Kara Rochelle

I am pleased to announce the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development has created the CT CARES Small Business Grant Program to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small businesses are run by our neighbors and drive our economy, particularly our local economy. During these unprecedented times, small businesses have been there for residents with food donations, personal protective equipment, scholarship opportunities, and more. These grants will help small businesses stay open and I encourage business owners to apply for them.

The program is funded through a $50 million allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and prioritizes $25 million for businesses and nonprofits in the state's 25 distressed municipalities, of which Ansonia and Derby rank first and fifth, respectively.

Eligible businesses and nonprofits can receive a one-time $5,000 grant for payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, inventory, purchase of equipment and more. Funds will be distributed to approved applicants by the end of the year.

Eligible businesses include:

• Businesses with no more than $1.5 million in annual payroll
• Businesses with 20 or fewer employees
• Home-based businesses
• For-profit businesses using any type of incorporation, and 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(7), and 501(c)(19) nonprofits
• Sole proprietorships

The online application will open November 9. Prior to November 9, DECD will hold webinars, FAQ sessions, and more to educate business owners about the grant program and help them through the application process.

More information about the new CT CARES Small Business Grant Program and eligibility requirements is available on the DECD website www.ct.gov/DECD under the "Coronavirus Business Recovery" page.

Business owners and residents who need assistance can reach out to my office at 860-240-8585 or email Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

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