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Outdoor-economy nonprofit seeks $500,000 in FY26 for business and workforce programs
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Summary
A statewide outdoor-economy organization told the Senate Economic Development committee it seeks $500,000 in fiscal 2026 — split evenly between business/climate technical assistance and workforce training — to expand entrepreneurship supports, market access and trail-builder and technician training.
On Feb. 19 the Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee heard a request for a $500,000 state investment in Vermont’s outdoor economy from a statewide outdoor-sector nonprofit. The presenter, identified in committee remarks as Kelly (no last name provided), described a two-part FY26 ask: $250,000 for business support programs focused on climate adaptation and circular-economy practices, and $250,000 for employer-led workforce development and technical training.
Kelly told senators the sector represents a multibillion-dollar outdoor economy in Vermont and said the nonprofit’s work organizes small manufacturers, retailers, trail builders, lodging providers and other outdoor businesses to provide tailored technical assistance, market access and workforce training. The group referenced a planning process administered with the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (ORAC) and said prior grant-funded programs had delivered technical assistance to roughly 40 start-up or early-stage outdoor manufacturers and expanded a network of business advisors.
Testimony summarized two program tracks the organization proposed for FY26 funding: a business-technical assistance track to extend climate-resilient product development, circular-economy shifts (reuse/recycling) and market access to roughly 80 Vermont small companies; and a workforce-development track to expand hands-on, employer-led training and to institutionalize a career portal and marketing materials that showcase technical occupations in the outdoor sector. The group said prior training pilots served dozens of professionals and that the FY26 funding would aim to train about 100 professionals in high-demand, climate-related skills and trail- or equipment-technical occupations.
Senators asked how the nonprofit’s work aligns with existing small-business and workforce resources. Committee chair Senator Allison Clarkson urged the presenter to coordinate with the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development and to document overlap with existing small-business assistance programs so state funds can be targeted to gaps. The committee also discussed existing partnerships with Vermont State University and career and technical education centers on a sustainable trail-builder certificate program and pilot training placements.
Kelly said the nonprofit has convened trade shows and an Outdoor PitchFest (12 applicants; five pitched; two received awards) and has been placing trainees with employers. The group emphasized the sector’s need for tailored legal, finance and marketing supports for people forming trail-building and outdoor-equipment businesses, and the value of employer-driven curriculum for technical roles such as ski and snowboard technicians, trail builders and manufacturing technicians.
Committee members signaled interest in the workforce elements after crossover and encouraged the presenter to send legislative language and budget language to committee counsel for incorporation in the committee’s economic development bill. No committee vote was taken on the funding request during the Feb. 19 session.
Ending: Committee staff and the presenter agreed to follow up on legislative language, coordinate with workforce office leadership and continue to refine program scope and overlap with existing state programs.
