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The following resources are identified for general informational purposes only and are compiled with publicly available information or with information provided by sources that are publicly obtainable. Please view this document as only a starting point for individual research. The user should always directly consult the provider of a potential resource for current program information and to verify the applicability of a particular program. Resources listed without a Deadline are usually available for applications on an ongoing basis.

This document provides information about how to apply for a Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) payment through Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM). This application is for businesses in the dairy sector, including both producers and processors.

Please find an overview of the VCAAP dairy assistance application process.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) aims to strengthen collaboration between communities and local producers as planning efforts evolve quickly in response to the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants will contribute to implementation of community-driven local food market models to increase points of access to fresh fruits and vegetables and support specialty crop producers through market development activities.

The guidelines were developed by the Eastern States Exposition department directors, and then vetted through West Springfield Health Department Director, Jeanne Galloway. The guidelines have not addressed mobile housing, lodging or attendance capacity of the grounds/buildings for NON- FAIR events. The guidelines for these components have not been released by the state. The Big E guidelines will evolve, as the rules change and ALL elements will be developed in partnership with the Town of West Springfield.

Digital Communication with Your Consumers: How-To for Business Growth
Presented by Katie Wight, Chief Content Strategist & Founder, KW Content
In order to grow your online business with speed and sustainability, you need to establish systematic demand generation and sell-through. Then, you want to nurture buyers into lifelong evangelists with high customer values. For all of this, email and social media marketing are mission critical.

Presented by Tom Funk, Sr. Consultant, Lean Edge Marketing
Amazon is the biggest online selling platform in the US -- and still growing rapidly. Over half of sales on Amazon are by third-party "Marketplace" sellers. We'll outline how you can get started on Amazon's Seller Central platform, and we'll share tactics for growing sales if you're already on Amazon. We'll cover: (1) What makes a successful Amazon product -- and how to optimize your product listings; (2) Advantages and pitfalls of having your items warehoused and fulfilled by Amazon (FBA); (3) Knowing Amazon's fees and driving profitable growth; and (4) Managing the impacts of Covid-19 on your Amazon operation.

May 13, 2020 - Optimizing your E-Commerce Strategy
Presented by Bud Reed, Partner, Lean Edge Marketing
You might think that once you’ve built or upgraded your e-commerce website, your job is done. But in fact, you are just starting what can be a bewildering journey to market your products online. You will need to consider:
1. Conversion Rate Optimization: Making sure that once a visitor finally reaches your product page, they hit the “buy” button and complete the purchase
2. Search Engine Optimization: How to make your site “findable” among all of the others on the web
3. Paid Search: How to advertise on search-engine results pages to drive traffic to your site
4. Measuring Results: Using Google Analytics to guide you in how to spend your money most effectively