THINKVERMONT INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM AWARDEES ANNOUNCED
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development today announced the awarding of ThinkVermont Innovation Grants. The grants support new business strategies that accelerate growth and support vibrant communities, while also serving as a model and roadmap for other businesses to follow.
Vermont small businesses with 20 or fewer employees were eligible. The initiative was proposed by the Scott Administration and passed by the Legislature in 2017, and appropriated $150,000 for the grants. In total, the program received 45 applications and funds were awarded to 16 projects.
“The initiative is designed to help us invest in local small business projects with grants that can be accessed more quickly and with fewer restrictions than traditional federal initiatives,” said Governor Phil Scott. “It is telling to see such great interest in this program. Vermont has many small businesses looking to grow through new ideas and strategies, and I’m pleased we can support economic growth in this way.”
The ThinkVermont Innovation Grant Program is designed to fund projects in areas that have been identified as crucial to the growth needs of Vermont’s small businesses. Grants will support workforce training and recruitment, facility enhancements, broadband access, as well as help leverage federal funding, support growth in aerospace, aviation, or aviation technology, or provide technical assistance.
The 16 awardees are located throughout Vermont, including in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington and Windham counties.
“The diversity of these projects, both in intended goals and geography around the state speaks to their importance,” said Agency of Commerce and Community Develop Secretary Michael Schirling. “There is innovation in business happening in every corner of our state and all Vermonters can benefit from seeing its local business community grow.”
The list of grant recipients can be found here.
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