Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce Renewed as GROW Grant Awardee

The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce has been renewed as a recipient of the State of Vermont’s GROW Grant (Grants for Relocation and Outreach Work), underscoring the Chamber’s successful efforts to strengthen workforce development and retention in Bennington County. Since first receiving the grant in the spring of 2024, the Chamber has used GROW funds to directly support the relocation and integration of new families into the region. To date, 14 families have moved to Bennington County with the Chamber’s assistance, while more than 100 new Vermonters have been connected to professional and social networks, including the Shires Young Professionals, to help establish lasting community ties. The renewed two-year grant ensures this momentum continues, providing resources to attract talent, assist employers with workforce needs, and foster a thriving and inclusive regional economy.

“This grant has proven to be a powerful investment in the future of Bennington County,” said

Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve seen firsthand how new families and workers bring energy, ideas, and vitality to our communities. With this renewal, we’re not just filling jobs—we’re building stronger, more connected communities where people want to live and stay.”

Luis Lascari, Relocation and Retention Specialist at the Chamber, developed the program over the past 18 months, drawing on his own experience as a transplant to Vermont. His work has emphasized livability, inclusion, and genuine connections for those moving to the region.

“What makes this work meaningful is seeing how quickly newcomers find their footing when they’re welcomed into supportive networks,” Lascari said. “From young professionals to families seeking a new start, the GROW grant allows us to make those critical introductions that transform a move into a true homecoming.”

Over the past 18 months, the GROW program supported the growth of the Shires Young Professionals, the creation of New Vermonter welcome programs, and strategic partnerships with employers such as the upcoming Teach in Vermont series. In addition, with the support of this grant, the Chamber offers a cost-free concierge service for potential new Vermonters, providing assistance with job placement, housing, schooling, and community connections.

For more information about relocation and workforce initiatives in Bennington County, visit www.bennington.com. Employers looking for relocation assistance for out-of-state hires can contact Lascari directly at luis@bennington.com.