Our mission at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is to nurture the sustainable development of Vermont’s economy.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created by the Vermont Legislature in 1995 to partner with state government, private sector businesses, and nonprofits to build a thriving economic, social, and ecological future for Vermont. Our staff and Board of Directors are committed to developing creative approaches and innovative models to grow Vermont’s economy.
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund provides business assistance, value chain facilitation, network development, and strategic planning in agriculture and food systems, forest products, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental technology.
As an organization, staff and board, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund works to create an economy where the needs of all people are met within the capacity of our living planet. We recognize the historical and present day social inequities and racism that exist within Vermont. We address these through our shared work. To accomplish this, we strive to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into our programs, partnerships, and internal operations. We intentionally collaborate, learn from, and stand in solidarity with individuals, organizations, and businesses with diverse backgrounds, paths, perspectives, and life experiences.
Our offices are located in Montpelier and our impact on Vermont’s economy is statewide. We serve the needs and interests of Vermont businesses, organizations, and government partners who are working hard to strengthen our local and regional food system, rebuild the forest products industry, meet Vermont’s renewable energy goal, and invent clean technologies that benefit society. Our partnerships and collaborations position Vermont as a state where social impact entrepreneurs want to start and grow businesses connected to an economy that addresses the realities of climate change.
At the request of the Vermont Legislature, we coordinate the implementation of the Farm to Plate Investment Program to increase economic development and jobs in the farm and food sector and improve access to healthy local food for all Vermonters.
We manage the Vermont Forest Products Program to create and retain quality jobs and open additional markets for locally produced wood products.
Our collaboration with the Vermont Council on Rural Development to implement the Vermont Climate Economy Initiative will boost economic development, create jobs, and attract youth and creative entrepreneurs to the state.
We recently concluded our work on the Vermont Bioenergy Initiative, which we began in 2005, to foster the development of small-scale biofuel industries in Vermont as a replacement for fossil fuel based energy.
Our creative and adaptive approach to positive, systems-level change elevates the well-being of Vermonters, our communities, and the environment in the face of climate change, now and for future generations.
We invite you to learn more about the economic development impact we provide to Vermont, get familiar with the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund history, and review our environmental policy.
Stay in Touch
Become a Funder
Are you interested in funding one of our programs or services? We are seeking funders to achieve our sustainable economic goals as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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Become a Client
Are you interested in becoming a client to grow your business, industry sector, or replicate one of our approaches? We offer a suite of services for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.
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Become a Partner
Are you interested in partnering with us to build a thriving economic, social, and ecological future for Vermont? We invite collaboration from diverse stakeholders in all areas of our work.
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