WBDC taking applications for Ignite program for women businesses

The Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) is accepting applications for its 2025 Ignite Grant Program. Photo courtesy of WBDC

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), which is headquartered in Stamford, is accepting applications for its 2025 Ignite Grant Program.

This opportunity offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. Grant applications are due by  Monday, March 10.

WBDC is offering several information sessions as well as a “How to Calculate Projections” class to assist applicants with required documentation. Applicants who would like additional help preparing their application may book an appointment with a business advisor in English or Spanish at no cost.

Additional information about the program is available at the WBDC website.

Ignite, which is designed to help women-owned businesses grow, offers grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. The grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses, such as inventory, on-going marketing expenses, salaries, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment.

Applicants are required to have invested at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality.

Additionally, companies must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 51% or more woman-owned
  • Be headquartered, registered and owned by a resident in the state
  • Have been in business for at least two years before the application round deadline, with a record of sales
  • Have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000
  • Be in good standing with the state Department of Revenue Services
  • Have an established business bank account
  • Utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting)
  • Be a for-profit business
  • Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old

The following types of companies are not eligible:

  • Childcare businesses. If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs (see Child Care Business Opportunity Fund)
  • Any individual or business that has already received an Ignite Grant, Equity Match Grant or • WBDC Municipal Grant recipients
  • Non-profit organizations are not eligible.
  • Businesses established as sole proprietors
  • Current vendors or contractors of WBDC
  • Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale.