Resources for Working Lands Businesses: COVID-19

VHCB’s COVID-19 Response:

Notice of COVID Response & Recovery Services beginning April 2020: 

To support the resilience and long-term success of Vermont’s producers, the Viability Program is offering disaster response support to businesses with urgent needs related to COVID-19. For more information, see our COVID Response & Recovery Support page.

---

In response to COVID-19, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) is taking steps to support the health and well-being of our communities, flatten the curve, protect the most vulnerable, and reduce strain on our health care system.

Our main VHCB offices in Montpelier are closed to the public until further notice. VHCB Viability Program staff will continue to operate remotely, and will carry out our normal programming including our business advising services and grant programs. We ask for your patience as we adapt to new systems and work with our partners to find the best methods of offering remote advising. 

 

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Vermont, please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s website.

For up-to-date information on the national-level, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website.

Resources for Working Lands Businesses:

Click the links below for resources by category, or scroll for list of all resources.

• State & Federal Resources
  • Guidance from State Agencies, tools, FAQ sheets, info on SBA relief programs, unemployment benefits, healthcare, public internet & more.
• Resources from Producer Organizations
  • Business guidance, best practices, resources in multiple languages, federal relief program guidance, food safety, webinars, & more. 
• Forest Products Business Resources
  • Guidance, tools, webinars & resources specific to forest economy.

• Matchmaking Tools for Producers, Retailers & Distributors
  • Tools for connecting surplus with needs.
• Online & Retail Sales Resources
  • Guidance, best practices, webinars on shifting to online/ retail sales.
• Retailers & Farm Store Resources
  • FDA & food safety guidance, best practices for shifting markets, VT licensing requirements, tips for retailers, webinars, & more.
• Legal & Mediation Resources
  • Guidance and FAQs on legal issues, webinars, contact for legal services, contact for mediation services
• Health, Wellness & Food Access Resources
  • Food access, healthcare, counselling and mental health resources, community support services
• National Resource Aggregations

• Funding Resources
  • Grant & loan resources, SBA relief resources & guidance, local financial support
• Other Resources & Digital Tools
  • Guidance & tools for virtual meetings

 

State of Vermont & Federal Resources

• Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets: COVID-19 Resources
  • COVID-19 Resources for Working Lands Businesses
  • Sector Guidance & Best Practices for Working Lands Business
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
    • Understanding Agriculture's Eligibility for SBA's COVID-19 Relief Programs
      Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the PPP, EIDL, and PUA programs.
    • Pick-Your-Own Restart Plan
    • FAQ: Clarifying the New COVID Farmers Market Guidance
    • Foreign Labor - H2A and H2B Visas
      U.S. Department of Labor FAQs on foreign workers 
    • Licensing, Registration and Labeling Requirements
      FAQs answered by Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
    • USDA Food Safety Inspection Services COVID-19 FAQ's
      FAQs for commercial meat, poultry and egg businesses 

  • Sign up for VAAFM's weekly newsletter for updates.

  • For any coronavirus (COVID-19) specific communications with the Agency, please contact: @email or 802.828.2430 select number 9.

• Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development - COVID 19 Resource Center
  • Guidance for businesses, individuals, and communities navigating COVID-19 and information about state and federal relief programs.
  • Phased Restart Work Safe Guidance for Businesses - Mandatory safety requirements by sector.
  • Weekly PPP Webinars with Vermont SBA
  • Pandemic Information for Vermont Businesses - Webinar Series
  • Sign up for ACCD's weekly COVID Response newsletter to receive updates on new guidance.
• Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation: COVID-19 Response
  • Information for VT's Forest Economy related to COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Impact Survey for Forest Businesses - Information will utilized to guide the state response.
  • Regional Market Assessments for hardwood, softwood, pulp and biomass markets, based on a survey and interviews with businesses coping with COVID-19 or other market disruptions. 

    • July 2020 Assessment

    • April 2020 Assessment

  • For COVID-19 specific communications, please email: @email  and stay informed by by signing up for the Department's COVID-19 listserv.
• Vermont Health Connect
  • Vermont Health Connect offers a Special Enrollment Period of 60 days for those who lose their job at any point of the year to get onto a Vermont Health Connect plan. Learn more.
  • Call 1-855-899-9600 to learn more.
• Vermont Department of Labor: COVID-19 Updates 
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Guidance
    • Unemployment insurance available to self-employed. 
    • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Hotline: (877) 660-7782
    • Youtube Tutorial on applying for PUA in VT.
  • Vermont Dept. of Labor Unemployment Insurance Webinars
• The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP) provides eligible Vermont households and businesses with a grant to pay for past-due balances for certain regulated utility bills. Residential households and non-residential account holders who have suffered an economic hardship due to loss of income precipitated by COVID-19 may apply for assistance.
  • Applications DUE Dec 15, 2020.
• Public Internet Access in Vermont (Free of Cost)
  • The VT Department of Public Service prepared a map of public buildings in Vermont where WiFi with access to the internet is publicly available as a resource for remote learning and working from home. These sites are accessible at all hours from a parked vehicle on the road or parking lot.  
  • If you do not have adequate internet connectivity to meet your needs, please complete the Dept. of Public Service's survey, which will be used to work with internet service providers to expand access in underserved areas.
• Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) - COVID-19 Resources & Support for Businesses
  • COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap for Businesses & Tools
  • Guidance on the CARES Act, SBA relief, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
• Vermont Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office
  • SBA COVID Relief Resources
• USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service & Risk Management Agency) - COVID-19 Resources
  • NRCS Services Online Gateway
• USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
  • The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has several loan and servicing programs aimed at farmers and producers. Please reach out to your local FSA office to learn more about resources.
    • Update from FSA regarding program changes to help customers
    • Vermont FSA Office Locator
  • USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Direct Payments to Producers
    • NEW: Additional CFAP Assistance available. 
    • USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept new or modified CFAP applications from eligible producers January 19 through February 26, 2021. Certain producers will receive updated payments automatically.
    • *Note: Additional commodities that were not eligible may now be eligible. 
    • Deadline: Feb. 26, 2021
    • Producers may work with their local USDA Farm Service Agency to apply. Locate your FSA agent here.  
  • US Dept. of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Tool: 
    • This tool helps you determine your eligibility as an employee for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave, or your obligations as an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave.

Producer Resources

Business Resources & Guidance

• COVID-19 Information in Multiple Languages
  
  • Recursos Fiables para Trabajadores Agrícolas Hispanohablantes sobre COVID-19 (Cornell University, NY)
    • COVID-19 Reliable Resources for Farmworkers (Cornell University, NY)
  • Lo Que Necesita Saber Del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en su Lechería
    • COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Dairy Workers 
  • Vermont Department of Health Information Posters - Many Languages
  • UVM Extension Farmworker Resources
    
    • Support for migrant farmworkers, including healthcare and education, food access, and overall wellbeing.

• UVM Extension:
  • Farm Viability - COVID-19 Updates for Agriculture Businesses
  • UVM Extension Agricultural Engineering: Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus & COVID-19
  • Vermont Vegetable & Berry Growers Association (VVBGA) - COVID-19 Resources
  • UVM Extension - VT Agritourism Collaborative: Safety, Liability & Regulations
  • Webinar Series: Sourcing & Selling Food in the Time of COVID-19
• Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) VT: COVID-19 Farmer Resources
  • Dairy farmer support & relief milking - available for organic and conventional farmers.
  • NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund
• Cornell University Agricultural Extension: COVID-19 Resources for Farms
  • Cornell Small Farms Program: Building Farm Resilience During COVID-19
  • Cornell Food Industry Resources & Guidance
• Land For Good: Farm & Food System Resource Amid COVID-19

• Vermont Farm to Plate Resources: COVID-19

• National Milk Producers Federation: COVID-19 Resources
  • COVID-19 Prevention & Management: Dairy Farmer Handbook
• Center for Dairy Excellence: COVID-19 Resources

• Farm to Institution New England (FINE): COVID-19 Resources

• Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center: COVID-19 Coronavirus Resource Page

• Vermont Specialty Food Association: Coronavirus Resource Guide

• Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR): COVID-19 Toolkit for Businesses

Matchmaking Tools for Connecting Surplus with Needs 

• NOFA - VT Farm Distribution Matchmaking Tool
  • The matchmaking tool allows farmers seeking distribution points, farm stand outlets, or marketing collaborations to connect with farmers that are looking for additional products, partnerships, or who have the infrastructure resources to help other farms. Add your info to the spreadsheet!
• Farm to Institution New England (FINE) - Matching Needs with Producer Surplus Spreadsheet 
  • Are you a New England producer who has lost wholesale markets? A retailer seeking local products? Have or need cold storage, labor, trucking, etc.? Add your info to the spreadsheet!
• The Vermont Foodbank
  • If your distribution channels are impacted as a fruit and vegetable grower (e.g. due to restaurants closing), consider the VT Food Bank’s Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program, which purchases produce from local farmers to share with our neighbors facing hunger.

Online Sales Resources

• UVM Extension Webinar: Getting Started with Online Sales
  • This page contains a variety of helpful webinars. Scroll to locate the Online Sales webinar.
• Vermont Specialty Food Association - E-Commerce Webinar Series
  • E-Commerce Strategy, selling on Amazon, digital communications with consumers.
• Intervale Center - Online & Direct Sales Resource for Farmers (May 2020)
  • Guide for farms seeking to shift or expand sales to include direct-to-customer online ordering that culminates in customer pick-up or delivery, and for farms buying in product for resale.
• Intervale Center - Online Ordering Platforms for Farmers (4.8.20)

• Vermont Vegetable & Berry Growers Association - Online Ordering Platforms

• National Young Farmers Coalition: Guide to Direct Sales Software Platforms (April 2020)

• Vermont Cheese Council - Online Sales Directory for VT Cheese

• Oregon Tilth - Online Sales Platform Comparison & Webinar
  • What Farms Should Ask When Considering Online Sales Platforms

• UVM Extension Webinar: Getting Started with Online Sales
  • This page contains a variety of helpful webinars. Scroll to locate the Online Sales webinar.

Resources for retailers & Farm Stores

• FDA - Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Guidance for Farms & On-Farm Deliveries (Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture)

• Vermont Agency of Agriculture Retail Licensing
  • Retail License Application
• Grants for Wireless EBT/SNAP Equipment for Direct Market Farmers and Markets:
  • Additional 3Squares/EBT information and best practices from NOFA-VT here.
  • Online Webinar & Presentation about how to apply.
  • Deadline for reimbursement: July 1, 2021
• COVID-19 Tips for Local Food Retailers (Center for an Agricultural Economy)

• Vermont Retail & Grocers Association: COVID-19 Resources

• Vermont Farm to Plate Small Bites Newsletter 
  • Tips, resources and updates for local food retailers.

Legal & Mediation Resources

• Vermont Legal Food Hub
  • A program that matches income-eligible farmers, food businesses, and related organizations with skilled attorneys willing to provide free legal services. The Hub can help with legal matters like contracts, employment, land acquisition/transfer, estate issues, taxes, corporate formation, and more. 
  • Fact Sheet: Employment Law for VT Farmers & Farm Workers Related to COVID-19
• Farm Commons: Legal Resilience on the Farm through COVID-19
  • Podcast series on navigating legal issues related to farming in response to COVID-19.
• VT Agricultural Mediation Program
  • Free mediation services to the agricultural community to help resolve disputes.
• Farmers Legal Action Group: Farmers Guide to COVID-19 Relief 

Health, Wellness, Food Access

• Farm First
  • Resources, support and counseling to help farmers resolve issues that cause stress. Any farm owner and their family members have automatic and immediate access to confidential help with any personal or work-related issue.
• Vermont Health Connect
  • Vermont Health Connect offers a Special Enrollment Period of 60 days for those who lose their job at any point of the year to get onto a Vermont Health Connect plan. Learn more.
  • Call 1-855-899-9600 to learn more.
• The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP) provides eligible Vermont households and businesses with a grant to pay for past-due balances for certain regulated utility bills. Residential households and non-residential account holders who have suffered an economic hardship due to loss of income precipitated by COVID-19 may apply for assistance.
  • Applications DUE Dec 15, 2020.
• UVM Extension Farmworker Resources
  
  • Support for migrant farmworkers, including healthcare and education, food access, and overall wellbeing.
• Open Door Clinic - Middlebury
  • Free health clinic for uninsured and under-insured adults in Addison County.
• US Dept. of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Tool: 

  • A tool that helps you determine your eligibility as an employee for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave, or your obligations as an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave.

• Stress Management & Mental Health Resources 
  • Farm First - Resources, support and counseling to help farmers resolve issues that cause stress. Any farm owner and their family members have automatic and immediate access to confidential help with any personal or work-related issue.
  • Farmer Mental Health Resources (National Young Farmers Coalition)
  • Farm Stress Management Webinar & Presentation (NY Farm Net)
  • Rural Stress and Mental Health (American Farm Bureau)
  • Farmer Mental Health in this Crisis - Podcast by Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service 
  • Rural Realities - Podcast by Wisconsin Farm Center, providing farmers, farm families and everyone in the agriculture sector with information and techniques to decrease stress in their lives and navigate the various challenges in farming.
• Food Access Resources: Keeping yourself and your whole family well nourished is one important way to support your health and our whole community. In this stressful time, no one should be stressed about having enough food at home. If you’ve never used any of these food resources before, please know they are there for you too.
  • Vermont Foodbank
    • The VT Foodbank can help people apply for 3SquaresVT. Email @email, call 1-855-855-6181 or text VFBSNAP to 85511.
  • Hunger Free Vermont
    • Information about where you and your neighbors can access food.
  • Expanded Vermont WIC Food Options During COVID-19
    • The COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder to find some items in the grocery store, including some WIC foods. To help families during this time, Vermont WIC is temporarily expanding WIC-approved foods; the list can be found by clicking the link above.
  • Vermont Everyone Eats
    • The statewide Everyone Eats program serves anyone and everyone who needs a meal: laid-off restaurant workers, musicians, artists, gig workers, farmers, anyone affected by this crisis. They also source from local producers. 
  • Grants for Wireless EBT/SNAP Equipment for Direct Market Farmers and Markets:
    • Additional 3Squares/EBT information and best practices from NOFA-VT here.
    • Online Webinar & Presentation about how to apply.
    • Deadline for reimbursement: July 1, 2021
• Vermont 2-1-1
  • A statewide, confidential information and referral helpline that connects callers to available human services including food, shelter and healthcare. It’s real people helping real people - just dial 2-1-1.

National Resource Aggregations for Producers:

• National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA): COVID-19 Resources
• Oregon Tilth: COVID-19 Help Center
• Growing Farmers: You, COVID19, and your farm business
  • Includes guides and tools for farms adapting sales strategy, communications examples, and an ebook about the CARES act for farmers.
• National Young Farmers Coalition: COVID-19 Response & Resources

 

Funding Resources

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Now Open - NEW Terms, expanded access for ag businesses! 
  DEADLINE: March 31, 2021
  • Informational Webinars
    • The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is hosting webinars for Vermont’s businesses to go over updates to federal relief programs now available.
    • Weekly PPP Webinars with Vermont SBA
      • Forgiveness webinars – Tuesdays, 11:30am-1pm
        • Join online
        • Call-in at 202-765-1264 (Code: 986 011 495#)
      • First & Second Draw Webinars – Wednesdays, 9-10:30am
        • Join online
        • Call-in at 202-765-1264 (Code: 142 718 62#)
      • Webinar: Updates to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) - 1-13-20
• USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Direct Payments to Producers
  • NEW: Additional CFAP Assistance available. 
  • USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept new or modified CFAP applications from eligible producers January 19 through February 26, 2021. Certain producers will receive updated payments automatically.
  • *Note: Additional commodities that were not eligible may now be eligible. 
  • Deadline: Feb. 26, 2021
  • Producers may work with their local USDA Farm Service Agency to apply. Locate your FSA agent here.  
• Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center: Multi-Business Dairy Agritourism Grant
  • Projects that support multiple farmers and processors will be eligible for grant funds of $10,000 -  $25,000 for the development and marketing of geographically contiguous agritourism activities designed to raise awareness and consumption of regionally produced dairy products.    
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be dairy farmers, processors and producer associations throughout New England, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Projects must benefit multiple producers.
  • Deadline: March 16, 2021 at 4PM
     
• The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP) provides eligible Vermont households and businesses with a grant to pay for past-due balances for certain regulated utility bills. Residential households and non-residential account holders who have suffered an economic hardship due to loss of income precipitated by COVID-19 may apply for assistance.
  • Not currently available as of Jan. 2021
• Grants for Wireless EBT/SNAP Equipment for Direct Market Farmers and Markets:
  • Additional 3Squares/EBT information and best practices from NOFA-VT here.
  • Online Webinar & Presentation about how to apply.
  • Deadline for reimbursement: July 1, 2021
• New England Grassroots Fund: Rapid Response Grants
  • $1000 grants available to all community groups for urgent needs to offer community responses to COVID-19
• NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund
  • Provides grants and zero percent interest loans to Vermont Organic Farmer and NOFA-VT members in need as funds are available. 

Loans

Contact your current lender or agent to discuss resources and opportunities for current loans and/or new loans.

• USDA Farm Service Agency

• Small Business Administration (SBA) Relief Funding
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Now Open - NEW Terms, expanded access for ag businesses! 
    DEADLINE: March 31, 2021
    • Informational Webinars
      • The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is hosting webinars for Vermont’s businesses to go over updates to federal relief programs now available.
      • Weekly PPP Webinars with Vermont SBA
        • Forgiveness webinars – Tuesdays, 11:30am-1pm
          • Join online
          • Call-in at 202-765-1264 (Code: 986 011 495#)
        • First & Second Draw Webinars – Wednesdays, 9-10:30am
          • Join online
          • Call-in at 202-765-1264 (Code: 142 718 62#)
        • Webinar: Updates to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) - 1-13-20
    • SBA Detailed Guidance First Draw – By Business Type
      • Includes guidance specific to farmers filing schedule F, and other business types
    • SBA Detailed Guidance Second Draw
      • Includes guidance specific to farmers, and other business types
    • Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA/VACC) PPP Webpage
    • Yankee Farm Credit PPP Webpage
      • Post on PPP updates
  • VT Small Business Development Center provides detailed information on SBA Relief programs on their website here
  • Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act & Relief Programs
  • Guidance from UVM Extension on SBA Relief funding for Ag Businesses
  • Farmers Legal Action Group: Farmers Guide to COVID-19 Relief 
• Information on SBA Debt Relief Programs 
  • As part of the SBA CARES Debt Relief Program, SBA will cover 6 months of payments (principal, interest, & fees) on all existing and NEW loans originated through Sept 27, 2020, by SBA approved micro-lenders.
    • Farms don't traditionally seek regular SBA loans because they can usually receive lower interest rates elsewhere, but with this incentive this may be a good opportunity for farms who are seeking new loans for equipment or other investments that can be backed with collateral. Community Capital of Vermont, Vermont Community Loan Fund, & Northern Community Investment Corp. are approved SBA micro-lenders in Vermont.
• Information on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Grants & Loans (EIDL) 

• Vermont Community Loan Fund - Northern Vermont Recovery Loan Fund
  • Flexible financing and business advisory services to help alleviate the sudden and severe economic disruption caused by COVID-19. The NVRLF provides no-cost/low-cost debt financing, along with business advisory services and other supports.

  • Eligibility: This fund serves those in the six northernmost counties: Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Orleans.

• Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU) 
  • As the COVID-19 crisis evolves, many borrowers are facing financial difficulties due to loss of work. VSECU has now expanded its Member Emergency Loan to ALL Vermonters thanks to support from the Vermont Community Foundation. This program offers up to $2,000 emergency personal loans, at 0% interest for 24 mos.
• Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation, a program of the Vermont Economic Development Authority
• Yankee Farm Credit
  • Also offering free technical assistance support to help their members respond to COVID-19.
• The Food, Farms, and Forests Fund at the Vermont Community Loan Fund
• Community Capital of Vermont

• The Flexible Capital Fund at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

• Vermont Farm Fund
  • Business Builder Loans & Emergency Loans
• Milk Money VT

 

FOREST PRODUCTS BUSINESS RESOURCES:

• Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation: COVID-19 Response
  • Information for VT's Forest Economy related to COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Impact Survey for Forest Businesses - Information will utilized to guide the state response.
    • Regional Market Assessment for hardwood, softwood, pulp and biomass markets, based on a survey and interviews with businesses coping with COVID-19 or other market disruptions. This assessment will be updated in coming weeks.
    • For COVID-19 specific communications, please email: @email  
• Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development - COVID 19 Resource Center
  • Guidance for businesses, individuals, and communities navigating COVID-19 and information about state and federal relief programs.
  • Phased Restart Work Safe Guidance for Businesses - Mandatory safety requirements by sector.
  • PPP & EIDL Daily Webinars 
    • The SBA Vermont District Office is hosting a daily webinar from 9:00am – 10:00am (Monday – Friday) to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance. 
    • Join online at THIS LINK or Join by phone: (202) 765-1264, when prompted enter the code: 470177937#
    • More information on financial assistance for businesses here.
  • Sign up for ACCD's weekly COVID Response newsletter to receive updates on new guidance.
• Vermont Department of Labor: COVID-19 Updates 
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Guidance
    • Unemployment insurance available to self-employed. 
    • PUA Hotline: (877) 660-7782
    • Youtube Tutorial on applying for PUA in VT.
  • Vermont Dept. of Labor Unemployment Insurance Webinars
• Vermont Health Connect
  • Vermont Health Connect offers a Special Enrollment Period of 60 days for those who lose their job at any point of the year to get onto a Vermont Health Connect plan. Learn more.
  • Call 1-855-899-9600 to learn more.
• Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) - COVID-19 Resources & Support for Businesses 
  • Tools for Businesses & Recovery Roadmap
  • Guidance on the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) & more
• Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center: COVID-19 Resources
  • Manufacturing Exchange Vermont (MXVT)
    • A tool connecting VT people, manufacturers and supply chains to deliver solutions, post needs and find business opportunities. 
    • Includes Reopening Plan Guidance & Resources
  • Online Recovery Forums
    • Past Live Forums:
      • Restarting Operations Live Forum (May 20, 2020) Live Forum replay
      • Health and Safety Q&A with VOSHA, ProjectWork Safe, and VMEC (May 6, 2020) Live Forum replay
      • Reopening Plans - Lessons from Essential Manufacturers' Leaders Panel (May 1, 2020) Live Forum replay
    • New Recovery Forums held weekly - Wednesdays at 1:30pm
• Vermont Forest Industry Network
  • Vermont Forest Industry Network connects businesses across Vermont’s forest and wood products supply chain to strengthen industry-wide relationships and explore new market development opportunities for Vermont’s forest and wood products. 
  • Verrmont Forest Industry News
• Vermont Wood Works Council
  • Resources for the wood working, wood crafts, and forest products industry in Vermont found here.
  • Industry Updates Newsletter
• Public Internet Access in Vermont (Free of Cost)
  • The VT Department of Public Service prepared a MAP of public buildings in Vermont where WiFi with access to the internet is publicly available as a resource for remote learning and working from home. These sites are accessible at all hours from a parked vehicle on the road or parking lot.  
• Information on SBA Debt Relief Programs 
  • As part of the SBA CARES Debt Relief Program, SBA will cover 6 months of payments (principal, interest, & fees) on all existing and NEW loans originated through Sept 27, 2020, by SBA approved micro-lenders.
  • This incentive may provide a good opportunity for businesses seeking new loans for equipment or other investments that can be backed with collateral. 
  • Community Capital of Vermont , Vermont Community Loan Fund, & Northern Community Investment Corp. are approved SBA micro-lenders in Vermont.

Other Resources & Digital Tools:

• Zoom: Video meeting platform
  • Tool for remotely connecting with colleagues and others in your community (Free version available!)
  • Instructional videos