In 1968, the New Hampshire-Vermont Development Council, Inc. was formed as an Economic Development Administration (EDA) District to secure funding from the newly established Federal program - EDA.  It included the three Vermont counties of Chittenden, Essex and Orleans, as well as the counties of Carroll, Coos and Grafton in New Hampshire. 

In 1975, the three New Hampshire counties were replaced by the three Vermont counties of Franklin, Grand Isle, and Lamoille and the organization's name changed to the Economic Development Council of Northern Vermont (EDCNV).  Since that time, EDCNV has acted as a catalyst for growth and development in the six northernmost counties of Vermont. Its role is one of activism, developing and implementing economic development projects, identifying market opportunities, technical assistance needs,  establishing their intrinsic value to the region, creating implementation strategies and structuring financial packages for area businesses.

EDCNV's main office, located at 2 North Main Street, Suite 301, in St. Albans, Vermont, serves the businesses and communities of Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille and Orleans counties.  One revolving loan program offered by EDCNV also serves the counties of Chittenden and Washington. 

EDCNV....

• has successfully attracted government grants, loans and guarantees for start-up and expansion projects.
• participates directly in venture investment with financial institutions and quasi-public agencies.
• acts as a financial agent for communities and industrial development agencies undertaking infrastructure improvements.
• sponsors research, development and training programs to encourage new business creation.
• provides direct technical assistance to communities, local government and small business ventures.
• publishes a newsletter, Northern Viewpoints, to keep readers apprised of current projects and programs.
  

EDCNV Works....

• to increase federal investment for business development with regionally-based revolving loan funds.
• to create jobs and assist businesses through regional technical assistance prgrams.
• to train entrepreneurs through local educational institutes and regional agencies.
• to encourage entrepreneurial talent and to minimize overhead costs in critical start-up phases by supporting multi-tenant facilities.
• to provide funds for infrastructure and regional public facilities improvements.
• to select market opportunities or product proposals for intensive research by independent consultants. The resulting information is used to develop new ventures or to encourage expansion and diversification in existing industries.

EDCNV ACTIVITIES

Through its technical assistance programs, which include business consultation and analysis, grant writing, feasibility studies,  community infrastructure development, e.g. industrial parks, water and sewer systems, multi-tenant facilities, etc.  EDCNV has leveraged and obtained in excess of $70 million for District projects.

EDCNV has been successful in the identification, development and implementation of economic development activities in the District. Examples of these include:

Northern Enterprises Corporation - Development of this 501(c)3 non-profit corporation enabled the advancement of projects, such as:

• North-Link - Design and install a 400 mile fiber optic open network covering the District's six-counties as well as parts of Chittenden and Washington counties, respectively.
• NEK North-Link - Implementation of a high-speed fiber optic backbone for the three counties of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans.

• Vermont Food Venture Center - Development and implementation of a nationally recognized specialty food incubator facility.

Northern Vermont-Quebec Trade Coalition - The nation's first federally funded, cross-border international trade development alliance. 

International Trade Services Program - Providing vital technical trade assistance to Vermont's businesses that are active or seeking to be involved in international business.   

Business Multi-Tenant Buildings - Construction of multi-tenant buildings in Cambridge, Newport, Swanton and St. Johnsbury.

Entrepreneurial Training - Development and implementation of a nationally acclaimed program for the education of potential entrepreneurs.

Revolving Loan Funds - Development and administration of three small business loan funds encompassing eight Vermont counties.

Industrial Parks - Development of industrial parks in Alburg, Cambridge, Enosburg, Georgia, Hardwick, Orleans, Newport and St. Johnsbury.

Feasibility Studies - Studies conducted in the industries of wood, textiles and specialty foods, as well as, economic clusters, workforce training, cooperative purchasing, apple chip production and others.

Municipal Infrastructure - Provide development and/or improvements to water and sewer systems, hydroelectric, transportation infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, curbing), etc.