Vermont among top 3 states to distribute 100% of federal jobs
MONTPELIER, VT The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that Vermont is one of only three states to have fully deployed their federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds. In 2011, through the Small Business Jobs Act, Vermont received $13.2 million in SSBCI funding, to be administered by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). The other two states to have fully deployed their respective federal funds are Idaho and North Dakota.
The fact that we were able to get these federal funds out to Vermont businesses so quickly is a real testament to the dedication of all VEDA Staff, said VEDA Chief Executive Officer Jo Bradley. In Vermont, the $13.2 million in SSBCI funds leveraged an additional $133.3 million in local funds on projects totaling $146.5 million. VEDA made 156 loans to 129 companies with 3,931 employees. The companies expected to add 2,233 in additional jobs as a result of the financed projects.
Bradley noted that of particular importance is the fact that SSBCI funding is not repaid to the federal government, remaining instead with the states to be redeployed locally.
As we work to create jobs for Vermonters and expand economic opportunity throughout the state, VEDA plays an integral role, said Governor Peter Shumlin. We have much work to do to ensure Vermonts economy works for all Vermonters, but this is a step in the right direction.
The SSBCI funding would not have been possible without the strong advocacy efforts of Vermonts Congressional delegation, added Bradley. We thank Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congressman Peter Welch for their help in securing this important investment in Vermonts economic future.
https://vtdigger.org/2015/04/07/vermont-among-top-3-states-to-distribute-100-of-federal-jobs-development-funds/