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seCTerRise

$10,000 and $25,000 Grants for Small Businesses

Awarding grants for small business growth projects in Southeastern Connecticut.

As of January 1st, 2024, seCTerRise features two funding opportunities for businesses that meet different metrics such as, but not limited to, number of years in business, annual revenue, and number of employees. Applications will be accepted for the two funding opportunities as of March 1st, 2024.

seCTerRise is a highly competitive grant program, funded through the Department of Economic and Community Development, designed to help small businesses grow in southeastern Connecticut. Grants will be awarded to businesses for projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability.

50% of seCTerRise funding will be awarded to businesses that are minority, disabled, veteran, or women-owned, and / or businesses located in a distressed municipality.

Grant funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, deferred maintenance, and/or reimbursement purposes.

Eligibility Criteria:

Businesses must meet all of the criteria below to apply for either opportunity.

  • A for-profit business located in the following towns: Ashford, Borough of Jewett City, Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Chester, City of Groton, Clinton, Colchester, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, East Lyme, Eastford, Essex, Franklin, Griswold, Haddam, Hampton, Killingly, Killingworth, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Plainfield, Pomfret, Portland, Preston, Putnam, Salem, Scotland, Sprague, Sterling, Stonington, Stonington Borough, Thompson, Town of Groton, Union, Voluntown and Woodstock (all in Windham County) and the Town of Union, Waterford and Windham, and Westbrook.
  • Good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services.
  • Business is registered in the state of Connecticut.
  • Applicants will be required to submit documents such as, but not limited to, balance sheet, profit and loss statement, financial projections, and project budget.
  • Owner(s) at least 18-years-old.

Ineligible businesses include:

  • Current seCTer vendors, board members, employees.
  • Franchise operations.
  • 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.
  • A business that has previously won a seCTerRise grant award.

Application Periods & Decision Announcements:

In 2025, applications will be accepted during the months of:

  • January (decision in March)
  • March (decision in May)
  • May (decision in July)
  • July (decision in September)
  • September (decision in November)
$10,000 Grant Information
$25,000 Grant Information

All awards and disbursements are at the discretion of seCTer. This is a highly competitive program and not all applications may be awarded. seCTer may require additional documentation to further examine your application and funding request. seCTer may revise the program eligibility requirements as needed.