Overview
Whether your growing business needs an equity investment, capital purchase or working capital, Connecticut offers a multitude of financing programs to support businesses of all sizes.
State programs include direct funding from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD and Connecticut Innovations (CI). In addition, you’ll find a network of local and regional revolving loan funds across the state.
DECD Direct Assistance for Small Businesses
The Economic and Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA) provides low-interest loans and incentive-driven direct loans for projects with strong economic development potential. You may use funding for purchase of equipment, furniture and fixtures, construction, leasehold improvements, training and other eligible activities.
The Small Business Express Program provides loans and grants to Connecticut's small businesses to spur job creation and growth.
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc (CCAT) provides grants to startup companies housed in Connecticut incubator facilities through the Small Business Incubator Grant Program.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public corporation providing equity, debt and bond financing, and other forms of financial assistance to companies in all stages of the business life cycle, from startup to later stage. CI offers its portfolio companies strategic guidance and collaborations with partners in the business, finance, education, government and nonprofit sectors. CI’s initiatives are designed to grow the state’s economic and technology base, and to stimulate business investments and job creation.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides loans and loan guarantees through lending institutions.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides financial assistance and business planning.
Statewide Lending Partners
Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) provides loans and technical assistance to small businesses.
Community Investment Corporation (CIC) is a nonprofit economic development lender that provides Connecticut's small business owners with access to capital that may not be available elsewhere. CIC also provides financing opportunities for expanding businesses looking to purchase real estate and/or machinery and equipment.
BDC Capital is a private company that helps promising companies expand. Many New England financial institutions have pooled their money to share the risks of this endeavor. BDC Capital provides financial assistance with loans, mezzanine and equity investments, guarantees and financial services to all types of businesses.
Capital for Change (C4C), a direct result of the merger of three established community development financial institutions, serves people, nonprofits and small businesses and public institutions.
Regional Loan Programs
HEDCO Inc. helps clients and their communities improve, achieve and succeed by supporting their growth and progress offering free business advisory services, low-interest loans with flexible terms and technical assistance.
Waterbury Development Corporation (WDC) Business Growth Group is focused on serving Waterbury’s business clientele at all stages of the business cycle. They can provide one-on-one business support as well as financial assistance.
SouthEastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) is a public/private regional economic development agency serving the towns of New London County. They administer several loan programs and can also assist with marketing and business development.
Northeast Connecticut Economic Alliance provides loans and business development resources to both existing and startup manufacturing and service companies in Northeastern Connecticut.
Middlesex County Revitalization Commission focuses on the revitalization of manufacturing and commercial districts of Middlesex County. Their Revolving Loan Fund is designed to encourage business growth that results in the retention or creation of jobs in the region.
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