Connecticut grants for Small businesses

This program provides financial support to retail, service, and restaurant businesses in East Haddam and Haddam to help them recover from revenue losses caused by local construction disruptions.

This program provides funding to municipalities and organizations for projects that enhance community development, transportation, housing, and public services in economically distressed areas of Connecticut.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to bioscience start-ups, early-stage businesses, and academic institutions in Connecticut to help accelerate the commercialization of innovative bioscience breakthroughs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small community organizations and Tribal entities in New England to tackle environmental and public health issues in disadvantaged communities.

This grant provides funding to dairy processors, associations, packaging manufacturers, and educational institutions in the Northeast to support innovative projects that improve processing and packaging in the dairy industry.

The Federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program provides annual matching federal grants to support the purchase, installation, repair/upgrade, operation, and maintenance of recreational vessel marine sanitation facilities (pumpout facilities) and pumpout vessels in Connecticut. The program aims to improve water quality by increasing the availability of proper waste handling facilities for boaters, thereby reducing the discharge of poorly treated or untreated sanitary wastes into Long Island Sound and its harbors. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, municipal and state-owned facilities, and pumpout vessel programs. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring a 25% match from grantees. Approximately $1 million is available annually. Grant renewed every year.

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven (ACGNH) is excited to announce the West Haven ARPA Grant. Donor Name: Arts Council of Greater New Haven State: Connecticut City: West Haven Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: With the release of $116,250 of ARPA funds from the City of West Haven, The Arts Council of Greater New Haven (ACGNH) is proud to announce the rapid release of funds to stimulate arts + culture activity in West Haven, CT this summer. Alongside the partners at ArtsWest CT, they are working to distribute microgrants of $2,500-10,000 each to artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses in West Haven. Given the rapid nature of this funding process, feasibility is one of the most important criteria for the panelists reviewing your application. They strongly encourage applicants to consider proposals that are easy to execute in the project period such as equipment purchases, GOS expenses (rent, subscriptions, etc.), artistic commissions, or offsetting costs of previously planned activities within the project period. Applicants should not submit applications for new projects or events that would need to be conceived, organized, and produced within the 2-month timeframe. Uses of funds  Because of the emphasis on feasibility, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that fall into the following categories. If you have an alternative idea to what they have proposed, please ask us in advance! General Operating Support (GOS): rent expenses, equipment purchases/rentals, subscriptions (web hosting, memberships, etc.), printing/mailing, contract labor (graphic designers, consultants, etc.). Project Support: physical materials, ground transportation, commissions, contract labor (performers, consultants, designers, etc.), advertising, venue rental, etc. Expenses can NOT include salaried employees paid via payroll (W-2 employees). PLEASE NOTE that if you receive this grant you will receive a 1099 and be responsible for paying income tax required by the law. Eligibility Criteria  Location: Applicants should EITHER be based in West Haven (e.g. individuals residing, or businesses registered, in West Haven) OR proposing a project that directly serves the West Haven community (e.g. commissioning a West Haven artist or renting space in West Haven for your next event). Age: Applicants must be over the age of 18 (if applying as individuals). Organizations/collectives applying must have a representative to receive the funds who is over the age of 18. Arts + Culture Focus: While they do believe in an expansive definition for arts and cultural–and encourage creative folks of all disciplines to apply for the microgrants–the applicant should demonstrate that the funds will be used in ways to clearly engage in artistic, historical, and/or culturally-specific activities. Applicants who submit proposals focused on other disciplines with an “add-on” artistic element will not be eligible for funding. Evaluation Criteria  The following are the criteria by which the review panel will evaluate, score, and award these microgrants. The questions are meant to guide your understanding of what they mean by each criteria, but are not the only ways to understand these values. Feasibility: Do you have the relationships and resources necessary to complete the proposal in the project period (July – August, 2024)? Equity + Inclusion: How does the proposal incorporate, serve, and/or support the historically marginalized residents of West Haven–especially the disabled folks, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and individuals of the global majority (BIPOC)? When applicable, does the application reflect equitable compensation levels for artists and administrators? Community: What community (or, communities) does the applicant serve within West Haven? How will this proposal activate, elevate, and/or support residents of West Haven? What partnerships will this project foster? For more information, visit ACGNH.

The Women’s Business Development Council is offering the Torrington Grant Program to help businesses in the City of Torrington, Connecticut grow. Donor Name: Women’s Business Development Council State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses (e.g. inventory, on-going marketing expenses, salaries), real estate improvements (e.g. construction costs), reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment. Funding Information Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, the business must: Have been in business for at least two years (as of the date of your application submission) with a record of sales Have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000 Be registered in Connecticut Be located in Torrington, Connecticut and have a zoning permit from the City of Torrington Be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Have an established business checking account Currently utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting) Be a for profit business Be owned by a person that is at least 18 years old The following businesses are not eligible: Child care businesses are not eligible for the WBDC/Torrington Small Business Grant.  If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you Any individual or business who has already received a grant from WBDC is not eligible Current vendors or contractors of WBDC are not eligible. Former vendors are eligible to apply a year after working with WBDC Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale. For more information, visit WBDC.

The City of West Haven is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of West Haven State: Connecticut County: New Haven County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The storefront facade program will provide funds to businesses to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas, as well as to provide added safety measures such as additional lighting to these areas. Successful applications will preserve or upgrade existing storefront facades to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrance. Uses of Funds Storefront/exterior improvements to facade  New windows  Doors  Awnings  Painting  Signage attached to facade  Siding, brick appointing  Exterior Lighting attached to façade  HVAC installation and/or upgrades  Outdoor dining and patio space (must be affixed to building, no furniture) Grant Information  Eligible applicants can apply for up to $10,000. Ineligible Grant Uses Work that has been completed prior to the execution of an agreement with the Department of Community Development and Planning are not eligible to participate in the program.  New construction  Temporary, portable, or non-permanent improvements  NEON SIGNS  The following improvements are not eligible under this program:  Interior improvements  Roofs, not part of a larger project  Removal of architecturally significant features  Other improvements not included in this list that are deemed ineligible by the City Property Owner/Business Eligibility Criteria  For-profit businesses must meet the definition of a small business, meaning:  Have no more than 50 full time employees, and  Are a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (which includes, among other requirements, that the business is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field of operation). Project Eligibility Criteria Criteria complies with the most recent US Treasury Guidelines and has been reviewed by our partners at UHY.  Business must be located within the City of West Haven  Business must have less than 50 FTE’s  Improvements must comply with City building and zoning standards. Proposed improvements may be required to receive SHPO approval to ensure any historical features are preserved or considered in the renovation Business must address how the requested funds will be used and relate to the Program objectives  Improvements are limited to the explicit uses listed above  Business must be in good standing with the City of West Haven AND the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service (ie. Fully permitted, up-to-date on taxes)  Business cannot have received alternate Federal, State, or Local funding to cover the        same intended costs  Business cannot have any pending litigation or legal action  Projects concerning outdoor dining are subject to proper permitting and zoning requirements  Note: If Business leases space to which intended capital improvements are to be made, Copy of  Lease and Prior written approval of Lessor will be Required. Additionally, Only Businesses that  Own Property or Businesses with lease term extending through June 2026 will be eligible. For more information, visit CWHC.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups with limited resources to launch new environmental projects or significantly shift existing ones, focusing on those that amplify diverse voices and address environmental justice issues.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

The Women’s Business Development Council offers grants of up to $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. Donor Name: Women’s Business Development Council State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Ignite is designed to help women-owned businesses grow! Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, the business must: Be 51% or more woman-owned Be headquartered in CT, registered in the state of CT, and owned by a CT resident Have been in business for at least two years before the application round deadline, with a record of sales Have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000 Be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Have an established business checking account Currently utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting) Be a for profit business Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old Have invested at least $2,500 into your business in the last 12 months, unless the business is located in a distressed municipality The following businesses are not eligible: Childcare businesses are not eligible for the Ignite Grant. If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you.  Any individual or business that has already received an Ignite Grant, Equity Match Grant or WBDC Municipal Grant is not eligible. Non-profit organizations are not eligible. Current vendors or contractors of WBDC are not eligible. (Former vendors are eligible to apply a year after working with WBDC.) Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-the-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale. For more information, visit WBDC.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Middlesex County, Connecticut, to help them sustain and grow their operations.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and community initiatives in Andover, helping to address local needs and enhance civic engagement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions that offer charitable programs benefiting residents of Plainville, focusing on basic needs, access to opportunities, and vibrant community initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports community initiatives in southeastern Connecticut that empower youth and address basic needs, focusing on collaboration and measurable outcomes to enhance well-being in lower-income areas.

This program provides financial assistance to licensed child care providers in Connecticut looking to expand their operations and increase their capacity to serve more families.