West Hartford Offers Small Business Grants

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in West Hartford may be eligible for up to $10,000 in financial assistance under a new grant program to curb the impact of COVID-19. 

The West Hartford Town Council allocated $2 million to support a small business and nonprofit recovery grant program for businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the pandemic. 

The funding stems from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allotted under the American Rescue Plan Act. 

The grant will provide one-time direct financial assistance to West Hartford businesses and nonprofit organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees.

Businesses will need to demonstrate an adverse impact from the coronavirus pandemic.

Community Investment 

West Hartford leaders said they are focused on helping businesses and nonprofits regain strength.

“The health and vitality of our community is dependent upon our small business and non-profit sectors succeeding,” West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said. 

“We understand how difficult and unpredictable these past few years have been for these organizations. 

“They have worked tirelessly to keep things going and we hope this grant opportunity will provide some much needed relief.”

Cantor has been eying the best use of ARPA funds for some time. 

During CBIA’s Connecticut Economy Summit last fall, she and other town leaders said they were still navigating the stipulations around the federal funds.

This program is one of the ways West Hartford is working to bring the money directly to business owners.  

Eligibility 

The program itself will provide reimbursements for two types of eligible projects. 

The first is a more general coronavirus relief assistance grant for businesses who can prove negative impacts of the coronavirus emergency. 

Examples of this included businesses who suffered financial hardship, underwent costs associated with mitigation efforts like creating outdoor dining areas, or have implemented workforce training and recruitment programs. 

Businesses who suffered financial hardship, or underwent costs associated with mitigation efforts are eligible.

The other grant is dedicated to businesses who are interested in implementing a new or enhanced program to directly respond to the negative impacts of the pandemic. 

Examples include mental health services, crisis intervention, and housing. 

The town will hold a virtual informational session July 12 at 6 pm.

The application period opens July 20, 2022 and runs through Aug. 10, 2022.