Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced Tuesday a $50 million grant program to help small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19.
Congressman John Larson introduced the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program.
“We hear daily from retailers and people in restaurants about the money that they need. Thank god we have a governor that is out there and listening,” Larson said.
The grants can be used for operational expenses like payroll, rent, utilities and inventory. The money could also be used to purchase machinery or equipment, or cover costs associated with compliance of the state’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Eligible businesses must have made less than $1.5 million in 2019 or employ less than 20 people. Lamont made the announcement at Lily’s Soul Food in Windsor.
“What we’re trying to do with programs like this, as Glenn was saying, is build a bridge so it could help small companies like Lily’s get on the backside of this pandemic,” Lamont said.
Ten thousand small companies will each receive a $5,000 grant. Applications will be available the week of November 9th, and funds will be disbursed before the end of the year.
The program uses money from the federal CARES Act.