DECD Announces Small Business Grant Program

October 21, 2020

I am pleased to announce the state has created the CT CARES Small Business Grant Program to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small businesses are run by our neighbors and drive our local and state economies. Despite these unprecedented times, small businesses have continued to serve our community and have been there for residents with food donations, personal protective equipment and more. These grants will help small businesses stay open and I encourage eligible business owners to apply for them.

The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and funded through a $50 million installment 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 and $25 million for those outside distressed municipalities.

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 the week of 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 "CT CARES Small Business Grant Program" page.

Business owners and residents who need assistance can reach out to me on my personal cell phone at 860-335-6122 or email Gary.Turco@cga.ct.gov.