WI International Market Access Grant

The Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region has a $25,000 grant program for small businesses in southeastern Connecticut that need help with professional business services and equipment purchases. Eligible businesses must have been in business for at least four years, have an annual revenue between $1.5 million and $5 million, have at least five full-time employees, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services.

This Small Research Grant (R03) will support meritorious projects to provide needed scientific insight to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and/or care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). Specifically, this NOFO will support projects covering a wide range of topics related to AD/ADRD. The overall goal of this NOFO is (i) to encourage the next generation of researchers to pursue research and academic careers in AD/ADRD research; and (ii) to stimulate established researchers who have not had a major award in AD/ADRD research to perform pilot studies to develop new, innovative AD/ADRD research programs that leverage and build upon their existing expertise.

The Apprenticeship Funding Program was created for the purpose of providing financial assistance to Connecticut manufacturing companies to support the addition and utilization of Registered Apprenticeships to train and fill critical positions required for stability, continuity, and growth of manufacturing companies. Registered Manufacturing Employers may seek a wage subsidy for their registered apprentices and pre-apprentices. A single Employer Sponsor can apply for reimbursement for up to four (4) apprentices per year and (3) pre-apprentices per year (7 total per year). Reimbursement may be requested as often as every 6-months. An employer who has at least four registered apprentices and three registered pre-apprentices may request a maximum of $26,250 every six months ( 7 x $3,750) or a maximum of $52,500/year (7 x $7,500). The maximum reimbursement that will be made for any one-named apprentice or pre-apprentice is $15,000 over the course of their entire apprenticeship program regardless of the number of years that they remain in an "apprenticeship" status. There is presently no lifetime maximum that any one registered employer may receive from this program, only an annual maximum of $52,500.

This program by the small business coaching, funding and risk monitoring company Breva offers a $5,000 small business grant every quarter to “an entrepreneur who is having a positive impact in an underrepresented community.” Applicants must have demonstrated that impact through something like job creation, product innovation or improved accessibility.

Square Financial Services, Inc. and Square Banking are investing where traditional banks don’t. The Cornerstone Grant offers more than just money — it provides mentorship, visibility, and resources for small business owners who face barriers to funding. Four winners will receive a $10,000 grant, one year of financial guidance, and features across Square’s platforms.