Connecticut Cares Small Business Grant Program

Governor Lamont announced today, the state has created the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program to help small businesses and nonprofits that continue to be negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut with a 2019 payroll of less than $1.5 million OR 20 or fewer employees can apply for a one-time grant of $5,000. DECD will administer the program and online applications are estimated to begin the week of November 9. All funding will be disbursed by the end of the year.

Per Governor Lamont’s direction, half of the funds will be allocated to small businesses and nonprofits located in towns and cities that have been designated as distressed municipalities. The program is funded from Connecticut’s portion of the federal CARES Act.

Additional information, along with eligibility requirements, can be found here. DECD will also host webinars and online discussions in the coming weeks to assist businesses and nonprofits with the application process. 


Webinar

Climate Action Business Summit
10/21-10/23

Forward thinking business leaders who understand the urgency and practicality of addressing climate change, head-on. Not later and not in small, gradual steps -- but swiftly and with purpose.


Presented in partnership by:
Conscious Capitalism - CT Chapter
Connecticut Sustainable Business Council

Milford Manufacturers

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COVID Relief Fund for the Arts
Governor Ned Lamont announced today that the State of Connecticut will be providing up to $9 million in grants to certain nonprofit arts organizations in the state to help them recover more quickly from the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifying organizations will receive a base grant of $5,000. For organizations that have raised funds between March 10 and November 1, 2020, the program will offer a supplemental match of 50 percent of contributed income during that period. The maximum award for any organization is $750,000.
 
Arts organizations eligible for funding include:
 
·    Performing Arts Centers: Multi-purpose facilities for arts programming, including theaters that present live performances and/or live classes;
·    Performing Groups: Groups of artists who perform works of art (e.g., an orchestra, theater, or dance group). To qualify, the organization must either own the venue in which it performs and/or spend more than 20 percent of its annual operating budget on rental of space used to perform; and
·    Schools of the Arts: Organizations that have arts education as its primary educational mission (e.g. community art schools).
 
The Connecticut Office of the Arts will be accepting applications between October 23 and November 3, and all contracts must be executed by December 30. Additional information on eligibility requirements and the application process can be found on DECD’s website.


Business Assistance Grant
We are pleased to announce small business grants through the Community Development Block Grant – CARES (CDBG-CV) – The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act). The City of Milford’s Department of Economic and Community Development will accept applications and administer the grant.

The program, funded through the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), was created under the federal CARES Act in a response to the economic impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the nation. 

Eligible businesses may qualify for a grant up to $5,000.
Join us for a Webinar with CTPTAC
hosted by
Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce
City of Milford Economic Development
October 21st, 2020
11am-12pm




Join Frank Dixon, State Director of the Connecticut Procurement Technical Assistance Center as he talks about doing business with the government.

Frank leads the program efforts for over five (5) PTAC offices across the state of Connecticut. Frank works closely with PTAC staff, economic development entities and federal, state and local government agencies to assist small and medium-size businesses in their public contracting goals.


Celebrating a success, business anniversary, award or other milestone? Please let us know so we can feature your business.

Best,

Julie Nash
Director of Economic and Community Development
70 West River Street
Milford, CT 06460
Phone 203-783-3230
Fax 203-878-7394