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 grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

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 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 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is offering its Mental Health Matters Grant Program, aiming to bolster mental health resources across Arizona. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance community health by addressing critical health needs, in this case, mental well-being. The program's core objective is to expand statewide resources, which includes increasing access to mental health services and support systems throughout all counties in Arizona. The grant program specifically targets non-profit organizations and academic institutions that are working to improve mental health outcomes. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for individuals to seek and receive necessary care. By connecting people to care that promotes positive mental health, the Foundation seeks to save lives and improve the overall well-being of Arizona residents. The program prioritizes mental health competitive grants, with individual awards up to $125,000. These funds are intended to support direct project-related expenses. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion of funding for lobbying, capital expenditures (such as buildings, construction, or renovations), and services that are otherwise billable. This focus ensures that the grant money is directly applied to program implementation and service delivery, maximizing its impact on mental health initiatives. The expected outcomes of the Mental Health Matters Grant Program include an increase in available mental health resources, a measurable reduction in mental health stigma, and a greater number of individuals successfully connected to mental health care services. The project period for these grants is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a focused year of activity. This clear timeline and funding structure reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in direct mental health support and anti-stigma efforts will lead to improved community mental health and healthier lives for Arizona citizens.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is offering the Torrington Grant Program, a grant designed to foster the growth of businesses located in Torrington, Connecticut. This initiative aligns with the WBDC's mission to support and empower businesses, particularly by providing crucial financial assistance that can contribute to economic development within the targeted city. The program specifically excludes the use of funds for operating expenses, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases, or debt repayment, emphasizing a focus on growth-oriented investments rather than day-to-day operational costs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are for-profit businesses situated in Torrington, Connecticut, that meet specific criteria. These businesses must have been in operation for at least two years with a record of sales, demonstrate annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, be registered in Connecticut, and hold a zoning permit from the City of Torrington. Additionally, they must be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services, possess an established business checking account, and utilize a formal digital bookkeeping/financial system. The owner must also be at least 18 years old. The impact goal is to stimulate economic vitality and stability within Torrington by supporting established local businesses. The program prioritizes businesses that are poised for growth and are operating within a structured financial framework. There is a clear focus on financial transparency and stability, as evidenced by the requirement for digital bookkeeping systems and good standing with the Department of Revenue Services. Certain types of businesses are explicitly ineligible, including childcare businesses (though WBDC offers other programs for them), businesses that have previously received a WBDC grant, current WBDC vendors or contractors, and a range of businesses such as medical marijuana, liquor stores, adult businesses, vape/tobacco shops, gambling-related businesses, gun stores, cash advance/pawn shops, and collection agencies. This selectivity ensures that the grants are directed towards businesses that align with the WBDC's strategic vision for community development and ethical business practices. Grants will range from $2,500 to $10,000. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the capacity and reach of the recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic activity within Torrington. By providing financial resources to qualifying businesses, the WBDC aims to strengthen the local business ecosystem and encourage long-term prosperity. This grant program is a direct manifestation of the WBDC's strategic priority to support local economies through targeted financial aid, operating under the theory of change that direct investment in compliant, established businesses will lead to enhanced economic stability and growth.

The City of West Haven's American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas. This initiative seeks to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrancy by preserving or upgrading existing storefront facades, contributing to the economic revitalization and community well-being of the city. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text describes a city-run grant program rather than a foundation. Therefore, the alignment is with the city's goal of urban improvement and economic development for its small businesses. The program primarily targets for-profit small businesses located within the City of West Haven, defined as having no more than 50 full-time employees and meeting the criteria of a small business concern as per the Small Business Act. These businesses must be in good standing with the City and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service, and cannot have received alternate funding for the same intended costs. The grant also has specific eligibility for property owners or businesses with lease terms extending through June 2026 if they lease their space. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more inviting and safer urban environment, encouraging local commerce, and supporting the financial health and longevity of West Haven's small businesses. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program include exterior improvements such as new windows, doors, awnings, painting, attached signage, siding, brick appointing, and exterior lighting. It also covers HVAC installation/upgrades and outdoor dining/patio space (if affixed to the building). The program explicitly excludes work completed prior to agreement execution, new construction, temporary improvements, neon signs, interior improvements, roofs (unless part of a larger project), and the removal of architecturally significant features. This selective approach ensures that funds are directed towards improvements that directly contribute to the facade's visual appeal and the overall streetscape. Expected outcomes of the program include a noticeable improvement in the appearance of storefronts, leading to increased foot traffic and commercial activity in the downtown and other public shopping areas. The addition of safety measures like enhanced lighting is anticipated to create a more secure environment for pedestrians and patrons. By providing financial assistance for these upgrades, the City of West Haven expects to stimulate local economic growth, retain existing businesses, and attract new investments, thereby reinforcing the city's identity as a vibrant and thriving community for its residents and visitors.

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 Connecticut-based organizations and businesses for developing infrastructure that strengthens the local food supply chain, focusing on enhancing the processing, storage, and distribution of regionally produced food products.

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 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) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers the Ignite Grant, a program designed to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. This initiative directly aligns with the WBDC's mission to support women entrepreneurs by providing crucial financial resources. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, are specifically for clearly defined projects that demonstrate a measurable impact on business expansion. The target beneficiaries of the Ignite Grant are women-owned businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, registered in the state, and owned by a Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old. These businesses must have been operating for at least two years with a record of sales, possess annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services. They must also have an established business checking account and utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system. The program explicitly aims to support for-profit businesses. The WBDC prioritizes projects that will have a demonstrable impact on business growth and profitability, encouraging recipients to invest at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality. Certain businesses are ineligible, including childcare businesses (though other WBDC programs may apply to them), non-profit organizations, current WBDC vendors, and businesses that have previously received an Ignite, Equity Match, or WBDC Municipal Grant. Additionally, businesses in industries such as medical marijuana, liquor sales, adult entertainment, vape/tobacco, gambling, gun sales, and various financial services or "going-out-of-business" sales are excluded. The expected outcomes of the Ignite Grant are the measurable growth and increased profitability of recipient businesses. By providing capital for specific projects, the WBDC aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Connecticut. The program's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-defined projects within eligible women-owned businesses, the WBDC can directly facilitate sustainable business development and economic empowerment for women in the state.

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.