Small Business Grants in Connecticut
Connecticut offers a strategic location between New York and Boston, a highly educated workforce, and a state government actively investing in small business growth. While the state is often associated with insurance and finance, Connecticut's economy has diversified into bioscience, advanced manufacturing, defense technology, clean energy, and digital media. Small business owners in Connecticut benefit from proximity to major markets, strong university partnerships, and a growing number of state-funded grant and incentive programs.
Economic Overview
Connecticut has roughly 370,000 small businesses employing over 730,000 workers. The state's GDP per capita is among the highest in the nation, reflecting its concentration of high-value industries. Connecticut's Defense Corridor — anchored by Electric Boat (General Dynamics) and Pratt & Whitney — creates substantial opportunities for small businesses in the defense supply chain. The state's bioscience sector has grown significantly with the expansion of facilities around New Haven (Yale) and Farmington (UConn Health). Connecticut does face challenges including high costs of living and a complex tax structure, but state programs have been designed to offset these barriers for small businesses.
State Grant Programs
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) administers the Small Business Express Program, which provides loans and matching grants to Connecticut businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Grants through this program can cover job creation, business expansion, and capital improvements. CTNext, the state's innovation ecosystem, provides grant funding through programs like the Entrepreneur Innovation Awards and the Higher Education Entrepreneurship and Innovation grants. The Connecticut Green Bank offers financing for clean energy businesses. The Connecticut Innovations (CI) venture capital arm invests directly in Connecticut-based startups. For minority and women-owned businesses, the state's Supplier Diversity Program provides contracting opportunities with state agencies.
How to Apply
Start with the DECD website to explore the Small Business Express Program — it is one of Connecticut's most accessible small business support programs. Contact CTNext if you have an innovation or technology-focused business. The Connecticut SBDC, housed at the University of Connecticut, has advisors across the state. Register at SAM.gov for federal grants and explore opportunities through the SBA's Connecticut district office.
Featured Opportunities63 Active
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $305,000
NSF SBIR Phase I (America's Seed Fund)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $275,000
DOD SBIR Phase I
Award Amount
$150,000 - $293,297
NIH SBIR/STTR Phase I
Award Amount
$50,000 - $200,000
DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I
Award Amount
$50,000 - $100,000
EPA SBIR Phase I
Award Amount
$75,000 - $750,000
USDA Value-Added Producer Grant
Award Amount
$2,500 - $1,000,000
USDA Rural Energy for America (REAP)
Award Amount
$600,000 - $5,000,000
EDA Public Works Program
Award Amount
$150,000 - $2,500,000
EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
Award Amount
$250,000 - $2,000,000
EDA Build to Scale (Venture Challenge)
Award Amount
$75,000 - $150,000
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA HUBZone Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Contracting
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Allstate Main Street Grants (Hello Alice)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Fund Her Future Grant (H&R Block)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Kiva 0% Interest Microloans
Award Amount
$15,000 - $25,000
Amazon Business Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$2,000 - $350,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Ladies Who Launch Program
Award Amount
$500 - $2,500
Freed Fellowship Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $100,000
MassChallenge Accelerator (Equity-Free)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $5,000
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative (2027 Cycle)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$7,500 - $7,500
Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers
Award Amount
$15,000 - $15,000
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Red Backpack Fund (Spanx Foundation)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
NAWBO / Mastercard Small Business Grants
Award Amount
$2,000 - $5,000
Second Service Foundation Veteran Awards
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP x L'Oreal Beauty Industry Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $20,000
Fearless Strivers Grant (Fearless Fund + Mastercard)
Award Amount
$1,500 - $5,000
First Nations Acorn Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $40,000
First Nations Native Food Sovereignty Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
DigitalUndivided Breakthrough Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
NDI Small Business Hub (Disability Entrepreneurs)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NAACP x BACARDI Backing the B.A.R.
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
USHCC / Wells Fargo Hispanic Business Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Small Business Express Program in Connecticut?▼
The Small Business Express Program provides loans and matching grants to Connecticut businesses with fewer than 100 employees. It supports job creation, business expansion, and operational improvements. Applications are processed through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.
What startup grants are available in Connecticut?▼
CTNext offers the Entrepreneur Innovation Awards and other grants for early-stage companies. Connecticut Innovations provides venture funding. Federal SBIR/STTR grants are also accessible, especially for businesses connected to the state's defense, bioscience, and technology sectors.
How can I get help applying for grants in Connecticut?▼
The Connecticut SBDC provides free advising on grant applications, business planning, and financial analysis. CTNext also offers mentorship and connections to the state's innovation ecosystem. SCORE Connecticut has volunteer mentors throughout the state.
Grants by Group in Connecticut
Grants by Industry in Connecticut
Funding Guides for Connecticut Businesses
Small Business Grants for Women in 2026: The Complete Guide
Small Business Grants vs. Loans: Which Is Right for You?
How to Write a Small Business Grant Application That Actually Wins
Best Small Business Loans in 2026: Compare Top Lenders
Filter by City in Connecticut
Don't see a perfect match?
Most businesses rely on lines of credit rather than grants. Check your eligibility for up to $250k in fast funding.
Check Funding EligibilityNever Miss a Grant Deadline
Get free weekly grant alerts delivered to your inbox