​​​​​​​Fifteen Organizations Approved for GROW Grants

The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Program Supports Relocation, Recruitment, and Retention of Vermont Residents.

Montpelier, Vt . - The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening communities around the state by announcing 15 partner organizations were approved for grant funding in the second cycle of the Grants for Relocation Outreach Work (GROW) program. The grants support local, regional, county-wide, or state-wide organizations conducting new resident relocation, recruitment, and retention activities.

"GROW is a strategic investment in Vermont's long-term workforce and community vitality," said Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. "By investing in locally led relocation and retention efforts, the program helps communities grow and reinforces the connections that keep new residents here."

"At its heart, the GROW program is about welcoming the next generation of Vermonters home," says Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber. "It's about saying yes to new families, new energy, and new neighbors. But that welcome doesn't happen by accident. It requires systems, partnerships, and most of all, dedicated leadership and people. The GROW program allows us to meet newcomers one-to-one, walk alongside them as they make their journey, and connect them not just to housing and jobs, but to community and belonging. That's how you build a future for Vermont. Not in bulk, but in relationships. One authentic conversation, one household, one neighbor at a time."

There are two tracks within the GROW program, the Relocation Track and the Retention Track. Some awardees will receive grants for both tracks. A description of each track is below along with a list of grant recipients:

Relocation Track: Grantees will complement and support the State's relocation lead generation and distribution system on ThinkVermont.com. Grantees are required to connect with and follow up on generated leads of potential residents interested in moving to their area. Grantees activities can also include the creation of regional marketing assets to assist with out-of-state advertising campaigns.

• Addison County Economic Development Corporation
• Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
• Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
• Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation
• Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation
• Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Lamoille Economic Development Corporation
• Montpelier Downtown Community Association
• Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
• Out in the Open
• Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
• Vermont Professionals of Color Network

Retention Track: Grantees will organize events and/or conduct activities that help new residents feel welcome in their new community. Outreach to recently relocated families and individuals will include invitations to participate in events such as mixers, young professionals' groups and/or the Vermont Welcome Wagon programming.

• Addison County Economic Development Corporation
• Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
• Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region
• Chandler Center for the Arts
• Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Montpelier Downtown Community Association
• Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
• Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
• Vermont Professionals of Color Network
• Vital Communities

Over the last two years, GROW funding has supported the relocation of 95 families, or 193 new Vermonters, through the work of relocation track grantees. Retention of new Vermonters is an integral part of the GROW program as well.

"GROW helps Vermont do more than attract new residents," said Tinotenda Rutanhira, Executive Director of Business Development at the Vermont Professionals of Color Network. "It ensures people of color who choose Vermont can connect, contribute, and stay long term. This work attracts more people to Vermont, increases diversity, strengthens our local economies, and makes Vermont a stronger, more resilient state."

"I've never lived somewhere so intentional about community building. It made me feel so included in the community and actively wanted there. It felt like people were excited to get to know me, and I've already met great friends through the events," said Upper Valley new Vermonter Emily H. of Hartford, VT who relocated from New Jersey in Winter 2025.

The grants are approved for two-year periods and will run through 2027. Grantees are required to submit monthly reports and deliverables specific to their approved scope of work to track progress and make any adjustments as necessary in their activities to meet GROW program goals.

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About the Think Vermont Program
Think Vermont is a relocation and retention program of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) dedicated to showcasing the opportunities and quality of life that make Vermont a great place to live, work, grow a business, and build community. Think Vermont helps individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and employers explore their options in Vermont and get connected with the people and services that can support their success. Learn more at ThinkVermont.com.

About the Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The mission of ACCD is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Tourism and Marketing. For more information on ACCD please visit: accd.vermont.gov.