ThinkVermont Innovation Grant program awardees announced

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development today announced the awarding of ThinkVermont Innovation Grants. The grants support new business strategies that accelerate growth and support vibrant communities, while also serving as a model and roadmap for other businesses to follow.

Vermont small businesses with 20 or fewer employees were eligible. The initiative was proposed by the Scott Administration and passed by the Legislature in 2017, and appropriated $150,000 for the grants. In total, the program received 45 applications and funds were awarded to 16 projects.

“The initiative is designed to help us invest in local small business projects with grants that can be accessed more quickly and with fewer restrictions than traditional federal initiatives,” said Governor Phil Scott. “It is telling to see such great interest in this program. Vermont has many small businesses looking to grow through new ideas and strategies, and I’m pleased we can support economic growth in this way.”

The ThinkVermont Innovation Grant Program is designed to fund projects in areas that have been identified as crucial to the growth needs of Vermont’s small businesses. Grants will support workforce training and recruitment, facility enhancements, broadband access, as well as help leverage federal funding, support growth in aerospace, aviation, or aviation technology, or provide technical assistance.

The 16 awardees are located throughout Vermont, including in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington and Windham counties.

“The diversity of these projects, both in intended goals and geography around the state speaks to their importance,” said Agency of Commerce and Community Develop Secretary Michael Schirling. “There is innovation in business happening in every corner of our state and all Vermonters can benefit from seeing its local business community grow.”

Grant recipients are listed below:

Organization	PROJECT description
Benchmark Space Systems	Leverage NASA Phase (0) SBIR
Greensea Systems, Inc	Bridge gap between Phase I and II STTR for new biofouling technology
Packetized Energy	Product development leveraging STTR funding
CVFiber	Broadband feasibility study
Newbury REDInet	Broadband planning
The Makery	Maker space enhancement
The Work Commons	Enhancement of co-working space
Catamount Connections	Program to help women re-enter the workforce after having children
Center for Women & Enterprise	Entrepreneurship training for 36 people
Generator	Advanced manufacturing / Prototyping training outside Chittenden county
LaunchVT	Develop state-wide professional peer network for mid-stage startup support
The Mint	Entrepreneurship program for 6 makers
VBSR	Online tool kit for small business benefits
Windham Grows	Technical assistance to food companies
VT Chamber	Expansion of Manufactured in Vermont Trade Show
VT Talent Connection Program	Recruitment

About Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)

The ACCD’s mission is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. The ACCD is comprised of four Departments: The Department of Economic Development (DED), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Department of Administration, and the Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM). The Agency reports annually to the Legislature on activities and outcomes. For more information on the Vermont ACCD, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/.

Source: ACCD. 3.6.2018