Securing funding is about strategy, alignment, and connection, not just paperwork. This session gives you a competitive advantage by letting you learn directly from the funders and get a firsthand look at what makes a proposal stand out. By asking questions directly to the source, you can skip the administrative guesswork regarding eligibility and timelines, allowing you to intentionally design your next project to align with available portfolios and maximize your chance of success.
Featured Programs & Insights
Over lunch, our guest speakers will break down the mechanics of their core programs:
- NBRC’s Catalyst Program: Discover how the Vermont Department of Economic Development directly partners with the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to implement this program statewide. Vermont handles the evaluation, scoring, and regional prioritization of these federal funds, specifically focusing on investments that drive cross-sector collaboration to strengthen local economies.
- Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships: Discover how they are driving rural innovation, fostering community partnerships, and building long-term economic resilience.
- Vermont Department of Economic Development: Gain insights into statewide resources and programs actively looking to support local growth.