Technical Assistance for Working Lands Businesses

The Vermont Legislature launched the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative in 2012. Working Lands funding is available for farm and forest enterprises at start-up and growth stages. In addition to business grants, Working Lands also funds service and technical assistance providers who can help with many types of business and technical services. The  forest and wood products industry providers who are currently under contract to provide services are:

Vermont Woodworks Council, Rutland
$20,000 for Strengthening Vermont’s Wood Manufacturing Industry

VT Housing and Conservation Board, Montpelier
$130,000 for Succession Planning and Business Assistance for Working Lands Businesses, Montpelier

VT Sustainable Jobs Fund, Montpelier
$70,000 for Vermont Forest Products Value Chain Investment Strategy Phase II – A Networked Approach to Sustain our Forest Economy, Montpelier

Northern Forest Center, Concord, NH
$50,000 for Connecting Businesses to Resources, Assisting with Strategic Planning, Providing Technical Assistance with Research and Design

Working lands entrepreneurs are at the heart of Vermont’s landscape. They are the backbone of the Vermont economy, a top source for job creation, and an integral part of what makes Vermont a quality place to live.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative supports innovative entrepreneurs at the forefront of Vermont’s Working Lands economy through technical and financial assistance to help growing businesses thrive. The program is made possible through the support of the state legislature, multiple state organizations and public/private donors.

Visit the Working Lands website to learn more about this initiative.  Read the 2017 report on past grant recipients.