State Assistance
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Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP)
VCAAP grants are available to eligible farmers, meat and poultry processors, commercial slaughterhouses, farmers' markets, value-added food product businesses, forest products businesses, producer associations, dairy producers and processors, and farm to school programs run by schools and child care providers. -
Expanded Emergency Economic Recovery Grant Program
This program is an expansion of the Emergency Recovery Grants Program established by Act 115, Act 137, amended by Act 154 and per the Federal CARES Act. The Expanded Economic Recovery Grants administered by the Agency of Commerce & Community Development and the Department of Taxes will be awarded following these grant guidelines.
Federal Assistance
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USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)
Financial assistance for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19, including increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept CFAP 2 applications from September 21 through December 11, 2020. -
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Low interest loans (3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for non-profits) are available to organizations and businesses with fewer than 500 employees who are experiencing difficulties related to COVID-19. The deadline to apply for COVID-19 related needs is December 16, 2020. -
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program: Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers (CFAP)
Financial assistance for producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. The deadline to apply is September 11, 2020. -
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
PUA provides support for workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency. Self-employed producers and farmers are eligible to receive unemployment insurance for the duration of the pandemic through the PUA Program, and producers do not have to have closed their farm or demonstrate lost employment. PUA benefits are calculated based on a claimant's reported prior earnings. PUA will provide for lost wages, including an additional $600/week for each week of lost wages. - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness
The Small Business Association is no longer accepting PPP loan applications. Organizations that received PPP loans can apply to have their loan forgiven if the funds were used for payroll costs (60%), utilities, rent and/or interest on mortgages.
Grants
Grants and loans for agricultural businesses seeking to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
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CAE COVID-19 Response Micro Grants for Market Development and Sales Innovation
Grants from the Center for an Agricultural Economy of $500 are available to farm businesses for sales and marketing innovation in response to COVID-19
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Farm Aid Northeast BIPOC Farmers Relief Fund
Relief payments of $500 for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) folks living in the Northeast who work in agriculture and have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
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GENYOUth Emergency School Nutrition Grant
Grants up to $3,000 per school for resources needed for meal distribution and delivery during COVID-19
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New England Grassroots Environmental Fund Grant
Grants for organizations that are engaged in community-based work, are volunteer led with less than two full-time staff, and have budgets under $100,000
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NOFA - Vermont - Farmer Emergency Fund Grant
Available to assist Vermont certified organic and NOFA Vermont member commercial farmers who are in financial need after having been adversely affected by natural and unnatural disasters. Farmers may request up to $2,500
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Red Backpack Fund
$5,000 grants for majority women owned businesses and nonprofits that have suffered hardships from COVID-19. Excludes sole-proprietorships.
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Rural Vermont Mini Grants to Support Farmers's Markets with COVID-19 Protocols
Funds to support the purchase of supplies such as hand washing stations, masks, gloves, sanitizer, signs, caution tape, stakes, additional staff, and other needs to support safe shopping and the health of all. Grants are capped at $500 per market and available on a first come, first serve basis. All are encouraged to apply, though priority may be given to smaller markets and markets in underserved areas.
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Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
Grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available.
Loans
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Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan
Community-sourced loans for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus
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USDA Rural Development - Loan Relief
Loan Relief for Section 515 Multi- Family properties, Single Family Housing, and Rural Utilities Grantees.
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Vermont Community Foundation - COVID-19 Response Fund Grant
Supports nonprofits that are particularly equipped to address community impacts of the spread of the novel coronavirus in Vermont. Flexible, one time general operating grants.
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Vermont Community Foundation - Special and Urgent Needs Grant
Helps Vermont nonprofits with unexpected expenses that impact their ability to meet their mission with grants of $500 to $5,000
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Vermont Farm Fund
Emergency loans for VT Farmers
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Vermont State Employees Credit Union Loan
$2,000 loan with a 24 Month loan term and APR as low as 0% to help any Vermonter suffering a loss of income due to COVID-19
Business Assistance
- Do you need support navigating through the financial assistance options available? Consider reaching out to one of the many organizations providing individualized technical assistance and business coaching to farms impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Find their contact information on our Business Assistance page.
