In addition to keeping track of federal and state funding opportunities, we are looking out for grants for small businesses and nonprofits. We will be updating this blog with new grants as we become aware of them.
Federal and State Funding:
Our partner CT Small Business Development Center offers guidance and counseling on federal and state funding opportunities. COVID-19 relief programs include the Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance, and Tax Credits for Employee Retention. Overview of current programs and requirements.
The federal Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance. This new program is specifically for arts, performing arts organizations and venues, and movie theaters.
Small Business:
Connecticut Innovations offers a number of grant opportunities at for innovative entrepreneurs at different business stages.
Women’s Business Development Council Opportunity Fund offers the Equity Match Grant Program for women and minority entrepreneurs.
Barstool Sports created the Barstool Fund to help small business. The Today Show featured some CT beneficiaries.
As of January 14, these CT business have been supported:
- New York Pickle Deli, Rocky Hill
- Gaetano’s Taven on Main, Wallingford
- Piggy’s Café, Hartford: Read more in The Hartford Courant
- Laskara, Wallingford
- Red Rock Tavern, Hartford
LISC Rural Relief Small Business Grants open applications for their next round of funding January 26 – February, 2021. The grants are for businesses located in rural communities or populations 50,000 or less.
Ball, the company that makes jars, is sponsoring a Made for More Small Business Fund for businesses who use their products. The contest awards 10 businesses who have given back to their community during the pandemic $10,000.
Nav Small Business Grant supports business growth with a $10,000 and $5,000 award each cycle. This cycle is open now until March 8.
DoorDash provided a $500,000 contribution to CT Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Relief Fund. The CT Restaurant Relief Fund will provide restaurants who have faced significant financial hardship the opportunity to apply for a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to help keep their business open and workers employed. Applications accepted through February 5.
Nonprofits:
NBC Project Innovation supports creative solutions around youth education, community engagement, inclusion, and emerging youth talent in news, arts, sports and entertainment.
Pfizer offers community grants for nonprofits. Priority is given to STEM education programs with additional grants available for programs that provide for the underserved or in support of local civic and cultural institutions.
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut supports the 42 communities in our region and has been responsive to current needs.
Community giving from our local financial institutions has been very generous during this difficult time. Check with our member banks and credit unions for their foundation giving opportunities.
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