Business Assistance

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

Business Information:

Community Recovery and Revitalization Program

Informational Webinars

Program Overview

In 2022, the Vermont Legislature appropriated $40,000,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) for the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP).

The CRRP will provide recovery funding for projects that spur economic recovery and revitalization to mitigate the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 in communities across the state. Eligible uses for these funds include the development of affordable housing, improvements to or new construction of childcare facilities, projects for nonprofits and small businesses in impacted industries*, and municipal water supply and wastewater projects. These recovery funds are intended to retain and expand existing businesses and nonprofit organizations with a preference for projects located in regions and communities with declining or stagnant grand list values. More details about project eligibility can be found at the links at the bottom of this page.

*Impacted Industries are for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the following sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Educational Services
  • Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation
  • Accommodation & Food Services

Application Priority Process

For the first 30 days, as part of the State of Vermont's commitment to build on local, state, and national efforts to advance equity, and increase meaningful inclusion representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, ACCD will prioritize applications from BIPOC organizations and organizations that primarily serve BIPOC populations.

ACCD will also prioritize the review of applications from non-metropolitan statistical areas (non-MSAs) in the first 30 days. Non-MSA communities are located in Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor counties.

Project Eligibility

A number of projects are eligible for funding within the CRRP. These include:

  • Projects located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCT). 
    • To determine whether a project is located in a QCT:
      • Enter the project address into this QCT eligibility tool and locate the QCT number; OR
      • If you already know it, reference your QCT number on this QCT list.
  • Projects related to reopening assistance or business expansion within an Impacted Industry.
  • Development of affordable housing projects that serve low to moderate income families.
  • Childcare projects that expand or create new opportunities to serve low to moderate income families.
  • Municipal wastewater and water supply projects.

The Summary Table below broadly details the eligible applicants and their proposed uses of CRRP funds.

Summary Table of Eligible Uses

Affordable Housing Impacted Industries*ChildcareQualified Census TractsMunicipalities
Affordable housing developmentAid for safe reopeningImprovements to or new construction of childcare, daycare, and early learning facilitiesSmall businesses can rehabilitate commercial properties as well as undertake storefront & façade improvementsWastewater
 Aid for planned expansion delayed due to pandemic Small business expansion costsWater Supply

Please note: Applications from the following entities are ineligible for CRRP: 

  • Any for-profit business, that together with any affiliated business, owns or operates more than 20 locations, regardless of whether those locations do business under the same name or within the same industry;  
  • A publicly traded company 

Award Calculation

  • Awards will not exceed the lesser of $1,000,000 or 20% of total project cost and will be calculated based on the merit of the application.
  • The merit of the application will be determined based on the following considerations:
    • Project readiness (i.e., needs the funds now to complete the project)
    • Other sources of funding (including availability and eligibility of other sources of funding)
    • Statement of need for project and impact (e.g., number of childcare slots, housing units, business development, etc.)
    • Review of applicant need: balance sheet, tax returns, sources and uses statement
    • Evidence of good standing with the Vermont Secretary of State
    • Community and regional support for the project
    • Creation and retention of workforce activities
  • Applicants that have received a Capital Investment Program (CIP) award must also factor CIP into their total CRRP award calculation. The combined CIP and CRRP award cannot exceed the lesser of 20% of total project cost or $1,000,000 (i.e. the award limit takes into account both CIP and CRRP programs).
  • Applicants will be asked to disclose prior accepted Federal or State recovery assistance (i.e. Paycheck Protection Program loans, or State Emergency Recovery Grants) in an effort to avoid duplication of benefits uses.

APPLICATION OPENING SOON

For support please email: ACCD.CRRP@vermont.gov

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Additional project eligibility and application details for for-profit, nonprofit, and municipal applicants are outlined at the links below and should be reviewed closely prior to starting the application.  

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.