Connecticut Hospitality Industry Support Program
Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
Updated: August 8, 2022
Connecticut Special Act No. 21-15 as amended by June Sp. Sess., Public Act No. 21-2 included a $30,000,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to DECD for “CT Hospitality Industry Support.” To implement this program, DECD utilized data from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) to identify two groups of recipients that are eligible for a Connecticut Hospitality Industry Support Grant, based on losses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Business owners who are eligible will receive a check directly from DRS during the week of August 8, 2022—no application is necessary.
This funding is available as part of ARPA’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and must be used in accordance with certain terms and conditions set by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The funding can only be used for eligible expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021, and must be used to mitigate financial hardship, such as by supporting payroll and benefits; costs to retain employees; mortgage, rent, utility, and other operating costs; maintenance of existing equipment/facilities; or costs to support COVID-19 mitigation and infection prevention measures. Funding cannot be applied to any expenses that are already covered by any other governmental or private source, including insurance proceeds.
In the event your business has incurred or will incur eligible expenses that are less than the full Connecticut Hospitality Industry Support Grant amount, you do not want to accept this grant, or if you have any questions, please call the DRS Hotline at 860-297-5799.
Eligibility Criteria
Existing Businesses |
New Businesses |
To be eligible for a grant, existing hospitality businesses must have:
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To be eligible for a grant, new hospitality businesses must have:
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Distribution Methodology
Eligible existing hospitality businesses will be awarded a grant using a point system that is based on (a) the size of the business (as measured by 2019 gross receipts) and (b) loss in revenue (as measured by the decline in gross receipts when comparing 2019 to 2021). Businesses are awarded points based on the below criteria, and when added together result in a minimum (“base”) grant of $7,500 (or $15,000 if located in a Distressed Municipality) or a maximum grant of $49,999. However, no business can receive more than 10% of their 2021 gross receipts.
All eligible 2019, 2020, and 2021 new hospitality businesses will receive a base grant of $7,500 (or $15,000 if located in a distressed municipality). However, no business can receive more than 10% of their 2021 gross receipts.
Total Points |
Award |
0 (Base Grant Amount) |
$7,500 ($15,000 if located in a Distressed Municipality) |
1 |
Base + $10,000 |
2 |
Base + $20,000 |
3 |
Base + $30,000 |
4 |
Base + $40,000 |
5 |
Maximum Award = $49,999 |
Criteria (Minimum: 0 points, Maximum: 5 points) |
Add 1 point each if:
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Add 2 points each if:
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Add 3 points if:
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