CHANGES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES


The Colchester Economic Development Department has gone to a remote work plan as of march 18, 2020. You can access by email at koreilly@colchestervt.gov or 802-264-5508.

If you are an employer and want information on resources available for COVID-19 Relief please see the state and federal links below. 

Business Information:

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grant:
A new grant program, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, or RRF, is launching soon restaurants, brew pubs, food trucks, coffee shops, bars and many more. The new website www.sba.gov/restaurants(link is external) shares substantial information on how the program will roll out, the application questions and the documents to prepare.  For more information you can also click below.

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund

Recent News from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development:

  • ACCD hosted a webinar for businesses to discuss the Vermont Forward Plan and answer questions about the guidance and timeline. The webinar recording and slide deck are available at the ACCD Business Recovery Resource Center. Common questions submitted during the webinar focused on how to deal with vaccinated versus unvaccinated people, remote work, contact tracing logs, and management of events and gatherings.
  • Vermont businesses continue to be encouraged to take advantage of the federal and sector specific financial assistance programs currently available, including:  The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) deadline was extended to May 31st. The Vermont District Office of the Small Business Administration continues to offer two weekly webinars on First and Second Draw PPP loans and PPP loan forgiveness.
  • Vermont Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funding: A second round of sole proprietor grants, ranging from $1,500 and $10,000, are now open to qualifying sole proprietors on a first come, first served basis.
  • Cultural Facilities Grants offered by the Vermont Arts Council provide awards of up to $30,000 to Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities to increase the physical capacity to provide cultural activities. Applications are being accepted through June 7th.
  • The Vermont Department of Labor is seeking summer employment opportunities for Vermont’s young adults, and wants to hear from Vermont employers and business leaders interested in potentially providing work experiences (paid and unpaid) to Vermont youth and young adults this summer.


Other Resources:

Agency of Commerce & Community Development Guidance for Vermont businesses impacted by COVID-19.This information is updated regularly so check often.

Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (HHS & CDC) Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist for large businesses. It identifies important, specific activities large businesses can do now to prepare, many of which will also help you in other emergencies.

COVID-19 Business Planning Checklist The Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants has put together a COVID-19 Business Planning Checklist based on FEMA guidance and best practices.

Coronavirus Tax Relief (IRS) The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (SBA) Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security and health of the American people.  Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. 

Disaster Loan Assistance (SBA) Businesses in the 10 counties in Vermont already declared may immediately apply for assistance. To apply online, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. 

National Association of Manufacturers: Coronavirus Resources The NAM is in contact with federal officials who are overseeing the response to the coronavirus and they are working to share additional available information. 

Coronavirus Information and Resources (National Restaurant Association) To ensure that restaurants have the latest information about coronavirus, the National Restaurant Association created this industry-specific guidance for owners and operators.