Montpelier, Vt.—The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development today announced the launch of the Regional Marketing and Recruitment Grant Program. As passed by the Legislature in Act 80, the $80,000 in grant funding will support the efforts and activities of regional organizations to attract more visitors, potential residents and businesses to Vermont, helping to enhance and extend existing state marketing and recruitment initiatives.
“Combatting Vermont’s demographic crisis is going to take the work of many, bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives from every corner of the state,” said Governor Phil Scott. “These regional grants will foster strong partnerships between local groups and connect them to broader efforts to bring more people and businesses to our state.”
“We know that area chambers of commerce and regional organizations are already working on attraction strategies,” said Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “While we work on state-wide initiatives, these grants will help local groups execute strategies unique to their region and attract more people to their community.”
Eligible applicants include chambers of commerce, Regional Development Corporations, young professionals’ networks, downtown organizations, municipal economic and community development departments and committees, business organizations, new neighbor organizations and other similar groups.
Grant monies can be used to support workforce, marketing or tourism-related projects through advertising, promotion, publicity, events, online resources and other activities or collateral specifically designed to provide regional information to visitors and potential new residents. Applicants must provide 1:1 matching funds in the amount of the grant request. The application deadline is February 15, 2020, with grants to be announced shortly thereafter. For full details, eligibility requirements and to submit a proposal, visit accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/regional-marketing-and-recruitment-grant-program.