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Alex Hilliard is the personal trainer at VT AthletaFit (Poultney). VT AthletaFit is a Black-owned, LGBTQ+ owned personal training studio. They believe weight-lifting is for all people - all ages/gender identities/body sizes, even sedentary people. Aside from being the most effective way to improve body composition (a.k.a. lose fat not weight), lifting has benefits such as improved self-image, mood, and sleep. It is an excellent precursory habit for other recreational activities.
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We want to feature your business in The Micro Business Spotlight!!
All Micro Business Development Program businesses are eligible for this free advertising opportunity!
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Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP)
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The CRRP will provide funding for projects that spur economic recovery and revitalization in communities across the state. Eligible uses for these funds include capital improvements related to the renovation or creation of childcare and affordable housing for low and moderate income households, capital projects that assist nonprofits and small businesses in industries* most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and municipal water supply and wastewater projects that build housing or create jobs through business creation and expansion. These recovery funds are intended to retain and expand existing businesses and nonprofit organizations with a preference for projects that primarily serve BIPOC populations and projects located in regions and communities with declining or stagnant grand list values.
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VEDA Loan
Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) have gotten economic recovery funding in total of 19 million dollars from the legislature to offer to businesses in form of forgivable business loans.
- The business must have been in operation before March 13, 2020.
- VEDA added that there are groups of businesses that are going to be prioritized in the first 30 days of launch including Travel & Tourism, Restaurants, Eating Establishments, Lodging, Childcare, Agriculture, and BIPOC-owned businesses in all industry sectors.
More eligibility information can be found on the website linked HERE.
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Creative Futures Grant Program
The Vermont Arts Council is now accepting applications for its Creative Futures Grant Program to help the creative sector recover from economic losses due to the pandemic.
- Creative sector businesses include culture and heritage, design, film and media, literary arts and publishing, performing arts, specialty foods, and visual arts and crafts.
- Grants of up to $200,000 will be available to creative sector non-profits and for-profit entities, including sole proprietors, that have sustained substantial losses from the pandemic.
- Funds may be used to cover a wide range of regular operating expenses, including payroll and office expenses, rent, mortgage, utilities, and costs associated with ongoing COVID-19 mitigation and prevention.
The Council will host two virtual grant-seeker workshops for the first round on Monday, September 19 from 10-11 am, and again from 1-2 pm. A recording of the workshops will be available afterward. For full details and to register for the webinars visit the Vermont Arts Council website. |
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Justice Forward Fund
Through the Justice Forward Fund, a portion of Vermont Community Loan Fund's impact investment capital is directed to serving Vermonters traditionally and generationally excluded from conventional financial markets and services.
- Offered to Black Vermonters, Indigenous Vermonters, Vermonters of Color; and New Americans
- The Justice Forward Fund serves Vermonters who have not yet had the opportunity to build wealth. Eligible borrowers include small businesses, including sole proprietors, where BIPOC Vermonters own at least 50% of the business, nonprofit organizations and community facilities, where (a) BIPOC Vermonters serve as leadership on the staff and/or Board of Directors, and/or (b) the organization's mission explicitly and directly serves BIPOC Vermonters, early care & learning businesses, and affordable housing developed, built and/or controlled by systematically disenfranchised Vermonters
- The Vermont Community Loan Fund is committed to preserving and growing wealth within communities of color in Vermont. Justice Forward Fund loans will have a reduced interest rate no more than 3.0%, with lower rates available based upon the borrower's net worth.
- Justice Forward Fund loans will have a loan size between $1,000 and $40,000.
- Learn more through the website by clicking here.
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Eligible Vermont homeowners will be awarded Vermont HAP funds for the purpose of preventing home foreclosure and homeowner displacement. This can include assistance with overdue mortgage payments, homeowners association fees, property taxes, and/or utilities.
Eligibility criteria
Homeowners must meet the following criteria to be determined eligible.
Have an income equal to or less than 150% of the area median income.
Click here for more information on income limits.
Experienced a financial hardship associated with the coronavirus pandemic after January 21, 2020.
Financial hardships can include: job loss, a reduction in income, or increased costs due to illness or the need to care for a family member.
Applying for expenses related to your primary residence, located in Vermont.
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The Final Word
“Wonder what your customer really wants? Ask. Don't tell.”
– Lisa Stone
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