Small Business Grants in Vermont
Vermont has a small but active small business economy with strengths in agriculture and food, outdoor recreation, technology, and creative industries. The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Vermont SBDC are the primary resources for grant funding.
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Vermont's Small Business Economy
Vermont's key industries include agriculture and food, tourism, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Grant programs are often tailored to these sectors, meaning businesses in these industries tend to qualify for more opportunities — and face less competition for state-specific awards than for purely federal programs.
Top Grants Available to Vermont Businesses
These are nationwide programs with no state restrictions. Vermont businesses qualify for all of them.
Jobber Grants for Home Service Businesses
Jobber
Annual $250,000 grant program exclusively for home service businesses — plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, landscaping, painting, pest control, cleaning. Grand prize $100K, plus $50K, $25K×2, and $10K×5. Requires joining the free Jobber Home Service Community Forum before applying.
HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD does not grant CDBG funds directly to businesses, nonprofits, or individuals — the direct grantee is always the city or county government. There is no application a business can submit to HUD; a business can only lobby its local government to fund a project. Verified against hud.gov 2026-07-14.
Accion Opportunity Fund Grants
Accion Opportunity Fund
Primarily a LOAN provider (term loans, SBA 7(a), equipment/truck financing) — actual grants are rare, sponsor-specific, time-limited side programs (e.g. a past $10K Black-owned-business grant, a past $5K restart grant), not a standing $25K general grant. Most current activity is loans, not grants.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
USDA Rural Development
Grants covering up to 50% of project costs for HVAC upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy installations at rural small businesses. Strong fit for HVAC contractors upgrading client equipment or their own facility.
IFundWomen General Grant
IFundWomen
Ongoing grants and coaching for women-owned businesses. IFundWomen partners with major brands to fund women entrepreneurs across all industries.
Amber Grant for Women
WomensNet
Monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses plus a $50,000 year-end grant. One of the most accessible women's business grants — $15 application fee, no minimum revenue, rolling monthly deadlines.
Cartier Women's Initiative Award
Cartier
International grant for women-led, for-profit businesses with positive social and/or environmental impact. Up to $100K for finalists.
Visa She's Next Grant Program
Visa
Grants and mentorship for women-owned small businesses, with a focus on Black women entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
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Get My Free Vermont Grant ReportVermontState Programs & Resources
In addition to federal grants, Vermont has state-specific programs worth exploring.
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Administers Vermont's economic development programs including the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) and various small business support grants.
Vermont SBDC
The Vermont SBDC offers free consulting and grant research at centers across the state.
Vermont Small Business Development Center / Emerging Technology Fund
Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) supports technology businesses with grants and investments, particularly in Burlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grants specifically for Vermont businesses?▼
Yes — Vermont has state-specific programs including Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont SBDC, Vermont Small Business Development Center / Emerging Technology Fund. In addition to the federal grants above, our report includes guidance on finding and applying to Vermont-specific programs.
Are there grants for Burlington small businesses?▼
Burlington has the Burlington Business Association, the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) programs, and VCET for technology businesses. Vermont's smallest city has a surprisingly active small business support community.
Does Vermont have grants for agricultural or food businesses?▼
Vermont's agricultural heritage is supported by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture's VFUND, USDA Rural Development, and the Farm to Plate Investment Program. Specialty food and value-added agricultural businesses have particularly strong support.
Are there Vermont grants for renewable energy businesses?▼
Vermont has a strong commitment to renewable energy with active programs through Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund, and USDA REAP grants for rural Vermont energy businesses.
Do I have to pay back a grant?▼
No — grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, grants are awarded outright for qualifying business activities. Some grants have reporting requirements (spending documentation) but no repayment obligation.
How long does it take to receive grant money?▼
It depends on the grant. After approval, most federal grants disburse within 30-90 days. State grants vary. Some private grants (like Hello Alice and Amber Grant) can move faster. Our report identifies the fastest grants to apply for.
What if I don't have any certifications?▼
Many top grants are open to all small businesses regardless of certifications. That said, certifications like WOSB, VOSB, or MBE can dramatically increase the number of grants you qualify for. Our report includes a certification roadmap if you qualify.
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