10/30/2026 - Essex Town, Vt. – VEDA made $59.8 million in business and agricultural loans across all counties and sectors in FY2026.

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Essex Town, Vt. – The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) today marked the close of Fiscal Year 2026 by releasing its Annual Report and celebrating another year of supporting Vermont’s economy with guests at the 2026 VEDA Annual Meeting and Luncheon at The Farmhouse at Sunset Pond at The Essex Resort & Spa. In the fiscal year that started July 1, 2025, and ended June 30, 2026, VEDA closed 176 loans totaling $59.8 million, leveraging an additional $110.3 million in private and other capital spending.

“It’s exciting to look back on everything VEDA was able to accomplish last year,” said CEO Joan Goldstein. “VEDA is grateful for partnerships with Regional Development Corporations, Vermont venture capital firms, state agencies, and banks and credit unions that make this work possible. It’s an honor to lend to Vermont farms, forestry operations, and small business so that they can create jobs and serve their communities.”

Accomplishments detailed in the FY2026 Annual Report include:

• 576 jobs created or retained through VEDA-financed projects
• $32.69 per hour in average hourly wages, including benefits, at VEDA-financed companies
• 25 ownership transitions
• 24 start-ups financed
• 16 expansions
• 54% of VEDA financing supported the purchase, construction, or improvement of land, buildings, machinery, and equipment.

About 170 guests attended the Annual Meeting and Luncheon bringing together business leaders, lending partners, agricultural and forestry representatives, and state officials to recognize the work being done to support Vermont’s economy. Governor Scott addressed the crowd, as did guest speaker Middlebury College Political Science Professor Gary Winslett.

Several current VEDA borrowers were present, too. CheapTotes of Rutland, Wasted* of Williston, Caledonia Food Cooperative of St. Johnsbury, Wellspring Chiropractic of Shelburne, Red Hen Baking Company of Middlesex, Shat Acres Farm of Greensboro, and Bolton Valley Resort set up tables around the venue to share their growth story with guests.

“Behind every number in the Annual Report is a Vermont business, farm, or organization accomplishing its goals and we’re proud to be part of that work,” said VEDA Board Chair Karyn Hale. “Moving forward we look to build on that success by lending to multi-unit housing projects to provide more Vermonters with homes.”

VEDA is grateful to Governor Scott and the Vermont legislature for a recent statutory change that allows VEDA to lend to multi-unit housing. VEDA is dedicated to furthering economic development across the state and that requires a healthy supply of homes to rent and buy.

The complete FY2026 Annual Report can be found on the VEDA website.

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