Geoff Luxenberg

The online application for the newly announced Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program are set to open next week. The grant was created to help small businesses and nonprofits that continue to be negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut with a 2019 payroll of less than $1.5 million OR 20 or fewer employees can apply for a one-time grant of $5,000. All funding will be disbursed by the end of the year.

Last week, DECD Deputy Commissioner Thames hosted an informational ZOOM call with small businesses and nonprofits to review the details of the program and answer questions. If you missed the session you can view it on DECD's Facebook page.

Reminder that CT rolled back to Phase 2.1 rules Today

Governor Lamont Monday announced that due to the steadily increasing rate of COVID-19 in Connecticut, he is ordering the entire state to roll back to Phase 2.1 rules – a slightly modified version of the previously enacted Phase 2 rules – effective TODAY.

The major changes that will occur under Phase 2.1 include:

• Restaurants will reduce to 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 8 people limited to a table
• Restaurants and entertainment venues (i.e. bowling allies, movie theaters, arcades, etc.) will be required to close by 9:30 p.m., with the exception of food takeout and delivery services, which will be allowed to continue after 9:30 p.m.
• Personal services, such as hair salons and barber shops, will remain at 75 percent capacity
• Event venues will be limited to 25 people indoor, 50 people outdoor
• Performing arts venues and movie theaters will have a capacity of 100 people
• Religious gatherings will be limited to 50 percent capacity or 100 people maximum

• Total Cases (confirmed & probable): 1,144
• Total Deaths (confirmed & probable): 106