USDA Rural Development Grant Applications: Applications Due Soon

Apply for Rural Energy for America Funding by Mar. 31

Businesses interested in increasing their bottom line through investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements can apply to USDA Rural Development for grant or guaranteed loan funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) this spring. The REAP provides grants to businesses that can cover up to 25% of the total project cost of business energy improvements. REAP loan guarantees are available for qualifying businesses throughout the year. The grant application deadline for the 2017 funding round is March 31st. Contact USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator Ken Yearman at (802) 828-6070 or kenneth.yearman@vt.usda.gov to start the application process.

Apply for Rural Business Development Grant funding by Feb. 15

USDA Rural Development provides funding through its Rural Business Development Grant program to non-profits and municipalities for projects that grow the rural economy.  Eligible projects include technical support to local businesses, services that engage community economic development, or support to institutions that galvanize the creative economy. You can view the lists of 2016 funded projects for Vermont and New Hampshire. The average award size is $30,000. 

For Vermont applicants: Contact Susan Poland, Business Programs Specialist, at (802) 828-6002 or by email at susan.poland@vt.usda.gov. 

For New Hampshire applicants: Contact Heather Gronlund, Business Programs Specialist, at (602) 223-6041 or heather.gronlund@nh.usda.gov

Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – 2017 Request for Proposals Now Available

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds for the purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of Vermont specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture crops, honey, hops, maple syrup, and nursery crops (including Christmas trees and floriculture). These funds are awarded through a competitive review process guided by industry, nonprofit and government stakeholders. Prospective applicants may download the Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Request for Proposals on the Agency’s website.

Register for the Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Information Session Webinar on February 7, 2017 at 3:00 PM.

For more information contact Kristina Sweet at kristina.sweet@vemont.gov or (802) 522-7811.

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