FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Contact: Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
P.O. Box 12, Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
VMEC Completes First Year of Two Year Co-Partnered
Maker’s Fund and Extends for An Additional Year
Randolph Center, Vermont – Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is pleased to announce the completion of its first year of the two year co-partnered Northfield Savings Bank (NSB) Maker’s Fund and the addition of a one-year funding agreement.
Last fall, VMEC and NSB joined forces to support small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in Vermont who have 20 or fewer employees. Created to provide a range of services based on operational needs for manufacturers to sustain and grow their businesses, NSB graciously agreed to contribute $60,000 over a two-year period ($30,000 per year), extending to September 30, 2026.
In its first year, the Maker’s Fund allocated the entire $30,000 distribution, spanning across eight different Vermont SMMs, at an average cost of $3,750 per project. Projects ranged from creating and producing new retail packaging to conducting AS 9100D gap analysis to refurbishing production equipment. As project scopes of work were determined, VMEC utilized their extensive network of Vermont-based businesses to deliver their services, in turn supporting additional Vermont businesses, making a deeper contribution to the state’s economy and GDP.
“We are delighted that the first year of our Maker’s Fund partnership with Northfield Savings Bank yielded such positive results for so many Vermont enterprises,” states Patrick Boyle, VMEC Center Director & CEO. “Being able to successfully provide access to services for a wide group of makers, who will help drive the Vermont economy by sustaining and creating jobs, simply adds to the manufacturing base as a whole and the economic impact it delivers.”
As it enters the second year of the current agreement and based on the successful completion of year one, NSB has graciously agreed to commit to an additional $30,000 over a one year period, beginning on October 1, 2026 and concluding on September 30, 2027.
Rosemarie White, NSB Senior VP of Commercial Banking adds: “The Maker’s Fund has created a large and positive impact with Vermont’s smaller manufacturers. The contribution has addressed the “If I only had time for” and “I know we need this, but we don’t have the money” bottlenecks. Each of the companies who benefited from the fund are dedicated to their craft, giving them a competitive advantage and a powerful tool for unlocking their future potential. The impact is real not only for individual businesses, but for the broader health of Vermont’s economy. We are pleased to be able to extend the fund for an additional year beyond our original two year agreement.”
Inaugural Maker’s Fund recipient Frank Dell’Amore, President of Dell’Amore Enterprises Inc., had this to say about his experience: “I was extremely fortunate to have been connected to VMEC through Kathi O’Reilly of the Colchester Community Development Corporation. Brett Ference, VMEC Director of Business Development, offered expert advice and a solution in a matter of days for our processing equipment issue. Without the financial assistance of the Maker’s Fund, Dell’Amore would not have been able to complete the project. We are grateful to VMEC and Northfield Savings Bank.”
If you are interested in the 2025-2026 Maker’s Fund opportunity, please visit VMEC’s Funding, Partner and Resource page for complete guidelines to see if your company is eligible to leverage the fund and its benefits.
About VMEC
Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “To Strengthen and Empower Vermont Manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC provides proven systems and solutions focused on strategies, processes, products, technologies and people.
About NSB
Northfield Savings Bank is the largest bank headquartered in Vermont, with 13 offices serving Central Vermont and Chittenden County. Founded in 1867, NSB has remained a mutual institution throughout its history, focused on strong community impact in the Green Mountain State. NSB offers a full range of products and services for commercial, government, mortgage, and personal banking customers. More information available at nsbvt.com.
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