is administered by the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services, regional economic development corporations are encouraged to apply for funding on behalf of local businesses and organizations. 

Since 2016, REDC has written winning grants for nine regional businesses, who received a combined total of more than $185,000. This year, REDC is opening the process to its members prior to opening submissions from additional community organizations. As part of the program, REDC staff will work with members whose projects meet eligibility criteria to write and submit grants on behalf of the business or organization. 

This is a competitive grant program intended to provide last gap funding for shovel-ready projects and does not support ongoing fundraising initiatives. Projects must demonstrate realistic job creation or job retention, and a 1:1 financial match is required. See the full program details for more information. 

The Building Communities Grant Program also includes a recreational facilities component and human services and educational facilities component. Applicants, including municipalities, nonprofit agencies, and regional economic development organizations, are encouraged to apply for these opportunities to fund construction, infrastructure support, and needed projects. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Building Communities Grant Program or working with REDC to apply, please contact Assistant Director Kim Rupe at kim@rutlandeconomy.com or (802) 770-7061.

Nominate a Rising Star Today!

Vermont Business Magazine is accepting nominations for the Rising Stars Class of 2020. Vermont has a wealth of talented and enthusiastic youth in the business and non-profit communities, and Vermont Business Magazine has recognized these individuals over the last decade by naming them Vermont's Rising Stars. Award recipients are selected by a panel of judges for the commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities. 

To be eligible, candidates must be 39 years old or younger on October 1, 2020, and be employed and live in Vermont. The deadline for nominations is September 4, 2020. 

Nominate a Rising Star you know today  →

Vermont's Economic Restart Continues

Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development continue to announce openings under the phased approach to restarting Vermont's economy. 

On July 31, the Governor announced that non-essential retail businesses can operate at 50 percent of approved fire safety occupancy; or 1 customer per 200 square feet; or 10 total customers and staff combined, whichever is greater.

Stay up-to-date with the phased approach to restart Vermont's economy →

Expanded Eligibility for Vermont's Economic Recovery Grants

Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Vermont Department of Taxes recently announced expanded eligibility for Vermont's Economic Recovery Grants for businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded eligibility allows businesses with at least one W-2 employee (now including those who are an owner) to apply. This change refers to S. corps, C corps, and LLCs. Eligible businesses must have experienced a 50 percent or greater drop in total revenue from March 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, when compared to the same month in 2019. 

Learn more about Vermont's Economic Recovery Grants and see if your business is eligible →

Live and Learn in Castleton, Vermont

Located just seven miles from the border of New York and Vermont, the Town of Castleton provides a small-town feel with the convenience of a bigger city. Castleton is home to several restaurants, including Birdseye Diner, located in a 1940s Silk City Dining Car that was first brought to town in the 1960s. During the summer months, the roads of Castleton bustle with trucks and trailers as people make their way up the hill to Pond Hill Ranch’s pro-rodeo. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put this year’s rodeo season on hold, but the family-owned-and-operated ranch is still open for trail rides.

Come August, college students return to Castleton University, Vermont’s oldest institution of higher learning. Castleton is just a stone’s throw from Lake Bomoseen, the state’s largest lake located fully within the Vermont state border.

Explore Castleton and plan your day trip today! →

Photo Credit: Castleton University

Rutland Economic Development Corporation's Career Hub features full-time jobs across Rutland County that provide a salary higher than the Vermont living wage.