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Small Business Grant Program

seCTerRise

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

seCTerRise helps eligible businesses invest in projects that support measurable growth, expansion, improved operations, and increased profitability.

View Grant Options See Our Impact

Funding Designed for Business Growth

Funded through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, seCTerRise supports projects that make a meaningful difference for businesses throughout the region. Choose the grant opportunity below that best matches your business.

Small Business Grant

$10,000 Grant

For growing small businesses ready to invest in a specific project that will help the business grow and scale.

  • Annual revenue over $35,000 and up to $750,000
  • In business for at least one year
  • Professional services, equipment, machinery, and other eligible growth investments may qualify
  • Project must demonstrate meaningful business impact
Explore the $10,000 Grant →
Established Business Grant

$25,000 Grant

For established businesses planning larger growth projects with the potential to expand operations, employment, innovation, or profitability.

  • Annual revenue of at least $750,000
  • In business for a minimum of four years
  • Minimum of two full-time employees, excluding founders
  • Professional services, equipment, machinery, and other eligible growth investments may qualify
Explore the $25,000 Grant →

General Eligibility

Applicants must meet the general program requirements below in addition to the specific requirements for the $10,000 or $25,000 grant opportunity.

  • Must be a for-profit business located in an eligible municipality.
  • Business must be registered in the State of Connecticut.
  • Business must be in good standing with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
  • Business owner or owners must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicants must provide required financial documents and a detailed project budget.
  • The proposed project must support business growth and demonstrate measurable impact.
  • Businesses that have previously received a seCTerRise grant are not eligible for another award.

Eligible Communities

Businesses must be located in one of the following eligible Connecticut communities.

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 Waterford Westbrook Windham Woodstock

Expanding Access to Business Growth

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.

2026 Application Schedule

Applications are accepted during designated funding rounds throughout the year.

January Decision in March
March Decision in May
May Decision in July
July Decision in September
September Decision in November
See the Results

seCTerRise by the Numbers

Explore the businesses and communities supported through seCTerRise. View grant funding, program outcomes, recipient data, and an interactive map showing the reach of the program throughout the region.

Explore seCTerRise Impact →

Ready to Get Started?

Review the complete eligibility requirements, required documents, eligible uses, and application information for the grant opportunity that best fits your business.

Small Business Grant

$10,000

View $10,000 Grant Information
Established Business Grant

$25,000

View $25,000 Grant Information

Questions About seCTerRise?

Have questions about eligibility, which grant is right for your business, required documents, or the application process? Please reach out and I’ll be happy to help.

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. seCTer may require additional documentation and may revise program eligibility requirements as needed.