Small Business Grants in Vermont (VT)

Securing a small business grant in Vermont involves identifying the right opportunities, understanding the eligibility criteria, and preparing a compelling application. Here are some of the most relevant opportunities for small businesses in Vermont:

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
This program provides funding assistance to eligible Vermont businesses to support entry into foreign markets or expansion.

Vermont Training Program (VTP)
The VTP offers performance-based workforce training grants. It provides up to 50% of the training cost for pre-employment, new hire, and/or incumbent employee training. Grants are paid out on a reimbursement basis upon completion of employee training.

Vermont Community Development Program Grants
These grants are available to Vermont cities, towns, and incorporated villages chartered to function as general purpose units of local government.

Micro Business Development Program (MBDP)
This program is for small businesses with fewer than five employees and less than $250,000 in annual revenue. It provides opportunities to network with other business owners, use a technology resource center, take classes and workshops, and meet one-on-one with an experienced business counselor.

Vermont Small Business Offering Exemption (VSBOE)
This program allows Vermont businesses and start-up companies to raise up to $2 million in capital by selling shares in their company.

Rural Business Development Grants
These grants are available for rural businesses in Vermont. There is no maximum grant amount for the program, but due to limited allocations, applications within the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont (Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans) a designated Rural Economic Area Partnership zone, are limited to no more than $200,000.

Small Business Technical Assistance Exchange Grant Program
This program is open to small businesses in Vermont that have been operational for at least 12 months from when the application is submitted.

Vermont Small Business Grants
The local state government in Vermont provides small business grants to businesses and organizations in Vermont. Some small business grants are given to business owners to start and grow their ventures, and grant recipients do not have to pay back the funding from government.

Vermont Small Business Loan Program
This program is available to assist growing Vermont small businesses that are unable to access adequate sources of financing. This program may make loans of up to $500,000 for fixed asset acquisition or for working capital.

To apply for these grants, you typically need to prepare a detailed application that outlines your business plan, demonstrates your need for funding, and shows how the grant will help your business grow and contribute to the Vermont economy. It’s also important to meet all eligibility requirements, which can include being a Vermont-based business, having a certain number of employees, or operating in a specific industry. Be sure to follow all application instructions and deadlines to increase your chances of securing a grant.