Grant Program Targets Meriden Businesses

Meriden is offering new grants aimed at promoting business development in the city. 

The Meriden Business Investment and Growth program is using $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Acts funding to reduce storefront vacancy and jumpstart businesses in Meriden.

The program launched in December 2022, with the goal of revitalizing and restoring the city’s business community, while increasing foot traffic, income balance, and opportunity. 

The grants are being offered in three categories.

• Code correction assistance grants provide a maximum of $300,000 for the cost of transforming vacant spaces into code compliant commercial uses. 

• Vanilla box assistance grants also have a maximum of $300,000, and are provided to make existing vacant businesses and commercial spaces ready for new tenants. 

• Economic development funding offers grants of up to $50,000 for eligible small start-up businesses that agree to operate in Meriden. 

Priority Funding

Meriden’s Department of Economic and Community Development is managing the program along with the Meriden Economic Development Corporation and the Midstate Chamber of Commerce.

Business opportunities for minority and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs will be given priority funding.

Business opportunities for minority and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs will be given priority funding.

The City Economic and Community Development Department is working with programs like the Spanish American Merchant Association and the Black Business Alliance to reach out to potential applicants. 

Projects that are located in Meriden’s Transportation Oriented District will also be considered priority funding. 

Program Setup

Applicants in that district are required to match 25% of the total cost, to 75% grant dollars. 

For properties outside that district, the match would be 50/50. 

Priority projects include minority- and women-owned businesses, craft breweries, medical, family entertainment, restaurants, and manufacturing.

Applicants can submit applications for more than one project and location in the city.

Businesses that are already in abundance, including package stores, tattoo parlors, salons, pizza shops, and dance studios, will score lower.

Applicants can submit applications for more than one project and location in the city. 

Applications will be ranked on their impact and opportunity for job creation, sustainability, and potential longevity of the business. 

Applications are now open. All grant funds will be approved and allocated by Dec. 31, 2024.