Help for Flooded Businesses & The Gathering

August 29, 2024

Governor Lamont is allocating some state funding to support small businesses that experienced damage from last week's flooding. I'll break down how much those eligible businesses could receive in grants.

I will be promoting two huge events that are coming to Waterbury in September. I'll let you know when The Gathering and Waterbury's 350th Anniversary Community Celebration will take place.

A charging station for electric vehicles is coming to Waterbury. Please read below to learn where the state will be installing that technology.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Help for Businesses Damaged in Flooding
  • The Gathering & 350th Anniversary Celebration
  • Charging Station Coming to Waterbury
 
Help for Businesses Damaged in Flooding

Our state government is providing a lifeline to small businesses that are reeling from the record rainfall and subsequent flooding last week in Western Connecticut. This is a positive development especially for those of you who may have a business in the Naugatuck Valley. Governor Ned Lamont is allocating $5 million in state funding to launch a micro-grant program so those businesses can rebuild and recover from the damage.

Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 will be available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and experienced damage from the floods. Grants can be used to cover various expenses to help in the recovery, including those associated with cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment.
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development will administer the program on behalf of DECD by the WBDC, a nonprofit organization based in Fairfield County that works to support business growth and job creation statewide. On September 3, 2024, the WBDC will launch an application process for businesses to seek grants. Applicants will be required to provide detailed descriptions of how their businesses were impacted and include photos, receipts, invoices, and estimates where applicable.
Click here to learn more
 
The Gathering & 350th Anniversary Celebration

The most culturally diverse festival in New England is coming back this September! Enjoy music, food, and dance from around the world at The Gathering on Saturday, September 28th, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Library Park in Downtown Waterbury. Our city will also celebrate Waterbury’s 350th anniversary with a festival on Friday, September 27 at 4:00 P.M. on the Waterbury Green.

I will be promoting both of these events on the radio next week. Please tune into WATR 97.7 FM or 1320 AM on Tuesday, September 3 at 9:00 A.M. I’ll be speaking with John Murray from the Waterbury Observer and breaking down what to expect at these amazing festivities!
 
Charging Station Coming to Waterbury

The state will build an electric vehicle charging station in Waterbury. The project is funded by the federal government. Crews will set up a Level 3 EV charging station with a minimum of four Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 105 Meriden Road. You can get there by taking exit 22 on I-84 westbound or exit 23 on I-84 eastbound. CLICK HERE to learn more.