Financial Resources

Financial Resources

Learn more about local, State, and Federal grants and loan programs available to businesses below.

Grants

Vermont Community Foundation Nonprofit Grants

Generally, the Foundation's grant rounds are oriented towards place-based and community-level work. We have many grants that are specific to a topic and a region, which are made possible by our relationships with generous donor partners.

Find VCM's Available Grants 


US Small Business Administration Recovery Hub

SBA is dedicated to the success of the nation’s small businesses and can help your small business weather the storm through every stage of the business lifecycle, whether you need help recovering from the pandemic or overcoming challenges of a different kind.

Find SBA Support

Find a Local SBA office


Creative Futures Grant Program

The aim of this program is to provide aid to creative sector organizations and businesses that continue to struggle financially due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The program will be open to creative economy businesses (including sole proprietors) and cultural nonprofits that have sustained substantial losses due to the pandemic.

Find VAC's Creative Futures Grant Program


Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP)

These Vermont state grants aim to fund projects that spur economic recovery and revitalization, particularly capital improvements related to childcare, affordable housing, non-profits, and small businesses. Small businesses can apply for funding to aid reopening and expansion or for rehabilitation of commercial properties and storefront improvements.

Find more info on CRRP 


Sole Proprietor Stabilization Grants

Sole proprietor businesses located in Caledona, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Orange, Orleans, and Windsor counties are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in one-on-one technical assistance in one or more of the following areas; website development/enhancement, financial management and record keeping, branding and marketing. 

Learn more and apply


Backing Small Businesses Grant Program

An American Express and Main Street America grant program to serve BIPOC, women-owned, and other underserved brick-and-mortar small businesses. Grants of $5,000 to support business expenses including accessibility upgrades, community events, equipment, technology or sustainability upgrades, and rent. Applications close April 7, 2023.

Learn more about this grant


State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

Funding through reimbursements for businesses seeking to diversify and expand into international markets through trade shows, trade missions, market research, e-commerce, and export education. 

Learn about STEP


Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

Funding through solicitations to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal research and research and development in partnership with research institutions. In Vermont SBIR funding can be matched by Elevate Vermont.

Learn about SBIR and STTR


Loans

City of Burlington Revolving Loan Programs

The City manages two no-interest revolving loan programs both aimed at supporting locally-owned businesses and industries that were impacted or disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on BIPOC, women-owned, and other underserved businesses. To learn more and apply visit the Revolving Loan Programs site.


Vermont Community Loan Fund

VCLF is an alternative community-focused lender that provides loans to local businesses, community organizations, nonprofits, early care and learning providers, and developers of affordable housing who wouldn't qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. Some of their loan programs include the following:

  • The Justice Forward Fund provides low interest loans for Vermonters traditionally and generally excluded from conventional financing markets and services.
  • SPROUT provides financing for start-ups and early-stage working lands entrepreneurs.
  • The Food, Farm, and Forests Fund provides flexible financing for farmers, food producers, and natural resource entrepreneurs.


Vermont Economic Development Authority

VEDA provides customized, low-interest financing solutions for start-ups and expanding businesses. Loan amounts go up to $500,000 for small businesses working in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, R&D, travel & tourism, IT, energy generation, and retail and service. Currently VEDA still has some funds available in their Short Term Forgivable Loan Program which focuses on providing assistance to businesses that continue to experience current and on-going economic harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about VEDA


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