MJ Shannon

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17, and runs through Saturday, August 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week

• Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
• Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.

This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.

Click here for a list of exempt and taxable items during Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week.

Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.

According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years bringing the total to nearly 226,000 people who have signed up for the emergency notifications.
DESPP offered a number of tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:

• Download the CTPrepares app for your mobile phone so you know how to prepare for any emergency.
• Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
• Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cell phone charger.
• Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Signing up for CT alert system can be done online or by texting CTALERT to 888-777.

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open and accepting applications!

This scholarship supports students who:

• Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
• Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
• Are in good academic standing
• Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements

 Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:

•  High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
• Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program

Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator. To learn more, click HERE.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs  through September 16. You can find additional information on Ignite here.   
 
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through August 31. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
 
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.