The Vermont Economic Development Authority closed 176 business and agricultural loans totaling $59.8 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2026, the authority reported Oct. 30.
VEDA says the financed projects also drew $110.3 million in private and other capital spending. That additional amount is separate from the authority's own loans.
Its Oct. 30 release lists 25 business ownership transitions, 24 start-ups and 16 expansions among the year's activity. More than half of VEDA financing went toward land, buildings, machinery or equipment.
The authority says financed projects created or retained 576 jobs. The release did not say how many of those positions were new.
VEDA reported average hourly wages of $32.69 at financed companies, a figure that includes benefits.
The authority released the results at its annual meeting at The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex Town. It says a recent statutory change allows it to lend to multi-unit housing projects, adding housing to its future financing work.