WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, announces the delivery of more than $1 million in federal funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Rural Development (RD), to support Vermont farmers and small businesses. This announcement follows a months-long effort by the Senator and partners to release the federal funds.
The funding, provided through USDA-RD’s Rural Business Development Grants, includes $199,966 for The Center For An Agricultural Economy in Caledonia County to sustain technical assistance activities, including supporting consultation and strategic guidance for small and emerging farms and food businesses in the area.
Other grants include $200,000 for the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) in Caledonia County to provide technical assistance for the benefit of small businesses; $131,350 for the Newport City Renaissance Corporation in Orleans County to explore the feasibility of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in downtown Newport; $125,000 for the Brighton Community Forum in Essex County to expand its reach and visitor numbers through technical assistance.
Also $116,284 for Vermont Farm-to-School in Orleans County to provide technical assistance for agricultural producers in the NEK; $99,942 to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board to provide tailored, one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance to working lands businesses; $99,725 for the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative in Caledonia County to build business and workforce resilience; and $73,353 for Saint Johnsbury Works! in Caledonia County to provide technical assistance.
