Additional FAQ’s will be added over time as questions arise.
Q: Are landlords eligible?
A: Yes, commercial and residential landlords are eligible.
Q: Are home-based businesses eligible?
A: Damages to business assets are eligible.
Q: Are businesses eligible that closed temporarily from the flood but have since reopened?
A: Yes.
Q: Are houses of worship eligible?
A: Yes
Q: Is this grant funding available for individuals?
A: No, BEGAP grants are for businesses and nonprofits only.
Q: Is BEGAP for farms and agricultural businesses?
A: Yes, but if you are an agricultural business, please visit the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) web site for guidance before applying. If agricultural businesses have questions they can email: agr.floodresponse@vermont.gov.
Q: What if I am a sole proprietor/a landlord and don’t have an FEIN?
A: If you are a sole proprietor you will be prompted in the application to give your social security number (SSN) rather than an FEIN.
Q: How do I estimate the cost of replacing lost inventory?
A: Either submit an itemized list of prices compiled by conducting your own research, a quote from your vendor(s), or a receipt for items you’ve already replaced.
Q: How do I estimate the cost of replacing damaged equipment?
A: Either submit an itemized list of prices compiled by conducting your own research, a quote from your supplier(s), or a receipt for equipment you’ve already replaced.
Q: Do the documents I upload need to be in a certain format?
A: Yes, they need to be one of the following formats: .pdf, .png, or .jpg. The system does not accept documents created in Word (.doc or .docx).
Q: Is there a limit to the size of a document I can upload?
A: Yes, each document can be no larger than 10 megabytes.
Q: Which types of insurance should I list?
A: List all relevant types of insurance
Q: How recent does a W-9 need to be?
A: We will need a W-9 that has been signed within the last year. You must sign by hand, using blue or black ink. Digital signatures will not be accepted.
Q: What if I haven’t heard back from my insurance adjuster?
A: Please upload the insurance documents and details that you do have and also indicate in the application when prompted whether you have specific flood coverage or not.
Q: What kind of documentation should I use to demonstrate proof of ownership?
A: Proof of ownership can be shown via a property tax bill, deed, or lease.
Q: Do I need to report all grants and donations my organization already received?
A: Yes, because this grant program is based on net uncovered damages.
Q: What do I do if I am a business with multiple physical locations?
A: Businesses with multiple physical locations will need to fill out an application for each location, with a maximum of one grant per physical location.
Q: Is a BEGAP funding taxable?
A: Yes