Disaster Relief Resources

There are several different types of assistance available for varying types of applicants. The list below acts as a guide for what each organization offers.

For updated information on all flood resources please visit the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development website: ACCD Severe Storm Resource Center.

For updated information on flood resources for agricultural operations, please visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Flooding Disaster Response and Recovery Resources.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

July 2024 Flood Recovery Loans Available for Physical Damage

Businesses and certain Private Non-Profit organizations (PNPs) in Vermont that do not provide “critical” services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages as a result of severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on July 9-11, 2024.

Businesses and PNP organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The interest rate is 3.25%, with terms up to 30 years.

2024 SBA Physical Damage Funding: Applications are due October 21, 2024

July 2024 Flood Recovery Loans Available for Economic Injury

SBA provides recovery loans for businesses who experienced losses not covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for both personal and business. These losses must be business operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for working capital and normal expenses such as the continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. The interest rate is up to 4%, with terms up to 30 years.

2024 SBA Economic Injury Funding: Applications are due May 20, 2025

SBA also provides mitigation assistance. This assistance is supplied through an increase in one of the specified disaster loans.

For more information on SBA disaster assistance, click here.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance

The Biden Administration approved Governor Phil Scott’s request for a FEMA major disaster declaration for Vermont to assist individuals and communities in recovering from flooding that occurred from July 9 to 11, 2024.

Individual Assistance (IA)

This provides funding for individuals in Addison County to apply to FEMA for assistance. IA helps individuals and households impacted by the disaster seek some reimbursement for necessary expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance. To apply for IA funds, impacted Vermonters in the eligible counties should register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. Even if you have previously reported damage to 2-1-1, you must register with and apply to FEMA. 

Public Infrastructure

The declaration also includes funding to help cities, towns and “critical” non-profit organizations in Addison County to repair and restore public infrastructure damaged by the floods. The Public Assistance program allows communities to receive 75% reimbursement for emergency storm repairs to public infrastructure. Town applicant briefings will be scheduled and announced soon.

PNPs which provide “non-critical” services of a governmental nature must first apply for disaster assistance from SBA, and exhaust SBA loan assistance, or be declined by SBA before seeking grant assistance for permanent repairs and/or replacements from FEMA.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

FEMA has Disaster Recovery Centers in several locations in Vermont. The nearest to Addison County are Hinesburg Town Hall and Brighton Town Hall Gym. They are open seven days a week from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to learn more about disaster assistance programs, find out the status of your FEMA application, and get answers to other questions regarding federal assistance.

For more information on FEMA Public Infrastructure assistance, and PNP designations, please visit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) webpage.

Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP)

The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) is a State of Vermont grant program for businesses and nonprofits that suffered physical damage from flooding events in 2023 and 2024. This includes farms and landlords.

BEGAP funding is granted per physical location, and separate applications need to be submitted for each physical location. A business or nonprofit can receive grants for up to three physical locations, per flood year.

2024 BEGAP Funding: Applications are due November 15, 2024

The application window closes September 30, 2024 for properties affected by the 2023 floods.

If you are an agricultural business, please visit the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) website for guidance before applying.  If agricultural businesses have questions they can email: agr.floodresponse@vermont.gov

A pre-recorded webinar is available to demonstrate the application process and answer several FAQs. The webinar slides are available to view here.

All applicants seeking BEGAP assistance, including translations, can receive help from the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC), the statewide technical assistance provider for BEGAP. Fill out their support request form and they will follow up with resources to help.

For more information on BEGAP, please visit the Vermont Agency of Commerce Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) webpage. 

Farmer Assistance

The state resource for farmers is the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Flooding Disaster Response and Recovery Resources. An additional state level source of funding not included on this page is the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. They provide two types of grants to qualifying organic farmers. For more information, visit the NOFA Farmer Emergency Fund webpage. 

A federal resource for farmers seeking disaster assistance can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture webpage, Protection and Recovery. Here, USDA provides a custom search tool to find appropriate relief programs, as well as a complete list of resources.

United Way

United Way of Addison County has established a relief fund to support residents who have experienced home and/or property damage from this summer’s rainfall and need financial assistance. This fund is made possible in part thanks to a contribution from the VT Flood Response & Recovery Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation. Applications for grants up to $1,500 are due October 1, 2024. For more information, visit the United Way Addison County Responds: Flood Relief webpage.