Green Building Cluster Study & Southern Vermont Business Innovation Accelerator

Funder: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA)

Award Amount:

• Federal Award: $265,000 (EDA)
• State Award: $176,000 (Windham County Economic Development Program - $99K for cluster study, $77K for accelerator)
• Total Project: $530,000 (with matching funds)

Award Date: August 31, 2015 (announced by Senator Patrick Leahy)

Geographic Scope: Windham Region, Vermont; Tri-state region coordination (Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts)

Funding Program: EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance Program

Purpose:
Mitigate economic impacts of Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant closure (began January 2015, continuing through 2020). Help replace jobs being lost due to staff reductions.

1. Green Building Cluster Study

• Award: $99,000 (state funding)
• Objective: Develop comprehensive study of green building sector opportunities
• Rationale: Region has existing expertise and leadership assets in green building developed nationally and internationally
• Goal: Identify specific areas in green building market ripe for investment and business development

2. Southern Vermont Business Innovation Accelerator

• Award: $77,000 (state funding) + federal support
• Objective: Initiate and operate business acceleration program
• Focus: Support entrepreneurial ecosystem development and business growth in Windham County
• Component of: Larger BDCC workforce development and business support strategy

3. Tri-State Region Strategic Planning

• Partners: Regional planning commissions from:

- Franklin County, Massachusetts
- Cheshire County, New Hampshire
- Windham Region, Vermont

• Objective: Coordinate economic development efforts across multiple states

Strategic Context:
Initiatives are part of Windham Region S.M.A.R.T. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) developed in 2013 by SeVEDS. Designed to create entrepreneurial ecosystem and strategic business development to overcome regional economic weaknesses and replace VY closure impacts.

Implementing Organization: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC)

Key Contacts:

• Adam Grinold, Executive Director, BDCC
• agrinold@brattleborodevelopment.com
• (802) 257-7731
• Patricia Moulton, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
• Senator Patrick Leahy (advocacy/support)

Additional Resources:

• Project description: http://www.brattleborodevelopment.com/_files/docs/dingclusterandtri-statecollaborationsummary%281%29.pdf
• SeVEDS/CEDS information: http://seveds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FINALCEDSReport.2013.pdf