Connecticut Business and Commerce Grants

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

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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.

The Town of Trumbull is offering grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents through eligible programs, services, and capital investments. This funding originates from the federal government's ARPA program, specifically targeting the COVID-19 public health and economic response. The program aims to address the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector within Trumbull. This initiative aligns with the town's commitment to supporting its community and mitigating the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Trumbull residents, who will benefit from the services, programs, and capital investments provided by the selected community-based organizations and nonprofits. The overarching impact goal is to support the COVID-19 public health and economic recovery within the town. This includes addressing public health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and alleviating economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly support the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Eligible activities include those that address the pandemic's impact on public health and mitigate economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. There is a strong focus on organizations that demonstrate a palpable presence within the Town of Trumbull. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions, reduced economic hardship for households and businesses, and enhanced capacity of local nonprofits and community-based organizations to serve Trumbull residents. Measurable results will likely involve reporting on the number of residents served, the specific public health and economic issues addressed, and the overall impact of the funded programs. Applicants are required to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including periodic project and expenditure reports, ensuring accountability and the ability to track progress. The Town of Trumbull's strategic priority in launching this grant program is to effectively deploy federal ARPA funds to create a tangible positive impact on its community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory of change is that by providing financial support to local organizations, the town can empower these entities to deliver targeted, effective interventions that directly address the pandemic's multifaceted challenges, thereby fostering a stronger, more resilient Trumbull. This program is not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance, reinforcing its role as a supplementary and focused effort.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and other eligible entities for the assessment, remediation, and development of brownfield sites to promote community revitalization and economic growth in Connecticut.

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.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This funding opportunity supports multi-regional and statewide nonprofit organizations that provide programs benefiting communities in the Greater New Haven area, ensuring that less than 75% of their service population resides within the local 20-town region.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and municipalities in Somers, Connecticut, for projects that promote youth engagement, community activities, environmental initiatives, and cultural programming, benefiting local residents.

This program provides financial support of up to $25,000 to women-owned small businesses in Connecticut that have previously received WBDC funding and are seeking to expand their operations through targeted investments.

This program provides funding to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in the Northeast to enhance their operations, expand markets, and improve post-harvest activities.

This funding opportunity supports established dairy farmers, processors, brands, and producer associations in the Northeast to improve food safety, obtain certifications, and enhance market access through various projects.

This program provides funding to dairy processors in the Northeast to modernize their operations by acquiring specialized equipment that improves efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit projects that enhance civic participation and community engagement for residents of Avon, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable town.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Haven area to support initiatives that enhance economic security for women and girls through workforce training, entrepreneurship, housing stability, and childcare solutions.

This funding opportunity provides $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut, to implement impactful programs that benefit under-resourced communities.