Vermont Emergency Economic Recovery Grants (COVID Recovery)
ACCD and the Department of Taxes administered the Vermont Emergency Economic Recovery Grant Program for certain business types, as established by Act 115, Act 137 and per the federal CARES Act. Additionally, the Vermont Expanded Emergency Economic Recovery Grant Program was an expansion of this program, as established by Act 115, Act 137, amended by Act 154 and per the Federal CARES Act.
Capital Investment Program (ARPA Funded)
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development was instructed to use the $10,580,000 appropriated to the Department of Economic Development in Sec. G.300(a)(12) of this Act to design and implement a capital investment grant program consistent with this section.
Newport Development Fund
The Newport Development Fund contained two grants to help the City of Newport create economic development opportunities after projects that were purportedly to be funded by the EB-5 investor program collapsed in 2016. The Newport Development Grant Program distributed $1.4M to assist three impactful projects that aligned with existing city and regional plans. Increased consideration was given to properties and entities adversely impacted by failed EB-5 projects. The Discover Newport Business Grant Program distributed $80,000 to incentivize four businesses to expand or locate within the City of Newport, grow job opportunities, and attract visitors to the Newport area.
Economic Recovery Bridge Program (COVID Recovery)
On April 17, 2021, H.315 was enacted (Act 9). The Act appropriated $10 million of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to ACCD to provide priority funding to businesses that did not receive prior State or Federal financial assistance. The program was also intended to provide funding to businesses that suffered a tax loss even after receiving State or Federal aid.
Small Business Recovery Technical Assistance Program (COVID Recovery)
The Small Business Recovery Technical Assistance Program provided businesses with access to experts in several areas including business operations, financial management, and grant writing; digital strategies; architecture and physical space design; reconfiguring manufacturing equipment and processes and incorporating safety measures; technology and software consulting; and legal, marketing, and other professional services. The Small Business Recovery Technical Assistance Program was recommended for businesses forced to change part or all of their business model to remain viable due to the pandemic.
Vermont Ski Area Recreation Safety Grant Program (COVID Recovery)
ACCD administered the Vermont Ski Area Recreation Safety Grant Program for ski areas to make physical improvements to their resorts to accommodate guests safely due to State-imposed COVID-19 safety measures. This program provided grants of up to $200,000 to downhill and cross country ski areas to make these improvements or to reimburse a ski area that has made an eligible physical improvement since March 1, 2020.
Short Term Forgivable Loan Program (COVID Recovery - VEDA)
The VEDA Short Term Forgivable Loan Program provided financial assistance to businesses that experienced economic harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic.