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Community action agencies ask Vermont House for $1.15M to expand micro‑business, tax and financial coaching services
Summary
Capstone Community Action told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Feb. 17 that community action agencies are seeking $1.15 million in additional state funding to bolster micro‑business development, the VITA tax‑assistance program and statewide financial coaching; committee members asked for statewide intake and waitlist data before recommending appropriations.
Representatives from Capstone Community Action urged the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Feb. 17, 2026, to increase state funding for programs that support micro‑businesses, tax filing assistance and financial coaching, saying the services help low‑income Vermonters move out of poverty and can lead to business starts and jobs.
"We are coming to the legislature this year to ask. We have a big ask for micro business, which is an increase of about $500,000 above the base," said Liz Scharf, director of community economic development and food security at Capstone Community Action. Scharf outlined a three‑part request that seeks an additional $500,000 for micro‑business development (above a current base of $493,000), a $150,000 increase for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (to $550,000) and $500,000 in base funding for financial coaching — a total additional request of…
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