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Addison County Receives Rural Agency Disaster Declaration

September 19, 2023

- SBA Field Operations Office Opened at ACEDC
- State Grants also available

Disaster Declaration

On September 14, Addison County was added to the disaster declaration due to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides occurring July 7-17, 2023.  Businesses and homeowners that suffered physical damage or economic injury are eligible for: 

  • Business Physical Disaster Loans - Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL} - Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
  • Home Disaster Loans - Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

Application Filing Deadlines:

  • Physical Damage: November 13, 2023
  • Economic Injury: June 14, 2024

 For details on the declaration and loans available, click here.

SBA Field Office Opened

The SBA has opened a Disaster Field Operations Center to assist businesses and homeowners with loan applications. The office is located at the Addison County Economic Development Corporation, 1590 Route 7 South, Suite 8, Middlebury. The office is in the white building across Route 7 and slightly south of the A&W. Pull into the driveway, turn right and go around the building to the back and go to the second floor. The Disaster Field Office is open Monday – Friday 9 am to 6 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm. The office will close permanently on October 3. For more information on the DFO, click here. 

Vermont Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP)

The Vermont Department of Economic Development has created the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP). This $20 million grant program is for businesses and nonprofits that suffered physical damages from flooding dating back to July 7, 2023. Applicants must intend on restoring, reopening, and bringing their employees back to work as soon as possible and will utilize these grant funds for that purpose. For eligibility, webinar recording, FAQs, and application, click here.

Flood Recovery Assistance from Efficiency Vermont

Technical Assistance:

Efficiency Vermont’s team of engineers are offering technical assistance for businesses recovering from flooding. Contact Efficiency Vermont to discuss:

  • Your business’s electrical and mechanical needs
  • Which equipment qualifies for the flood recovery rebate
  • What to do if you’re moving locations
  • How to mitigate future weather-related damage to your equipment

Rebates:

Businesses whose appliances or equipment were damaged by summer flooding can get assistance from Efficiency Vermont. As part of a $36 million dollar package of new flood help, businesses can get an additional $1,000 rebate per eligible product, up to four products, in addition to Efficiency Vermont’s standard offers. Get an additional $1,000 back on qualifying:

  • Heating & cooling equipment
  • Refrigeration
  • Commercial kitchen equipment 

 Additional rebates may be available.

Learn more and apply at Efficiency Vermont.