Connecticut grants for Small businesses

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers the Ignite Grant, a program designed to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. This initiative directly aligns with the WBDC's mission to support women entrepreneurs by providing crucial financial resources. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, are specifically for clearly defined projects that demonstrate a measurable impact on business expansion. The target beneficiaries of the Ignite Grant are women-owned businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, registered in the state, and owned by a Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old. These businesses must have been operating for at least two years with a record of sales, possess annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services. They must also have an established business checking account and utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system. The program explicitly aims to support for-profit businesses. The WBDC prioritizes projects that will have a demonstrable impact on business growth and profitability, encouraging recipients to invest at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality. Certain businesses are ineligible, including childcare businesses (though other WBDC programs may apply to them), non-profit organizations, current WBDC vendors, and businesses that have previously received an Ignite, Equity Match, or WBDC Municipal Grant. Additionally, businesses in industries such as medical marijuana, liquor sales, adult entertainment, vape/tobacco, gambling, gun sales, and various financial services or "going-out-of-business" sales are excluded. The expected outcomes of the Ignite Grant are the measurable growth and increased profitability of recipient businesses. By providing capital for specific projects, the WBDC aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Connecticut. The program's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-defined projects within eligible women-owned businesses, the WBDC can directly facilitate sustainable business development and economic empowerment for women in the state.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Middlesex County, Connecticut, helping them sustain and grow their operations while addressing financial challenges.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and community initiatives in Andover, helping to address local needs and enhance civic engagement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and public organizations that deliver charitable programs benefiting residents of Plainville, focusing on basic needs, access to opportunities, and vibrant community initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to healthcare providers in Connecticut to implement innovative artificial intelligence-driven remote patient monitoring and care coordination models, particularly aimed at improving healthcare access for rural populations.

This funding opportunity supports community initiatives in southeastern Connecticut that empower youth and address basic needs, focusing on collaboration and measurable outcomes to enhance well-being in lower-income areas.

This program provides cash grants to licensed child care businesses in Connecticut to support their expansion efforts, enabling them to create more child care slots and improve their operations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits focused on community development initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, and Texas.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Eastern Connecticut that work to protect the environment, promote community well-being, and engage youth, particularly from underserved backgrounds, in environmental stewardship and education.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This program provides funding and training to community organizations in historically underserved areas of New England and New York City to support local composting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community resilience.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This program provides funding to organizations and individuals in Connecticut to develop and implement initiatives that promote child safety and prevent unintentional injuries among children.

This funding initiative provides financial support to organizations that help underserved job seekers in Greater New Haven overcome barriers to employment and achieve sustainable careers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Connecticut for initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence through crisis intervention training, public education, and promoting safe firearm storage.

This funding initiative provides financial support to established livestock farmers in select New England counties who are committed to implementing regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitats.

This grant provides financial support for initiatives that improve the physical and mental health of residents in Naugatuck through community engagement and collaboration on health-related programs.

This program provides financial incentives to farmers in select U.S. states to adopt agroforestry practices that integrate trees and shrubs into their agricultural systems, promoting environmental sustainability and new revenue opportunities.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits and community organizations in Suffield, Connecticut, for projects that address community needs and enhance civic engagement.