CT Small Business Support Grant

• Applicants must operate a registered business entity within the State of Connecticut.
• Businesses must have been in continuous operation for at least two (2) consecutive (2) years and have no more than twenty-five (25) employees.
• Grants can be used for professional services (i.e., legal and accounting services), leasehold improvements, equipment and technology purchases, cyber insurance premiums, three (3) months of payroll* (not including business owners) or three (3) months for rent (not for existing rent. Only for business expansion, additional location, space). Related expenditures must be supported by acceptable documentation (invoices, receipts, cancelled checks). *Funds for payroll can also be used for contractors as well as existing new employees.
• Businesses that have received prior grants from HEDCO/SAMA since July 1, 2022, are ineligible to receive this grant.
• Qualifying businesses should be profitable as evidenced by tax returns and financial statements.
• NOTE: Businesses that receive grants from a grant administrator other than HEDCO, Inc., are NOT eligible for HEDCO’s grant funding.
• Existing small businesses are encouraged to apply. Additional requirements may be specified in the full application package.

The grant awards are going to be between $2,500 to $10,000.
Grant determinations are going to be decided based on the strength of the application and perceived add-value.
Submitting a grant application DOES NOT GUARANTEE that a grant is going to be awarded.

Applications must include the following documents and information:

Completed Grant Application Form: Complete all sections of the application (if applicable). Applications must be filled out accurately and completely. Failure to do so may result in ineligibility.

Executive Summary: Outline your business, growth plans, current number of employees, and other relevant details. How does a small business grant assist the business?

Proof of Business Registration: Submit official documentation verifying your business’s legal status and registration.

Tax Returns: Provide two (2) years of previous tax returns to provide evidence of the business’ profitability and overall financial standing (preferably 2025 and 2024 returns. If taxes returns have not been filed, provide the internal financial statements for 2025.

Interim Financial Statements: Provide profit & loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. The reporting period must cover January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

Projections: Provide projected annual (month-to-month) financial outlook for the upcoming year (including pro formas and narrative detailing key assumptions made and reasoning).
Source and Use of Funds: Provide detailed description of how grant funds will be utilized.
Letter of “Good Standing:” or status letter from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) and Department of Labor (DOL).

Owner Identification: Provide proof of legal residency/status – copies of a government-issued photo ID, including both the front and back of the card, for the primary business owner(s).

Supporting Documentation: Provide any additional materials that support your application, such as marketing plans, partnership agreements, or letters of support.

• Submit applications electronically via the designated online portal or in person at HEDCO’s office, 207 Main Street, 4th Floor, Hartford, CT 06106. The online portal is the preferred method
• All required documents should be uploaded or attached as part of your submission.
• Late applications, including those submitted after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, will be ineligible.
• Do not email documents with sensitive information. A secure online upload portal is going to be available.

Complete applications received by the above deadline will be reviewed by the grant selection committee on a rolling first come first serve basis. Evaluation is based on eligibility, business viability, profitability, creditworthiness, financial need, and anticipated community and economic impact. Applicants will be notified within fifteen (15) business days or thereabouts after all required information and documentation has been provided.

Notification and Award

Selected recipients will be notified by email and will receive a confirmation letter. Funds will be disbursed in accordance with the terms of the award agreement.