Small Business Grants in Connecticut
Connecticut offers more than 10 active grant and incentive programs for small businesses, administered primarily through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
In This Article
Which Connecticut grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 12 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Connecticut Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Connecticut small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Strategic Supply Chain Initiative
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
$500,000–$5,000,000
RollingA $25 million state grant program helping supply chain companies expand production capacity in Connecticut's core industries, including high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and information technology. Matching funds and workforce retention commitments are required.
Status check, Rolling deadline confirmed. Program provides grants of $500,000 to $5,000,000 to supply chain companies expanding production capacity in Connecticut's core industries. Matching funds required.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
WBDC Equity Match Grant (Ignite)
Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)
$2,500–$10,000
Rolling (cycles open annually, typically February–March)Grants for women-owned businesses with clearly defined growth projects. Applicants must provide a 25% match unless located in a distressed municipality. Your business must be at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, and have annual revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000.
Status check, Page blocked by Cloudflare bot detection. Cannot auto-verify, the program may still be active. Manual review needed.
Last verified, Jul 16, 2026
Small Business Express Program (EXP)
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
$10,000–$100,000 (Matching Grant component)
Rolling (program restructuring in progress)Provides loans and matching grants to Connecticut small businesses to spur job creation and growth. The Matching Grant component requires a dollar-for-dollar match and can be used for training, working capital, equipment, and construction. DECD is currently restructuring this program.
Status check, Page returns 404 error. The Small Business Express Program page no longer exists at this URL. Program may have been discontinued or moved to a different location.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP)
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) / DECD
$6,250–$100,000
Rolling (first-come, first-served)Matching grants for Connecticut manufacturers to undertake projects that improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. First-time applicants must provide a 2:1 match, and repeat applicants a 3:1 match, with a $100,000 lifetime cap per company.
Status check, MVP is currently listed on CT.gov as an active program with no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available. No pause, closure, or discontinuation notices found.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
CTNext Entrepreneur Innovation Awards (EIA)
CTNext / Connecticut Innovations
Up to $10,000
RollingA competitive pitch process providing awards up to $10,000 to entrepreneurs in Connecticut for growth-related activities. Pitch events are held periodically at locations throughout the state.
Status check, Page is a 2016 press release about a different CTNext grant program (Innovation Places planning grant for $50,000). Does not mention the Entrepreneur Innovation Awards program or provide current application status.
Last verified, Jul 16, 2026
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
Varies (reimbursement-based)
Deadline Sep 15, 2025An SBA-funded grant helping Connecticut small businesses expand into international markets. Eligible activities include trade shows, trade missions, export training, website translation, and B2B matchmaking. Funding is provided on a first-come, first-served reimbursement basis.
Status check, This page describes the FY 24-25 grant period running October 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. Applications were due no later than September 15, 2025. The program has expired.
Last verified, Jul 17, 2026
DECD Community Investment Fund (Bridgeport Business Alliance Grants)
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
$5,000–$25,000
Deadline Jun 5, 2026A five-year grant program supporting new and existing small businesses looking to scale. Funds can be used for operating expenses. Priority is given to minority, women, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses and those in distressed municipalities.
Status check, Round 9 closed June 5, 2026. The program is active overall with recurring rounds, but no current open round is posted. Small businesses cannot apply directly, only municipalities, nonprofits, and CDCs are eligible.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Connecticut grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Connecticut grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Connecticut.
Women-owned Business Grants
Connecticut has strong support for women-owned businesses through the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC). The WBDC Equity Match Grant (Ignite) provides $2,500 to $10,000 in funding, and the Launch Pad grant offers $2,500 for startups under two years old. WBDC has distributed over $1.5 million in grants to women-owned businesses.
- ›WBDC Equity Match Grant (Ignite)
- ›WBDC Launch Pad Grant
- ›Women's Business Development Council
Minority-owned Business Grants
Minority-owned businesses in Connecticut can access targeted resources through HEDCO and the Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA), which offer loans and technical assistance. Several DECD-funded programs give priority to minority-owned businesses, including the Community Investment Fund grants.
- ›HEDCO Business Loan Program
- ›DECD Community Investment Fund
- ›Minority Construction Council
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veteran-owned businesses receive priority consideration in multiple DECD-funded grant programs, including the Community Investment Fund and WBDC programs. The Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund also prioritizes organizations led by veterans.
- ›DECD Community Investment Fund
- ›Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Connecticut invests heavily in technology and innovation through CTNext and Connecticut Innovations. The Entrepreneur Innovation Awards provide up to $10,000, while the Innovation Clusters Program offers $100 million over five years in fields like AI, quantum computing, and biotech.
- ›CTNext Entrepreneur Innovation Awards
- ›Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program
- ›Connecticut Innovations
Rural Business Grants
Rural Connecticut communities in the northeastern and northwestern parts of the state can access USDA Rural Business Development Grants and regional economic development assistance through Economic Development Districts.
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grant
- ›REX Development
Tips for Applying in Connecticut
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business with the Connecticut Secretary of State and confirm you are in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) and CT Department of Labor before applying to any state program.
- 2Use the DECD New Business Checklist Tool at portal.ct.gov/DECD if you are a startup. It creates a personalized checklist to guide you through Connecticut's registration and compliance requirements.
- 3Most Connecticut grant programs require businesses to have fewer than 100 employees and be registered to operate in the state for at least 12 months. Prepare year-to-date financial statements and proof of tax compliance before starting your application.
- 4Contact the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) at UConn for free guidance on grant applications, financial projections, and business planning before you apply.
- 5Many Connecticut programs open application windows between February and July. For the WBDC Ignite Grant, attend a required information session during the application period to improve your chances of approval.
State Economic Development Agency
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
DECD is Connecticut's primary state agency for business development, administering grants, loans, tax incentives, and technical assistance programs to help small businesses start, grow, and relocate in the state.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Connecticut can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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