Small Business Grants in Vermont
Vermont offers approximately 15 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, administered primarily through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and partnering organizations like VEDA and the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative.
In This Article
Which Vermont grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Vermont Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Vermont small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant
Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
$10,000–$50,000
Rolling (opens annually in September/October)Awards grants to Vermont agricultural and wood products businesses for market development, research and development, infrastructure, energy, or workforce development projects. Applicants must be Vermont-based farms, value-added food businesses, or forestry enterprises.
Status check, Grant opens every fall, usually between October and December. Page shows sample information from past round (October-December 2025). Currently closed, will reopen fall 2026.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI)
Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC)
Performance-based (varies by project)
RollingProvides performance-based cash incentives to businesses expanding in or relocating to Vermont. Incentives are earned after creating qualifying jobs, increasing payroll, and making capital investments that go beyond typical growth.
Status check, Rolling deadline. Pre-applications accepted anytime. Initial and Final Applications reviewed monthly on last Thursday. Must apply before project commences. No restrictions on business size or type.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 13, 2026
Elevate Vermont Matching Grant
Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)
Up to $50,000
RollingProvides matching grants to Vermont companies that have received a Phase I or Phase II federal SBIR or STTR award. Funds can support market research, sales materials, and marketing expenses to help commercialize new products.
Status check, Program accepts applications on a rolling, first-come first-served basis. Matching grants up to $50,000 available for Vermont businesses that received federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or II awards. Application link provided on page.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Vermont Training Program (VTP)
Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)
Up to 50% of training costs
RollingOffers performance-based workforce training grants covering up to 50% of training costs for pre-employment, new hire, and incumbent employee training. Open to all sectors, with priority given to advanced manufacturing, healthcare, software, and clean energy.
Status check, Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. VTP provides grants covering up to 50% of training costs for Vermont employers. Program has been operating for over 30 years.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 13, 2026
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)
Up to $20,000 per year (75% reimbursement)
RollingSupports Vermont small businesses entering foreign markets or expanding international exports. Eligible expenses include trade show costs, digital marketing for international campaigns, compliance testing, and export research.
Status check, Vermont STEP is active and accepting applications on a rolling basis with no fixed annual deadline for small businesses. ACCD administers SBA-funded sub-grants year-round subject to funding availability. No pause or discontinuation found.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Trade Show Assistance Grants
Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
$2,000–$5,000
Rolling (opens annually in fall)Awards grants to Vermont agricultural and forestry businesses with three or more wholesale accounts. Funds may be used to identify, plan, and exhibit Vermont-made products at out-of-state trade shows or virtual shows targeting out-of-state buyers.
Status check, The available document is labeled FY23 (fiscal year 2023). The program opens annually in the fall, but this cycle has ended and no current deadline is visible in the document.
Last verified, Jul 14, 2026
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
ACCD and Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)
$57.9M total (split between Venture Capital and Loan Participation)
RollingA federally funded program administered jointly by ACCD and VEDA, providing nearly $29M in venture capital for early-stage startups and nearly $29M in loan participation for small business growth. Focuses on increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs and underserved markets.
Status check, Vermont SSBCI is active and multi-year with no fixed application deadline. VEDA and Vermont Small Business Law Center pages describe it as ongoing and accepting applications. No pauses or closures indicated.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Rutland Business Incentive Assistance Program
City of Rutland
$5,000 grant plus up to $10,000 forgivable loan
RollingHelps small businesses in the City of Rutland with a $5,000 grant for machinery, equipment, or real property improvements. Also includes a forgivable loan of up to $10,000 for qualifying businesses.
Status check, BIAP is listed as an active business financing resource on official City of Rutland pages with no stated deadline, no closure notice, and no paused status found. Rolling deadline aligns with its revolving loan fund structure.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 16, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Catalyst Program
A federal-state partnership investing in economic development projects across Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. Funds community infrastructure, workforce development, and small business support in economically distressed areas.
Status check, The Spring 2026 round is closed but the program is active and ongoing, with the next round anticipated to open July 2026. No specific deadline has been posted yet. Program runs two cycles per year and is not paused or discontinued.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 16, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Vermont grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Vermont grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Vermont.
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Vermont tech startups can access the Elevate Vermont matching grant program, which provides up to $50,000 to companies that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards. The state has also allocated nearly $29 million in SSBCI venture capital funds targeting early-stage high-growth startups.
- ›Elevate Vermont
- ›SSBCI Venture Capital Program
Rural Business Grants
Vermont's rural communities benefit from the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, NBRC Catalyst Program, and USDA Rural Business Development Grants. The NBRC specifically targets economically distressed counties in northern Vermont for investment.
- ›Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
- ›Northern Border Regional Commission
- ›USDA Rural Development
Women-owned Business Grants
Women-owned businesses in Vermont can access the Amber Grant through WomensNet, which awards $10,000 monthly grants with year-end $50,000 awards. The VtSBDC also provides tailored support and advising for women entrepreneurs.
- ›Amber Grant for Women
- ›Vermont Small Business Development Center
Veteran-owned Business Grants
The Vermont Small Business Development Center actively supports veterans and service-connected Vermonters with dedicated advising services and business planning resources.
- ›Vermont Small Business Development Center
Tips for Applying in Vermont
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office and use the state's 'New Business Checklist' before applying for any grant programs.
- 2For Working Lands grants, prepare financial statements including a profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement as part of your application.
- 3Contact the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) for free, confidential advising before applying. VtSBDC advisors can help you strengthen your application and identify the best funding sources.
- 4Most Working Lands programs open in September or October each year. Monitor the ACCD website and sign up for notifications to stay ahead of deadlines.
- 5For VEGI applications, start with the online Pre-Application tool to estimate your potential incentive amount before filing a full application with the Vermont Economic Progress Council.
State Economic Development Agency
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)
ACCD serves as Vermont's primary economic development agency, connecting businesses to programs for employee training, market expansion, facility location, and environmental remediation.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Vermont can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
Was this article helpful?
Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Questions about Vermont small business grants
No comments yet. Ask the first question and a member of our team will answer.
Leave a comment