Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program to Open Thursday
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) application portal will open on Thursday, August 29 at 8:00 a.m. BEGAP is a grant program for businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from flooding. It is available for properties damaged in 2023 and/or 2024.
Property eligible for 2023 BEGAP funding may also be eligible for 2024 BEGAP funding. Separate applications must be submitted for each year's funding, for each physical location. A business or nonprofit can receive grants for up to three physical locations, per flood.
Before applying, businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to visit the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program page to learn how the program works and what they need to have on hand before they begin the online application process. Eligibility and grant calculations differ depending on several factors.
2024 BEGAP Funding: Applications are due November 15, 2024 for properties affected by the 2024 floods. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $100,000. Preference will be given to Vermont-based operations, and 10% of funds have been set aside for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants.
2023 BEGAP Funding: Applications are due September 30, 2024 for properties affected by the 2023 floods that have not yet already received 2023 BEGAP funding. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $50,000, and 20% of funds have been set aside for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants.
Supplemental 2023 BEGAP Funding: Entities that previously received 2023 BEGAP funding and have ongoing unmet need should use the application to submit an inquiry for 2023 Supplemental BEGAP funding. Inquiries that are deemed eligible applicants will then receive an email directing them to apply for 2023 Supplemental BEGAP funding. Eligible applicants must have 50 or fewer employees and the previous BEGAP award must have been less than $500,000. Grant amounts (up to $50,000) will be determined by dividing the remaining 2023 BEGAP funds (following the close of 2023 BEGAP applications on September 30, 2024) by the aggregate unmet need of 2023 Supplemental BEGAP applicants. 20% of funds have been set aside for awards to Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants.
All applicants seeking assistance in preparing to submit this grant application can receive help from the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. Fill out the support request form and CVEDC will follow up with resources to help.
Agricultural businesses are encouraged to visit the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) website for guidance before applying. If agricultural businesses have questions, they can email agr.floodresponse@
If you are a non-English speaker and need translation assistance, please email ACCD.BizFloodGrant@Vermont.gov
DED will share a pre-recorded webinar following the opening of the BEGAP application that will walk applicants through the process step-by-step and answer FAQs.
For additional questions about the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program please email ACCD.BizFloodGrant@
For the latest update on this program and all flood recovery updates, sign up for the Severe Storm Recovery Newsletter.
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About the Department of Economic Development
The Department of Economic Development works to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of Vermonters, while preserving our natural resources and community values. Business support staff make connections to programs focused on employee training and workforce development, market expansion, facilities location, and environmental remediation to help businesses start or expand in Vermont and strengthen our rural economies.