$7.2M in Grants for Small Businesses

October 28, 2022
On Monday, Governor Lamont shared wonderful news that his administration is making a five-year, $46.6 million investment to expand small business assistance programs across Connecticut.

I am excited to share that the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is slated to receive $7.2 million in grant funding, which it will use to build a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem and a more resilient small business landscape in Greater New Haven.

This is great news and will allow the foundation to continue providing support to underserved businesses in our community.
 
Access Health Open Enrollment
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment Period will open on Tuesday, November 1. During this period, individuals can renew their coverage, explore the various policy options for the first time or see if they can save money.

How to Enroll:

  • In-person: Find all in-person enrollment locations across Connecticut by clicking here
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com to learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
    • Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, click here

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.

 
Drug Takeback
Derby, Orange and Woodbridge will all host various drug takeback events tomorrow!

Bring all your unwanted or expired medication to be properly disposed of, just check the fliers below to see what will and will not be accepted.

 
Ongoing Roadwork

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is continuing its nighttime bridge maintenance project on Route 8 northbound and southbound in Shelton.

The project started last Sunday, October 23, and will run through Thursday, November 10.

Lane Closure Info:

  • Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 8 Northbound and Southbound in Shelton between Exit 13 (Constitution Blvd) and Exit 15 (Main St.) in Shelton/Derby
  • Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone
  • The regular work schedule for this project is from 7:30PM - 5:30AM
 
Anticipated Roadwork in 2023
The Department of Transportation’s (Department) Office of Engineering is developing plans to resurface the pavement on Interstate 95 and the entrance and exit ramps, in the northbound and southbound directions, in the City of Milford and the Town of Orange. Construction is anticipated to start in the spring of 2023.
 
New England Farmer Microgrants Program
This is a reminder that applications are open for the 2023 New England Farmer Microgrants Program (NEFMP)!

The NEFMP provides direct financial support to farmers across New England. The program seeks to address some of the key barriers faced by farmers in the region: access to farmland, farm succession/transfer planning, and the adoption of regenerative farming practices.

In 2023, NEFMP will consist of two separate funding opportunities. Most funds will be awarded as $10,000 grants through the Western New England Regenerative Livestock Farming conservation partnership project, aimed at livestock producers in select counties. A smaller number of awards will be granted through the Farmland Access, Succession, and Transfer Support funding opportunity, in amounts of $5,000 each, for farmers anywhere in New England.

If you need the materials in Spanish, please email Kristen Irvin. Si necesita los materiales en español, envíe un correo electrónico a Kristen Irvin.

Please click the button below to learn more and apply before November 4th.

Learn More & Apply
 
Absentee Ballot Applications

The General Election on November, 8 is less than two weeks away!

To ensure that your voice is heard this election, please find important information below about voter registration, and absentee ballots:

Are you registered to vote?

Do you need an Absentee Ballot?

 
Aid for Florida & The Caribbean
As Florida, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic continue to build back from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, we can maintain our support!

Below I have shared a number of verified organizations and donation sides for you to provide aide for those in need.

Florida:

Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic:

 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.