Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP)
This month, we’re focusing on VT PoC’s latest project, the Community Navigator Pilot Program.
As part of a national initiative introduced by President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are partnering with the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) as they begin to engage in the Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP).
In service of this program and small business needs, VT PoC and the Main Street Alliance are working to further understand what is working well for small businesses and what gaps still exist. We seek to connect with Vermont’s BIPOC-owned businesses, and those who have yet to access resources from regional and state-based programming. By listening deeply and centering the BIPOC small business voice, VT PoC hopes to influence transformative change in Vermont to make for a more equitable and accessible small business economy. Those who complete the survey will be compensated $50 and listening session participants will be compensated $150 for their time and efforts.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re featuring Krystal Sanchez-Williams, our new Project Manager, who will oversee the organization and execution of CNPP through the survey and listening groups.
Take the CNPP survey here.
Sign up for a listening session here.
Get to Know VT PoC
Businesses and People
Krystal Sanchez-Williams
PROJECT MANAGER, VT PoC
Krystal identifies as a “Queer Puerto Rican Pisces, social change practitioner, plant enthusiast, and fur mama,” who moved north to Burlington back in 2019. Originally from Miami, Florida, Krystal has spent most of her professional career in higher education, and is an educator at heart. Now working as VT PoC’s Project Manager to oversee the Community Navigator Pilot Program, Krystal is lending her skills in leadership development, social identities, and value-based workshops.
Read the rest of our interview with Krystal Sanchez-Williams here.
Find all the ways to connect with Krystal below!
Resources & Updates
Events
Waking Windows Festival
Waking Windows is a 3 day music festival in Winooski! The lineup includes BIPOC musician Japanese Breakfast, as well as Vermont’s own Matthew Evan Taylor and Mal Maiz.
Get your tickets at this link!
FREE Covid-19 Test Kits and Masks
Head to the Richard Kemp Center every Wednesday and Friday to pick up masks and test kits from 3pm-5pm. Located at 372 N Winooski Ave. in Burlington.
Find more info here.
Save the Date!
VT PoC is collaborating with Ferene Paris Meyer of All Heart Inspirations for a storytelling event for BIPOC Women and Non-Binary Entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs) at Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar in Essex Junction on May 1st, from 4-6PM.
Register at this link!
News
If you’re a BIPOC Business Owner, VT PoC wants to hear from YOU!
Help VT PoC assess what BIPOC business owners need, as part of the Community Navigator Pilot Program, to make businesses thrive.
Take the survey at this link.
COVID-19 enters year three. How has it changed you?
Vermont Public Radio’s Connor Cyrus interviews Vermonters to hear about how the pandemic has changed their lives, as we enter its third year.
Listen to the full story at this link.
Become a member of VT PoC!
Becoming a member grants you all the latest updates and news from VT PoC! If you haven’t yet completed our Membership Form, use the link below!
Click here to complete the form.