12-23-2019 – for immediate release. For information contact Nate Formalarie, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, 802-522-7323 | nate.formalarie@vermont.gov
Montpelier – The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is preparing for the launch of the New Worker Relocation Grant Program on January 1. The program offers reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to new residents who move to Vermont and take a job with a Vermont business.
During the 2019 legislative session, the Legislature and Governor worked together to pass, Act 80, which allocated nearly $1.2 million to fund the new worker relocation grant program. This new program follows the launch of the state’s remote worker program in 2019, which has seen 135 applications approved and 359 people, in total, move to Vermont.
“With our historically low unemployment rate, there are many business sectors in Vermont looking for qualified candidates to fill openings,” said Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “Businesses in the state will now have another incentive they can offer when trying to recruit people to work here.”
“This program builds on the success of last year’s remote worker grant program to grow Vermont’s workforce” said Governor Phil Scott. “Helping new Vermonters relocate and find employment is important as we work to reverse our demographic crisis, grow the economy and support employers so they succeed too. I’m grateful for the Legislature’s collaboration in developing innovative solutions.”
The application process opens on January 1 and will be administered by the Agency’s Department of Economic Development. Eligible applicants must have relocated to Vermont and became full-time residents and full-time employees of a Vermont business on or after January 1, 2020. Expenses eligible for reimbursement include closing costs for a primary residence, lease deposits, first month’s rent, hiring a moving company, renting moving equipment, shipping and the cost of moving supplies. Expenses necessary for a new worker to perform their employment duties that are not provided by the employer are also eligible, including broadband connectivity, specialized tools and equipment and co-working space membership fees. The employer must certify these expenses are necessary to perform required job duties.
Those interested in receiving a grant must submit a complete application, including documentation of expenses eligible for reimbursement and verification from the applicant’s employer. Grants will be awarded to newly relocated workers who submit complete applications on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the program, visit ThinkVermont.com.