NAVIGATION
Redefining Harm Reduction: The Untold Story of Burlington’s Youth
by Shabnam Nolan
A morning walk by the lake. An afternoon sitting out on Church Street for lunch. An evening attending a show at The Flynn. These are the types of experiences that people in and outside of Vermont have flocked to Burlington for each year. Festivals, marathons, tree lightings, parades, and shops filled with local merchandise for any occasion. We’ve all had a day like this in Burlington. The beauty and vibrancy of our city has attracted millions of people for many years, helping keep it a place where all of us look forward to spending time.
In the past few years, this image of Burlington and the light it brings to our corner of the world has dimmed. People open a paper, turn on the local news, or head to their favorite online information source and see a different Burlington. A city fraught with pain, where many communities – whether it is businesses, neighbors, or those suffering from substance use disorder – are struggling to understand who Burlington is today and how we got here.
What about Burlington’s youth?
Right now, there’s a thirteen year old girl at King Street Center who loves sports. Her sense of humor is magnetic, her sassiness is loud. Recently, she asked if we could help her buy sneakers so that she can try out for the basketball team. On the way to the store with Shabnam, our Executive Director, she talked about her excitement to make money next summer working on the King Street Lemonade Stand. When Shabnam asked her what she planned to do with the money, she said very excitedly, “spend it on food.” Jokingly, Shabnam told her to not go spend it all on fries. She looked at Shabnam, got somber and said, “No, not that kind of food. It’s to help buy groceries for us to eat.” Shabnam’s heart sank.
Here is a thirteen-year-old who is excited to make money so her family has enough to eat. When a child has to take on the weight of helping to ensure her siblings are fed, what wouldn’t she do? What wouldn’t you do?
This is the story no one is telling.
Over the past two years, King Street Center has watched the needs of our youth and families become more and more invisible against the increase in public safety concerns. In the last year, we’ve invested $100,000 in additional safety measures. We’ve swept the playground for used needles daily, bussed kids two blocks to avoid certain spots on the street, and listened as youth, alumni, caregivers, volunteers, and staff talk to us about the fear they have for themselves and the community. We’ve watched resources flood in for harm reduction efforts for people with opioid addictions as the demand for drugs increases, while at the same time, the state’s legislature discusses passing new laws that risk further harming youth caught up in the supply of those drugs. We’ve seen media coverage that only cares to criminalize these kids and victimize others.
Harm reduction for just one group is only a partial solution. Where is the investment in harm reduction efforts for youth?
The kids we are seeing in the videos that overwhelm our TVs and news feeds are kids. They are desperate for a sense of belonging and safety. And they are finding it – in the increasing number of guns and risky friend groups, where street-level violence may follow.
No story starts with picking up a gun. That is what they call the final act.
The story begins with a little girl who needs to put food on the table. It starts with the kid who didn’t have the resources to reach their literacy goals and now doesn’t want to be embarrassed in class because they don’t know how to read.
We’ve heard in recent months that there are no resources, budgets are tight, and we must get creative. Nonprofits are quite good at that. We’ve done a lot with little for decades. But what’s happening now calls for a different approach.
If we can find millions of dollars to invest in safety measures for the person who sits on the front steps of a youth center to intravenously fill their body with drugs without consequence, then we can invest in safety protections for the youth that have to experience the impact of that action – because it does have an impact, and it causes harm.
50% of our teens said this past year that they feel unsafe walking home from King Street Center.
If we can invest in compassion and empathy for people with substance use disorder, we can invest in prevention and intervention efforts for our kids. Our teens should not be forced to give up critical afterschool programming in the dark winter months because their parents are scared they will not get home safely.
Our kids also deserve compassion, empathy, and most importantly, safety. They deserve to be our top priority, and be invested in equally.
Nonprofits in Burlington are being asked to come up with solutions, and we are desperate to do so. We know what works. We know that giving kids opportunities and a sense of place and belonging is the answer. We know that the conditions of marginalization and being under-resourced creates trauma, and trauma creates pain for entire communities. We know that King Street Center programs like the Lemonade Stand, Family Support, Mentoring, and Academic & Career Exploration give them protective factors and a chance for a bright future.
Every day we teach our kids how to support one another, we hold them accountable when they cause harm, and we set expectations of them. This is the social contract. This is what it means to be part of a community. And right now our social contract is broken.
There is no accountability for the person who, after throwing a drug pipe in front of the Center, walks up and down the block smearing blood on cars while youth try to get home safely (yes, this happened). We are frozen out of fear of being uncompassionate. Compassion, accountability, and safety can co-exist. They must. If they don’t, we will lose our community.
We must act now to expand our definition of harm reduction and use it as a strategy not just for those with an addiction, but also for those impacted most right now in Burlington – our youth and families. If we do not, then all we will ever have is a partial solution. And that is no solution at all.
There are many people in and outside of Burlington who are asking what they can do. This city is still the city you knew it to be. It is still filled with light and the dial can still be turned up to make it brighter.
But it has to start with answering the question: what about our kids?
After all, there is no better return on investment than a child who believes there is a future for them.
About the Author
A first-generation Iranian American, Shabnam has dedicated her life to advocating for children and families, especially those who are most often pushed to the margins of our society. Currently, she serves as the executive director of King Street Center, a nonprofit youth development organization serving low-income children 18 mo – 18 years old and their families, most of whom come from the immigrant/refugee communities in Burlington that Vermont is lucky to have.
Leading King Street Center combines Shabnam’s passion for youth with her commitment to justice and equity. She has worked in a variety of roles in the nonprofit sector for 17 years and has expertise in policy advocacy, communications, public relations, data analysis, and the ever beloved and never ending joy of nonprofit grant writing. When not raising good trouble at work, Shabnam spends time with her husband, three children, and friends, although they will tell you she also raises trouble outside of work (ahem… but always in pursuit of justice). And no, she does not ski. Ocean – always the ocean.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Steph Yu (she/her)! Steph has been a resident of Vermont for 9 years and works in the nonprofit sector. She is the Executive Director of the Public Assets Institute, where she focuses on advancing economic security for all Vermonters.
We are also excited to welcome Steph as one of the newest board members of the Vermont Professionals of Color Network!
news FROM THE NETWORK
Burlington Community Safety Open Letter
Written by many across the community who feel optimism about Burlington’s future but know we need to take some practical steps now.
Take The VT PoCket Guide!
Your ultimate guide for exploring Vermont, curated by VT PoC!
⭐ Take the quiz to find activities that match your vibe
⭐ Browse options across 10 categories
⭐ With attractions located near Vermont hotspots
⭐ Perfect for newcomers or seasoned Vermonters!
REGISTER NOW: VT PoC’s BIPOC Listening Sessions
VT PoC warmly invites all BIPOC residents in Vermont to join us for a virtual listening session! Sessions will focus on topics and challenges relevant to the Vermont BIPOC community.
Participants will receive $150 for their time and contributions.
Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of VT PoC’s Resources!
Looking for new opportunities or ways to get involved? We offers a variety of resources to support you—personally and professionally!
We’re Looking for 2025 Writers!
We’re on the lookout for BIPOC writers in Vermont that can bring new perspectives and topics to volume 5 of VT PoC’s monthly newsletter! Writers will receive compensation for their piece.
Fill out the interest form below and we’ll get back to you!
VT PoC’s The Things in Between: Full Playlist
Catch up on The Things in Between series with VT PoC’s full playlist! Explore key topics like life insurance, personal credit, financial planning, and business entity basics.
Watch all the recordings and gain valuable insights to support your financial journey.
VT PoC x VSBLC Legal Webinars: Past Recordings
Missed a VT PoC x VSBLC legal webinar? Catch up with our playlist of past recordings! Learn about starting a nonprofit, liabilities & torts, legal contracts, hiring your first employee, and navigating zoning & Act 250. Watch now and stay informed on key legal topics.
OPEN CALL: Artwork for a Group Exhibition Honoring Black History Month February 2025 at the Norwich Public Library in Norwich
Due to the exhibition being in the library’s multi-use community room only artwork that can be displayed on a wall can be considered. Please email or provide a Google Drive folder link (with access) –
1) Image(s) of the artwork you’d like to submit
2) List of artwork that includes image file name, title, year it was made, materials, and size
3) Are you available to drop off (~late January TBD) and pick up (early March TBD) your artwork?
4) Are you interested in helping to install the exhibition on or around January 31, 2025?
Questions? Email Laura at calligraphyartsnyc@gmail.com. Thank you!
2025 National Small Business Week Awards
National Small Business Week 2025 will take place May 4-10, 2025. SBA will officially recognize these small businesses for their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and their contributions to the economy.
Submissions are due Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 4:00pm ET.
Apply now: VTDigger’s Advertising for Racial Equity program is accepting new businesses
The program supports BIPOC-owned Vermont businesses, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs by offering up to $2,000 worth of free digital advertising on VTDigger’s website!
Help Establish a Black-Owned Chiropractic Practice in Vermont
Dr. Taronté Venable, a VT PoC member and board-certified chiropractic neurologist, recently relocated to Bellows Falls and is working to purchase a long-standing chiropractic practice.
Please help spread the word and consider supporting Dr. Venable as he works to bring specialized chiropractic neurology care to his new community!
Call to Action: Participate in UVM Study on Cancer Disparities in LGBTQIA+ Communities
Are you, or someone you know, part of Vermont’s LGBTQIA+ community and currently living with cancer or a cancer survivor? The University of Vermont (UVM), in collaboration with the UVM Cancer Center and the Pride Center of Vermont, is conducting a paid study to better understand cancer-related health disparities in Sexual and Gender Minority populations. Family caregivers are also welcome to participate.
For more information or to participate, contact QTcancer@uvm.edu.
VCE’s ‘Adopt A Plant’ Project: Join our pollinator experiment and get a free plant!
Are you interested in plants, pollinators, gardening, nature, or just want a free plant?
Then join our newest community science project at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies! Our scientists are wondering whether non-local plants attract the same flower-visiting insects as local plants and you can help us answer this question by participating in a new research study. Starting in Spring 2025, participants will receive a free plant, establish them in their garden, watch them until they bloom, then conduct weekly 5-minute watches per plant to record the number and type of pollinators that visit while the plants are blooming.
Interested? Please fill out this questionnaire to let us know your interest and availability to participate.
Homegoings Audience Survey
As you may know, Homegoings just wrapped our second season (!!) which makes this a perfect time to reflect and ask — how are we doing? And — what should we do next?
We take seriously what you expect from us here on the show! What matters to you most, what you want to hear, what events you want to attend, and who you think has an interesting and valuable story. By filling out this survey, you will help shape our coverage so we can keep up this humanizing work of sharing brown and Black stories. This survey will only take five minutes (we timed it)!
As an extra treat, filling out this survey automatically enters you into a drawing for a Homegoings crewneck sweatshirt! Who doesn’t want a little merch, right? Thanks, homies for being with us in season two, there’s more to come.
Generator VT’s BIPOC Scholarship: Accepting Applications Until December 12, 2024
Twice a year, Generator gives away makerspace access and technical education to our Vermont Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Community through our BIPOC Scholarship program. Recipients receive 6 months of free Generator membership and a $400 tool training credit!
If your creative, academic, or professional pursuits could benefit from training and access to laser cutters, 3D printers, wood shop & metal shop tools, a jewelry studio, sewing studio, graphic and 3D design software — this opportunity may be for you!
EVENTS
December 2 — VT PoC’s NEK Meet & Greet!
You heard it here—we’re coming to your NEK of the woods! Join us for an informal VT PoC Meet & Greet at Whirligig Brewery in St. Johnsbury.
This event is designed to bring together folks in the NEK for an evening of connection, conversation, and community.
Discover how VT PoC can offer support and resources for both personal and professional growth, as well as business development. The event is free to attend, so bring along friends, family, and anyone who could benefit from this vibrant gathering!
December 5 — VT PoC Co-Work & Chill: NEK!
Join VT PoC for co-working sessions around the state! This super informal space can be used for co-working, chatting, answering questions, meeting new people, getting out of the house, etc. Come through and hang out with us at Whirligig Brewing & Bistro in St. Johnsbury!
Yummy refreshments will be provided.
December 16 — VT PoC x VSBLC Legal Webinar Series: Data Privacy
December’s VSBLC legal webinar on Data Privacy will guide you through the critical landscape of data privacy and its legal obligations. This presentation will cover essential topics such as managing Personally Identifiable Information (PII), understanding legal obligations, and preparing for potential data breaches. Equip your business with practical checklists and strategies to navigate the complexities of data handling and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
December 3, 17 – Mandarin Conversation Circle (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Learn or improve your Mandarin and make new friends. Join volunteers from Vermont Chinese School for our new Mandarin Conversation Circle. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month in the Community Room. Drop-in. No registration. All are welcome! Email vtchineseschool@gmail.com or sbplprograms@southburlingtonvt.gov, or call the library at 802-846-4140 if you have questions or would like to be added to the email list for this group.
December 3 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:45 PM)
Join us for a casual lunch meetup at Leo & Co. in Essex Junction! This gathering is an excellent opportunity to network, share ideas, and foster connections among women+ entrepreneurs in our community. Enjoy delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere while exchanging insights and experiences that inspire collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, all are welcome to engage and uplift one another. Don’t miss this chance to connect with others who share your passion for entrepreneurship! Purchase of food and beverage encouraged.
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Every Tuesday) – Richard Kemp Center: Got Chess? (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
The Youth Chess Club is a dynamic and inclusive program designed to empower young individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through the timeless game of chess. Our program offers a safe and welcoming space where youth can explore the world of chess, cultivate essential life skills, and experience a range of valuable benefits.
December 3 – Cookbook Club: Ammu: Indian Home Cooking to Nourish Your Soul (5:30 PM – 6:45 PM)
Love to eat? Love to cook? Join us for a monthly cookbook feast! Each month, the group picks recipes from a single book. Each participant chooses a recipe from the book and prepares it for the group’s meeting. At our meeting, we eat the dishes we’ve all prepared and talk about what inspired us to make them. In December we’ll cook from Ammu: Indian Home Cooking to Nourish Your Soul by Asma Khan.
December 4 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Zoom (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Our monthly Vermont Womenpreneurs meet-up, on Wednesday of each month at 10am, serves as an opportunity for women business owners across the state to connect, learn of new opportunities and updates from one another. Register to get Zoom link.
December 4 – Equity Matters: Dismantling Systemic Racism (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Because of the legacy of slavery there have always been calls for freedom, equal protection, equal rights, civil rights and EQUITY! Centering Black and Brown communities and with an eye towards racial justice, Equity Matters holds space for some of the most important pressing issues impacting Black folks in Vermont. Equity Matters.
December 4 – Vermont Council on World Affairs 2024 Annual Meeting (4:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Join us on Wednesday, December 4th at Hotel Vermont, for our Annual Meeting and Winter Celebration. This event will celebrate our 2024 accomplishments and look ahead to 2025 and will feature special guest speakers, a silent auction, and food and drink. Free to attend, registration required.
December 4, 11, 18 – ELL Classes: English for Beginners and Intermediate Students (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Beginning English-language learners can practice written and spoken English with a certified TOEFL instructor. FREE. Please register for classes by emailing Barbara Shatara at bshatara@burlingtonvt.gov.
December 5 – 2024 Vermont Creative Sector Advocacy Webinar Series: Vermont’s Creative Sector Advocacy Priorities (11:00 AM)
As we approach the start of the 2025 legislative session, learn more about the Vermont Creative Network’s statewide advocacy priorities and find out how you can help ensure state representatives and senators understand the importance of Vermont’s creative economy.
December 5 to 22, Fridays to Sundays – The BTV Winter Market
Love Burlington and BCA are joining forces for a fifth season to present the BTV Winter Market! This European-style outdoor market makes for a magical six-week experience in City Hall Park. Featuring a rotating group of 20 local artists, makers, and food vendors, fire tables, games, and a DJ on Fridays, 4-6pm, the BTV Winter Market creates a festive atmosphere filled with the spirit of the season in the heart of Downtown Burlington.
December 5 – Richard Kemp Center: Youth Safe Space (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
In recognition of the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of Black individuals, our organization is proud to introduce “Safe Space”, an affinity space initiative. This initiative is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where Black individuals can come together to share common experiences, build relationships, foster community, and promote healing.
December 6 – Richard Kemp Center: First Friday (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
First Friday is a monthly gathering at the Richard Kemp Center, dedicated to fostering cultural empowerment, educating on systemic racism in the nation’s history, and providing practical insights into economic advancement. The event aims to bring together both youth and adults within the African diaspora for a dynamic two-hour session of learning, dialogue, and community building.
December 6 – Joy Riders VT: BIPOC Skate Night (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
This is a free event for BIPOC-identifying people and their loved ones. Rental skates available upon request. DM in advance to reserve.🫶🏾🛼✨
December 6, 13, 20, 27 – Dorothy Ailing Memorial Library Presents: Adult Meditation Online (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)
Take a break from your day to reconnect to your peaceful body and breath. Join us for a short guided meditation session via Zoom. If you would like to join us, please email daml@damlvt.org and we will send you an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
December 6, 13, 20, 27 – USCRI Mother’s Wellness Group: Swahili Speakers (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
A mental health and wellness support group for refugee mothers to come together and create community and to learn strategies for mental health support.
December 7, 8 – The 5th Annual Vermont Holiday Market (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Shop over 175 vendors at the largest holiday craft fair in Vermont! Have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause and get free gift wrapping courtesy of Josh’s House! Browse and shop artisans and craft vendors from across Vermont and New England. These include woodcrafts, clothing, jewelry, spices, pottery, food stuffs & sweets, leather goods, maple products, artwork, teas, meads, wines and distilled spirits, games, pet goods and so much more.
December 7 – Fletcher Free Library Presents: Brothers Building Brothers (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Join us for regular sessions exploring manhood, purpose, and self development.
December 8 – Fletcher Free Library Presents: Dad Guild (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
Fathers (and parents of all genders) and their kids ages 5 and under drop in for playtime and connection. Ages 0-5. dadguild.weebly.com
December 9, 16, 23, 30 – Fletcher Free Library Presents: English Classes for Mothers (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
USCRI VT will host mixed English classes for women in one room while having childcare provided in another room.
December 9 – 2024 Vermont Creative Sector Advocacy Webinar Series: Changes Impacting Creative Businesses and Nonprofits (11:00 AM)
Join a panel of experts to learn more about new state and federal laws, regulations, and opportunities that may impact your creative business or nonprofit, such as the Vermont Saves retirement program, salary requirements for job listings, and changes to exempt employee status.
December 9 – Culinary Mavericks: Le Bon GoûT Popup Dinner (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Join us for an unforgettable evening of bold flavors and culinary fusion at the Taste of Africa Dinner, part of the Culinary Maverick dinner series hosted by Local Maverick in partnership with Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This special event will feature a multi-course meal created by Chef Elom Essiba of Le Bon Gout, showcasing the flavors of Essiba’s home country of Togo.
December 10 – CVOEO Presents: Finding Housing (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Finding Housing focuses on strategies for overcoming barriers to finding housing (such as a past eviction, no landlord references or a criminal record), understanding the landlord’s perspective and how to build a positive tenant-landlord relationship, and skills for conducting an organized housing search, including where to look. The workshop is currently offered via Zoom once a month. Choose a date and select Register to sign up. If you have questions, need help registering, or would like to schedule an interpreted class, please email classcoord@cvoeo.org or call 802-660-3455 ext. 205.
December 11 – Exploring Social Justice Union Organizing (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Come join the Education Justice Coalition to learn about and discuss the ways social justice union organizing can help us protect our communities from right-wing attacks. We’ll explore some key concepts such as bargaining for the common good and look to past teacher union struggles and wins for inspiration. We’ll end the evening by applying what we learn to the Vermont context and the current political moment.
December 11 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Holiday Office Party (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Vermont Womenpreneurs Annual Holiday Office Party! On December 11th at 6:00pm, we’ll be gathering at the cozy Standing Stone Wines (33 Main Street, Winooski) to celebrate a year of growth, collaboration, and community. Sip on local wines, connect with fellow womenpreneurs, and toast to the season in style. Mark your calendars and bring your holiday spirit! Limited space.
December 12 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Burlington (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Our monthly Burlington Vermont Womenpreneurs meet-up at 10am is an opportunity for women business owners in Chittenden County to connect, learn of new opportunities and updates from one another. Purchase of coffee and food at Deep City encouraged.
December 13 – Grant Writing Workshop with Ruchi Nadkarni: Research Strategies, Live Exercises, and AI Tools (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, small business owner, or part of a grassroots initiative, this session provides the essential tools to help you research, strategize, and create winning grant proposals. Grant writing is a crucial skill for securing funding and driving impactful projects. In this workshop, you’ll learn evidence-based methodologies, explore the latest trends in grant writing, and practice your skills through live exercises with guidance from an experienced facilitator.
December 13, 14 – St. J Sparkles! Holiday Weekend
Experience St. Johnsbury sparkle and shine during the holiday season, with nightlife the evening of Friday, December 13, and family fun all day long on Saturday, December 14.
December 13, 27 – Richard Kemp Center: Youth Movie Night (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Youth Movie Night is a community-centered initiative aimed at promoting awareness, understanding, and dialogue on racial justice issues through the medium of film. This program creates a safe and inclusive space where youth from 8 to 18 can come together to watch thought-provoking movies with cultural themes, engage in meaningful discussions, and share food in a welcoming and collaborative environment.
December 14, 21, 28 – Richard Kemp Center: Legal Clinic (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
We’re promoting racial equity by offering accessible legal support to those who often face systemic barriers within the legal system. Here we empower individuals, protect their civil rights, and offer representation in legal matters where racial discrimination or injustice may be prevalent.
December 14 (11–1 PM), 18 (6–8 PM) – Richard Kemp Center: Front Door – Growing Homes
We’re opening the front door for folks to come and join us in the Growing Homes Initiative. Front Door is a great way to start the journey with us. Here we’ll provide an overview of the initiative and get you introduced to our coaches who will get you started on the journey to learning, growing, healing and economic empowerment! The Growing Homes Initiative aims to support community members with lived experiences of racial trauma. It offers cultural access, community involvement, and guidance on the path to overall wellness, including economic wellness. Phase One (six months) of Growing Homes is the first step in the roll-out of a program targeted at healing and reducing the racial wealth gap, up to and including home and land ownership!
December 14 – Winooski Youth Center Open House (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Fun, food, and drinks! Come see what the hype is about!
December 14, 28 – Fletcher Free Library Presents: The Poetry Experience with Rajnii Eddins (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Looking for a fun space to be creative and share poetry? Check out this local writing/sharing circle (held every 2nd and 4th Saturday). The Poetry Experience is hosted by Rajnii Eddins! Please spread the word and feel free to invite poets, writers, teachers, emcees, creative people and arts enthusiasts of all ages.
December 15 – Unlikely Riders Community Ski and Ride Day at Bolton Valley (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
At this event, we are hosting a beginner ski and snowboard lesson from 10:30am-12:30pm! This lesson is for those who have never skied or snowboarded before or have only gone once or twice previously and are looking to learn from step one. This event also includes Group ski and rides, independent skiing/riding, relaxing and hanging out together, as options with loose structure provided from 10:30am-1pm.
December 16 – Holiday Business Mixer (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
Our next Business Mixer is on Monday, December 16 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm at Whirligig Brewing & Bistro, 397 Railroad Street. ALL who work in St. Johnsbury are invited to attend, whether you’re a business owner, employee, nonprofit board member, or volunteer, so please pass along this invitation to any colleagues who might be interested. Light bites and refreshments will be provided. Each attendee will receive one drink ticket, and additional beverages will be available for purchase.
December 18 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Addison (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Our Biz Buzz meetup in Vergennes is an opportunity for women business owners in Addison County to connect, learn of new opportunities and updates from one another. See you at lu•lu ice cream.
December 18 – Introduction to Nonprofit Advocacy (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Nonprofit advocacy is critical to advancing our nonprofit missions and policymakers rely on input from subject matter experts (like you!) to make informed decisions. But what is advocacy? What’s the difference between advocacy and lobbying? Can nonprofits lobby without jeopardizing their nonprofit status? We’ll explore these questions, share strategies to grow your impact, and provide an overview of the legislative process and how to engage.
December 19 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Stowe (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Womenpreneurs join us for our first meetup in Lamoille County at Day Haus, a bespoke collective workspace and social club in Stowe. This event will provide a valuable opportunity for women to build connections, share experiences, and support each other in their business endeavors. Attendees will enjoy delicious refreshments and engaging conversations, creating a vibrant and inclusive community of like-minded professionals. Admission is free. Registration required.
December 20 – Richard Kemp Center: Game Night (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
The Game Night is a unique and inclusive community event designed to foster unity, understanding, and celebration of diverse cultures while promoting racial equity and social justice. This is a welcoming space for people from all racial backgrounds to come together, have fun, and engage in meaningful conversations. You can expect Inclusive Games, Cultural Exchange, Racial Justice Discussions, Networking and Building, Community, Food and Refreshments and a Family-Friendly Environment.
December 31 – Vermont Comedy Club Presents: Joyelle Nicole Johnson (8:00 PM, 10:30 PM)
Joyelle Nicole Johnson is a comedian and writer who brings joy to the stage. Joyelle made her network TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers and more recently performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon twice in one year. Her first stand-up special Love Joy is available on Peacock. It was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, and is executive produced by Jimmy Fallon.
FUNDING & GRANTS
VT PoC BIPOC Relief Fund: Open Until Funds Are Exhausted
If you are a BIPOC small business owner or community member in need of relief funding from the July 2023 or 2024 flooding, click to learn more and apply for this fund. Applications are open until funds are exhausted.
VT Main Street Flood Recovery Fund
The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund was established last year to provide grants to Vermont’s small business owners impacted by the July 10, 2023 flooding. July 2024 brought more extreme weather and catastrophic flooding to Vermont, devastating numerous small businesses, particularly in the Northeast Kingdom. In response, The Fund is once again raising money and taking applications. Grants up to $2,500 are intended to cover operating expenses or costs such as equipment replacement, supplies, and help with clean-up. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Community Action Team
The Vermont Community Action Teams (CATs) are groups of employees at each of Ben & Jerry’s three Vermont manufacturing and office facilities. They offer general or project support within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. Applications are reviewed monthly.
USDA Small Business Cost Share Program
Funds are available for businesses through the USDA Small Business Cost Share Program. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees and gross profit under $1,000,000 are eligible. Grants can cover as much as 70% of the project cost with the business cost-share component at 30%. For more information, please contact Annie McLean at amclean@nvda.net.
Awesome Grant
Have a crazy brilliant idea that needs funding? We award $1,000 grants every month. It couldn’t be simpler! Your idea is yours alone. We don’t want a stake in it. We just want to help you make it happen! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Skip Monthly Grants
Have a crazy brilliant idea that needs funding? We award $1,000 grants every month. It couldn’t be simpler! Your idea is yours alone. Looking for grants to fuel your business or passion? Skip’s grants are now bigger and better than ever. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The BIPOC Artist Exchange and Activation Initiative
The BIPOC Artist Exchange and Activation Initiative is designed to showcase the contributions of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists to the New England art community. This program empowers BIPOC artists in New Hampshire and New England, inspiring local BIPOC artists by introducing them to artists from outside our community. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.
Social Equity: Vermont Cannabis Control Board
Individuals that have been determined to meet social equity status by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board may be eligible to receive a beneficiary payment from this program. Eligible applicants must have completed the intake process with Roads Consulting, the state’s provider of cannabis business technical assistance. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Flood Recovery Rebates for Residents
Qualifying low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $29,500 per household to replace flood-damaged appliances and equipment. Damage must have occurred between July 10 – July 31, 2023 (or July 10 – August 10 for residents of Addison County). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Flood Recovery Rebates for Businesses
Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by recent floods can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product for up to four products, in addition to standard offers. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Vermont Arts Council Artist Development Grant
Artist Development Grants support Vermont artists at all stages of their careers. Grants can fund activities that enhance mastery of an artist’s craft or skills or that increase the viability of an artist’s business. Funding may also support aspects of the creation of new work when the activity allows the grantee to accept a rare and important opportunity. Currently closed — a new round will open in November with a deadline of Jan. 28, 2025.
Bizee’s Entrepreneur Grant
Are you a student? This grant is for you! You’ve got big ideas, and we want to turn them into a reality. One young scholar with entrepreneurial spirit will receive $2,500 to continue their education. Application date coming soon.
Bizee’s Fresh Start Business Grant
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business? This grant is for you! Whether you’re starting over or starting from scratch, Bizee wants to be there to help your business succeed. One adult entrepreneur will receive $2,500 to put toward business startup costs and will also receive free formation services from Bizee. Application date coming soon.
NEWS
Access Café Opens in Montpelier with Community Focus
At their new café, the five member-owners pledge to offer neighbors a warm serving of collaborative engagement along with a menu of food and drink.
Offbeat Creemee Won’t Reopen Winooski Scoop Shop Next Summer
The plant-based ice cream biz ran a stand at Landry Park for four seasons. Rising costs — and a need to raise prices — are prompting a move to wholesale.
Going deep: looking back at season two of Homegoings
Myra Flynn, host and executive producer of Homegoings, talks about the evolution of season two and what’s in store for the show’s third season.
Green Mountain Transit to move forward with further bus service reductions
The changes, approved by the agency’s board on Tuesday, are part of a sweeping service reduction plan announced in August — though not all are outright cuts.
Burlington’s only movie theater, Merrill’s Roxy Cinema, to close its doors
The downtown theater announced the closure on social media on Thursday, expressing gratitude for everyone who has visited over the past few decades.
