On August 26 Governor Ned Lamont announced that $5 million in state funding will be made available for small businesses and nonprofits that were impacted by last week’s historic rainfall and flooding across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties.
Businesses and non-profits with fewer than 100 employees that were damaged in the flood can apply for a grant of up to $25,000. The funds can be used to cover expenses pertaining to recovery from the disaster including cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment.
“We are working to quickly launch this state grant program in an effort to help small, locally-owned businesses rebuild, repair, and re-open as soon as possible,” Governor Lamont said during a press conference in Seymour at the 67 Family Diner, an impacted business. “Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the heart and soul of our communities, and they employ thousands of workers. In addition to this state-funded program, we are working with our federal partners to determine eligibility that could provide further support for our business community, and this program is one component of the recovery effort. I am committed to supporting Connecticut throughout the recovery process.”
“This kind of unforeseen natural disaster can cripple small businesses that may not have the financial resources to quickly recover, rebuild and reopen,” Commissioner O’Keefe said. “This micro-grant program is an important first step on the road to recovery, providing critical gap funding to help our small businesses stabilize operations as best they can while they pursue more long-term support from the federal government or other sources.”
The Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council will administer the grant process, and plans to launch an application portal on September 3. Check their site for updates at https://ctwbdc.org/
