NEWPORT — Newport Downtown Development has received a $112,000 state grant to create a network of mobile vendor carts along Main Street.
The funds will support construction of custom vending carts and finance a marketing campaign targeting cross-border shoppers, aiming to enhance the downtown shopping experience near Lake Memphremagog.
The project is one of 16 funded through Governor Phil Scott’s Transformational Tourism, Events, and Regional Marketing Grant Program, designed to attract out-of-state visitors and increase overnight stays.
“Tourism is an important part of our economy, and our small businesses, restaurants and shops all benefit from the revenue brought in by visitors coming to Vermont,” Scott said.
The project will provide vendors with mobile carts, secure storage in the Tasting Center, and city permits. Participants must commit to operating three times weekly during evenings and weekends. Vendors will also receive free promotion and marketing from NDD.
The program offers free usage for the first month, followed by $50 monthly rentals through April 2025.
“These grants are funding projects that will help revitalize communities across the state,” Scott added.
