Sustainable Valley Group (SVG) receives FY 2014 $25,000 matching Regional Economic Development Grant administered by the Vermont Department of Buildings & General Services
SVG received this matching grant for the job creation project rehabbing an old mill facility on the Island in Bellows Falls to high performing building standards. The renovation includes installation of Solar Powered Furnaces, and hands on training opportunities by working with the Vermont Department of Corrections and Creative Workforce Solutions of the Vermont Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. The grant must be matched at least dollar for dollar in cash, not in-kind. SVG put more than $250,000 cash into this project as well as over $100,000 of in-kind services
The Sustainable Valley Group (SVG) receives grant from the Vermont Community Foundation to support the Green Island Project and the Bellows Falls Community Bike Project
SVG recently received a $2,150 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Small and Inspiring grant program. The grant will help further SVG’s mission of helping deliver a sustainable local economy through education, job expansion and sustainable business development in:
- Energy Conservation, Efficiency and Curtailment
- Renewable Energy
- Permaculture and strengthening local food systems
by supporting it’s Green Island Project and the BF Community Project.
This grant comes at a crucial time in these projects’ development, during the first year boots on the ground operations, when 80% of start-up’s fail.
SVG is engaging education, job expansion and sustainable business development through the Green Island Project in the renovation of under-utilized and dilapidated mill buildings for green business incubators on the Island in Bellows Falls and assisting start-ups and early stage green business development – Real Warm VT, SEVCA Textile Recycling and the BF Community Bike Project. Activities include technical assistance with business plan development, financial projections, fiscal sponsorship, financing and administration.
Rreal Warm will make and market solar powered furnaces, providing education and hands on training in their design, use and installation.
The BF Community Bike Project will achieve 3 goals:
Goal 1. Acquiring the skills and accessing awesome bicycles will build self-esteem for disadvantaged youth and low income adults.
Goal 2. In the process of learning what makes the bicycle mechanically safe, and inspecting bikes - safety on the road will be incorporated and promoted.
Goal 3. The project will collaborate with local schools and youth programs, providing attraction and education through bike related events such as “Bike Week”, where each day of a given week offers various fun and educational events to raise awareness of bicycling and the bike project and that bicycles are a fun and affordable means of transportation;
The Bike Project will work to raise awareness of the environmental and health benefits of cycling.
We can all impact the community's carbon footprint, keeping pollutants out of the air, reducing the use of fossil fuels and improving our health by: substituting passive solar heat for some of our fossil fuel heat and biking for fun and transportation.
Through its Small and Inspiring grants program, the Community Foundation hopes to help foster the spark and hope that keeps Vermonters healthy and happy by finding and supporting projects in every town in Vermont where a small grant can make a big difference. For more information on the BF Community Bike Project – Bonnie Anderson or Todd Ward at (802) 438-8189.
Renew Your SVG Membership
Renew your Sustainable Valley Group membership today to help support the local economy. Our $15 annual membership fee helps SVG continue its multi-faceted efforts to bring new sustainable business to the area creating jobs and opportunities for local residents. You can renew easily through our website: http://www.sustainablevalleygroup.org/join-svg-member-benefits/ or send a check to SVG, PO Box 406, Bellows Falls, VT 05101. Thank you for your support!
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