seCTerRise

$25,000 Grant

Established Business Growth Funding

Funding for established businesses ready to make a larger investment in growth, expansion, innovation, workforce development, or increased profitability.

Apply for the $25,000 Grant Back to seCTerRise

$750K+ Minimum annual business revenue

4+ Years Minimum time in business

2+ Full-Time Employees required, excluding founders

What Can the Grant Fund?

Grant-funded projects should support meaningful growth and have a clear impact on the business.

Professional Services

Training and professional development, compliance assistance, marketing, and other professional services tied directly to your proposed growth project.

Equipment & Machinery

Equipment, machinery, technology, and other capital investments that improve capacity, efficiency, innovation, or operations.

Important: Inventory purchases are not eligible under the $25,000 grant opportunity. Documentation is required for items or services purchased with grant funds over $1,000. Projects primarily focused on deferred maintenance of property or equipment will not be competitive.

Eligibility Requirements

Review these requirements carefully before starting your application.

Business Requirements

Annual business revenue must be at least $750,000.
Business must have been operating for a minimum of four years.
Business must have at least two full-time employees, not including the founders.
Business must have a separate and established business checking account.
Business must be in good standing with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Business owner or owners must be at least 18 years old.
Business must provide proof of existence, registration, and any licenses or permits required to operate.

Your Project

Clearly explain the project you plan to complete with the grant.
Provide a detailed and specific project budget.
Explain how the project will help the business grow and scale.
Provide a clear and realistic project timeline.
Describe anticipated business outcomes such as job creation, employee upskilling, innovation, or revenue growth.

Documents You’ll Need

Have your financial statements and supporting documents ready before submitting your application.

Profit & Loss statements for the past two years

Current year-to-date Profit & Loss statement

Balance Sheets for the past two years

Current year-to-date Balance Sheet

Most recent business tax return

Completed W-9

Two years of financial projections

Secretary of the State registration or other proof of business existence

Required licenses, permits, and supporting project documentation

Quotes, invoices, or estimates supporting the project budget

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are scored by the seCTerRise Review Committee based on the strength, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed project.

Will the project have a meaningful impact on the business and help the business grow and scale?
Does the application clearly explain the project to be completed with the grant?
Is the project budget clear, specific, and reasonable?
Does the application clearly explain how the grant will grow the business?
Is the project timeline well defined and realistic?
Will the project support job creation and/or employee upskilling?
Does the requested amount and project fit within the spirit and goals of the seCTerRise program?
Is there product innovation, process innovation, or research and development associated with the project?
Does the business demonstrate continued revenue growth?

Ready to Apply?

Start Your $25,000 Grant Application

Review the eligibility requirements and gather your financial statements, projections, project budget, quotes, and supporting documentation before beginning your application.

Start the $25,000 Grant Application →

Questions About seCTerRise?

Have questions about eligibility, required documents, eligible expenses, or the application process? Please reach out before submitting your application.

Kaitlin Ferrero [email protected]

Please note: All awards and disbursements are at the discretion of seCTer. seCTerRise is a highly competitive program and not all applications may be awarded. $25,000 is the maximum amount a business may apply for under this grant opportunity, although applicants may request less. seCTer may require additional documentation and may revise program eligibility requirements as needed.