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Vermont VEDA Small Business Loan Program
General · Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) · VT
The Vermont VEDA Small Business Loan Program is a state loan program run by the Vermont Economic Development Authority that provides direct term loans of up to $1,000,000 to Vermont businesses that can't get conventional bank credit and can show potential to create or retain jobs — it is a loan requiring repayment, not a grant.
The Vermont VEDA Small Business Loan Program is administered by the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), a state-affiliated economic development lender. Despite the word "grant" appearing in the program's funding_instrument tag, this is a loan program, not free money — the summary explicitly states it is a low-interest lending program, not a grant, so business owners should not expect funds that don't need repayment.
Under this program, VEDA offers direct term loans of up to $1,000,000 to Vermont businesses. The financing can be used for fixed-asset purchases such as land, buildings, and equipment, or for working capital needs. Borrowers are required to contribute at least 10% equity into the project being financed.
This program is designed for businesses that are majority U.S.-citizen-owned (at least 51%), based in Vermont, and unable to secure conventional bank credit. Applicants must also be able to show that the financed project has potential to create or retain jobs for Vermont residents — job impact is a core evaluation factor for VEDA.
For a small-business owner, this program matters because it can serve as a financing bridge when traditional banks decline a loan due to risk, limited collateral, or being a newer business. It's a state-backed alternative source of capital tied to economic development goals rather than pure profit motives.
Because deadlines are described only as 'check current rounds,' and terms may change, business owners should confirm current interest rates, exact eligibility standards, and application timing directly on VEDA's official website before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a loan program, not a cash grant, despite the funding_instrument label saying 'Grant' — VEDA provides direct term loans.
Do I have to repay the money?
Yes, this is a loan and must be repaid according to VEDA's terms.
Who is eligible?
Vermont businesses that are at least 51% U.S.-citizen-owned, cannot access conventional credit, and can show job creation or retention potential.
How much funding can I get?
Direct loans of up to $1,000,000 are available for fixed assets or working capital.
Is there a minimum loan amount?
Confirm at the source — no minimum amount is specified in the available facts.
Do I need to contribute my own money?
Yes, borrowers must provide at least 10% equity in the financed project.
What can the funds be used for?
Funds can be used for fixed-asset acquisition (land, buildings, equipment) or working capital.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline is listed only as 'check current rounds' — confirm current timing at the official source.
Who runs this program?
The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) administers the program.
Is this only for Vermont businesses?
Yes, eligible businesses must be located in and doing business in Vermont.
Is the loan interest-free?
The program is described as low-interest, not interest-free; confirm exact rates at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Apply through VEDA's official website at the link provided in this listing.
Is the loan amount taxable?
Confirm at the source — tax treatment of loan proceeds is not addressed in the available facts.
Can startups apply?
Confirm at the source — eligibility criteria mention job creation/retention potential and inability to access conventional credit, but do not specify business age.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.