Middlesex Business Operating Grants

The Business Acceleration Grant supports existing businesses and provides funding assistance that allows for the expansion or improved operation of qualified Englewood businesses. The grant offers up to $10,000 for physical/capital investments that support expanding businesses, improve business operations, or foster business retention. Capital improvements are permanent investments in the building or on the property, which are generally associated with a building permit. Businesses open in Englewood for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply. Businesses that apply for funding assistance must either own their building or if the business is a tenant have a minimum of two years remaining on a lease for eligibility. Successful grant applications should demonstrate that funding will yield an increase in the number of employees at the business or an increase in sales revenues.

The City of Brentwood sets aside 20% of its business operating tax revenue for “economic development, with the explicit purpose of business promotion and institutional advertisement for the City of Brentwood.” As part of this effort, each year, the City offers reimbursement grants for local marketing; events; and business development projectsthrough the Economic Development Grant Program. Any organization or business can apply, if they have a current Brentwood Business License or are exempt from the Business License Requirement. Non‐profit and/or tax‐exempt organizations are also eligible, provided they submit proof of active status from the Secretary of State.

The SafetyWorks Training Grant provides Massachusetts-based employers with up to $25,000 in funding for employee training that prevents or addresses workplace injuries and illness. Also known as the Workplace Safety Grant, the program is administered by the Office of Safety within the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) and supports a wide range of hands-on, in-person safety training topics, including emergency response and first aid, workplace violence prevention and de-escalation, fire and electrical safety, fall protection, hazardous materials handling, confined space and rescue, and regulatory compliance, among others. The grant operates as a reimbursement program: training must be pre-approved and conducted under a signed contract before any costs become eligible, and all training must be delivered by Massachusetts-based trainers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but training and funding must occur during announced funding cycles.

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP) provides CT companies with access to capital to help them obtain new equipment and the expertise they need to become more efficient, productive, and competitive. Eligible companies can apply for a grant up to $100,000 to conduct a new project. First-time applicants are required to provide a cash match of 2:1 and repeat applicants 3:1. That means, First time applicants provide 67% of the total proposed project cost and repeat applicants provide 75% of the proposed project cost. The program is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology with funding provided through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

Inspired by Founders First CEO, Kim Folsom’s brother, U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, the $25,000 fund will make investments of $1,000 each to 25 veterans who are running employer-based small businesses across the country.