Manufacturing Consortium

NEK Chamber

Manufacturing consortium

Collaborating for a stronger manufacturing future.

Our Goals:

The Northeast Kingdom Manufacturing Consortium is a regional initiative led by the Chamber to bring together manufacturers from across the NEK to address shared challenges and opportunities. This consortium creates a space for business leaders to connect, identify core needs for success, and shape solutions through coordinated action.


Together with partners in education and workforce development—including local Career & Technical Education (CTE) centers, Community College of Vermont (CCV), Vermont State University (VTSU), the Vermont Department of Labor, and others—we are working to build a stronger talent pipeline, improve access to training, and support innovation across the manufacturing sector.


By aligning industry and education, the consortium aims to ensure that our region’s manufacturers are equipped with the workforce, resources, and support needed to thrive—today and into the future.

News & Updates:

Governor Peter Welch and a NEK Chamber Member

Northeast Kingdom Chosen By State For Workforce Development Pilot Program

Read The Article

Workforce Development & Training

  • Vermont Department of Labor

    Workforce Expansion Program (grants for training, internships, apprenticeships)


  • Career & Technical Education Centers (CTEs)

    • Lyndon Institute – Advanced Manufacturing & Welding
    • St. Johnsbury Academy – Engineering & Tech Ed

  • Vermont State University – Lyndon & Randolph Campuses

    Industry-aligned programs, workforce pipeline partnerships


  • Vermont Adult Learning

    Upskilling programs, literacy, and credentialing

  • Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)

    Onsite training, lean manufacturing, and process optimization

Find More Resources Below

Business & Operations Support

  • NEK Chamber of Commerce

    Connections to peer companies, workforce partners, regional advocacy


  • Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA)

    Business relocation support, infrastructure planning, permitting assistance




  • Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC)

     Financial planning, scaling, succession planning



  • SCORE Vermont

    Manufacturing business mentorship


  • VT Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

    Help with government contracts and vendor compliance


Funding & Incentives:

  • Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA)

    Equipment loans, growth capital, working capital financing.

  • Community Capital of Vermont

    Microloans, low-barrier financing options.

  • USDA Rural Development

    Business and industry loans, energy efficiency grants

  • New Market Tax Credits

    For qualified projects in rural or low-income areas.

  • Workforce Training Grants

    From the Vermont Department of Labor and Agency of Commerce


  • CHIP (Community Housing Infrastructure Program)

    Site-readiness support for housing-related expansion near manufacturing hubs

Interested In Becoming

 A Sponsor?