WBDC Opens Grant Program for Waterbury, Torrington Businesses

There is a new grant opportunity for businesses in Waterbury and Torrington. 

The Women’s Business Development Council launched two grant programs ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

The programs are offered to all businesses through partnerships with the municipalities, as well as the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and Webster Bank. 

The grants will be awarded to businesses for clearly defined projects that have a measurable impact on the business, growth, and profitability. 

“We are excited to partner with Torrington and Waterbury and to put our experience in small business grant-making to use to help the businesses in these communities prosper,” WBDC CEO and founder Fran Pastore said. 

“These partnerships, along with the support we’ve received from the state and Webster Bank, will allow us to create positive and lasting economic impacts in both communities.”

Eligibility 

The grants are similar to the ones WBDC launched in New London last year. That program has provided more than $170,000 to 19 businesses since it began. 

Grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment.

Eligible businesses are for-profit businesses that have been operating for at least two years, and have a record of annual sales revenue between $25,000 and $2 million in the last 12 months.

“These partnerships allow us to create positive and lasting economic impacts in both communities.”

WBDC’s Fran Pastore

Businesses and individuals who received a WBDC grant in the past are not eligible.

Officials with WBDC are reviewing the applications on a rolling basis over the next three months. Review dates are July 16, August 15, and September 15, 2023. 

WBDC is hosting a number of informational sessions for businesses who are interested in applying.