COVID-19 Coronavirus Resource Page for Manufacturers

This Manufacturers Resource Page focuses on valuable local, state and national resources, including manufacturing-related topics and ideas that can assist you with COVID-19 related concerns for your company and your employees. VMEC is here for support, whether it be a phone call or virtual meeting with your CEO, team, department or entire company. Contact us at (802) 728-1432, [email protected] or connect with your Business Advisor at this link.

Vermont is Fully Open

As of June 14, 2021, more than 80% of eligible Vermonters have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and Governor Phil Scott has authorized the move to Step 4 of the Vermont Forward Plan, lifting business, gathering, and travel related restrictions, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.

Workplace Safety Top 10 Recommendations Relating to COVID-19

On June 8, 2021, the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency (VOSHA) distributed a memo including recommendations to Vermont employers on workplace safety as it relates to COVID-19. Read the full memo or download the PDF version. Additionally federal OSHA has also issued guidance.

Looking for online Workplace Safety Training? VOSHA no longer requires Vermont employers to provide its previously required safety training to employees in order for them to return to the workplace. Employers looking for more assistance are encouraged to contact the VOSHA team.

Proclamation to Stay Safe, Stay Strong, Stay Open!

Issued by the RestartVT Manufacturing Working Group concerning the operations of Vermont’s manufacturing, fulfillment and distribution sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, this proclamation is an assertion that Vermont’s manufacturing sector is critical for the state’s economic recovery, health and future development.

VMEC COVID-19 On-Site work policy

Updated Policy (effective April 11, 2022) While we will continue to work remotely when we can, we’re ready to visit you at your facility as well. We are committed to adapting our work to meet our mission and help you meet yours, while maintaining the health, safety and well-being of your staff and ours too. View this short video to hear how we will help you navigate the “new” manufacturing landscape and what lies ahead – with responsiveness and resiliency.

Governor Releases 3-Phased Reopening Plan for Vermont Manufacturing, Fulfillment and Distribution

On Friday, May 1, 2020, Governor Phil Scott released Vermont’s 3-Phased Reopening Plan for Vermont’s Manufacturing, Fulfillment and Distribution enterprises, after many companies began taking their first, important steps towards recovery on April 27, in a measured fashion. “The Plan” is considered “a living document” and will be continuously updated and improved as information and guidance is refined and new best practices emerge.

Message from Bob Zider, VMEC Director and CEO

Listen to this 90-second message from Bob Zider, VMEC Director and CEO, speak about how your most trusted business resource is here for you now during your organization’s Operational Recovery, Continuous Improvement and Resiliency.

VOSHA, Department of Health provide training for Vermonters to return to work

All employees, including those already working (except healthcare workers, first responders, and others already trained in infection control, personal protection/universal precautions), must complete, and employers must document, this training on mandatory health and safety requirements, or another training program that meets or exceeds this VOSHA-provided training. VOSHA training and other materials were developed in conjunction with the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Commerce & Community Development (ACCD). VOSHA training materials can be found by visiting this link.

Senior Leader COVID-19 Survival Guide – 5 Step Survival Tool

In less than 1 hour, you can begin to create an initial, actionable plan for your business and family. This simple paper & pencil tool will help you begin to protect your business in a time of crisis. Click here to get started today and connect with your Business Advisor at this link.

VMEC COVID-19 Crisis Response Services

VMEC Manufacturing Advisors are available for free remote crisis response consultations. Some specific and immediate services VMEC can provide include:

Support and Problem Solving: Remote consultations and facilitation to help company leaders rapidly apply problem solving methods and innovative thinking to operational, workforce, supply chain, cash flow, business continuity and other issues as well as support in planning future Recovery and Resiliency responses.

Supply Chain: Assistance to find solutions to current and anticipated disruptions in supplies of raw materials, parts, and other necessities. VMEC can quickly tap into the MEP National Network with 1200+ network advisors across all 50 states and Puerto Rico plus other federal and Vermont resources.

Re-deployment of Resources and/or Re-Tooling: Assistance to help manufacturers respond to critical needs for healthcare supplies and equipment identified by Vermont and the federal government. Assistance could take many forms including: identifying opportunities, assessing feasibility and gaps, line layout, distribution channels, connections with other manufacturers and technical resources, and methods for rapidly retraining employees such as Training Within Industry Job Instruction (TWI JI).

Vermont State Resources for Financial Assistance & Other Information

- ReVTA (Restart Vermont Technical Assistance) program webinar, recorded December 2020 Hosted by BDCC (Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation) as part of the ReVTA program, this valuable hour-long session includes a legal update, an overview of the employment laws and regulations related to COVID-19 facing Vermont employers as well as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, employee travel, disability-related issues and vaccinations.
- State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) Stay up to date with the latest information as it relates to Resources for Businesses, Individuals and Communities. Businesses are asked to complete an assessment form and return it to [email protected] as soon as possible to help them advocate for eligibility. They are looking for data on impacts in the areas of: Economic Injury, Supply Chain, Workforce (including that caused by lack of childcare), Business Travel, Visitor Travel & Tourism Activities and Remote Work Capabilities. Please continue to share your impacts via the Agency Business Impact Form, which will help them assess the full impact as they work toward solutions.
- State of Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott Vermont small business owners suffering economic injury due the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans, following a statewide disaster declaration.
- Vt Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) Request advising registration and disaster COVID-19 Business Lending updates
- State of Vermont Department of Labor (DOL) Stay up-to-date on valuable guidance for Employers and Employees as well as establishing your initial Unemployment Insurance claim on-line; visit the extensive and continuously updated FAQ page for both parties as it relates to COVID-19.
- ACCD International Trade Assistance Changes have been made to the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant allowances for digital export-related activities. This may be helpful to companies planning their recovery strategies due to COVID-19. STEP’s objective is to increase the number of small business exporters and increase export sales.
- State of Vermont Department of Financial Regulation The DFR has developed COVID-19 and Business Income Insurance guidance to address numerous questions from the business community in Vermont. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has also posted an Insurance Brief, COVID-19 and Insurance, which provides a good overview of how different types of policies respond to losses related to COVID-19, including Travel, Health, Life, Annuities, Business Interruption, Workers’ Compensation, and other insurance.
- Associated Industries of Vermont (AIV) This statewide association provides legislative and regulatory advocacy and representation at the state and federal levels and has been very active in the COVID-19 efforts.
- Office of the Vermont Attorney General
- Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
- Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)

National Resources for Financial Assistance & Other Information

NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) This site is specifically directed to manufacturers and provides business management information, federal agency access and supply chain resources. A main feature of the web page, is a Critical Supply Survey. This survey helps locate volunteers who can donate and provide and/or produce large-scale quantities of critical supplies to help the nation respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal Disaster Loan assistance is available for businesses, private non-profits, homeowners and renters. Also, the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act was signed into law to assist business owners with immediate financial needs. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that are available from the SBA to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. Also, read here about the automatic deferment on existing SBA Disaster Loans through the end of 2020.
U.S. Department of the Treasury The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation The Save Small Business Fund will offer grants of $5,000 to businesses that employ between 3 and 20 people; are located in economically vulnerable communities; and have been harmed by the COVID -19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and the application process is open now. Many towns in Vermont are eligible. Businesses can check for eligibility by entering their ZIP Code on the website.
USDA Rural Development USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Workplace Health and Safety

Cybersecurity and Resiliency

Department of Homeland Security The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) continues to monitor the COVID-19 – situation closely, taking part in government and industry coordination calls, issuing guidance and working with critical infrastructure partners to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate effects in the U.S.

Additional Resources

Prioritization and Allocation of Certain Scarce or Threatened Health and Medical Resources for Domestic Use FEMA is issuing a temporary rule to allocate certain scarce or threatened materials for domestic use, so that these materials may not be exported from the United States without explicit approval.
University of Vermont Extension podcast for Food Manufacturers – What you need to know about COVID-19
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
State of Vermont Department of Public Safety Vermont Emergency Management
State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Open Source COVID-19 Medical Supplies guide Developed by the maker community, this open source compendium of manufacturing blueprints and specifications contains many of the critical items on state and hospital critical needs lists. Also, check out OSCMS’ public Facebook Group page.