(NORWALK, CT) – Today, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Norwalk Mayor Rilling highlighted how small businesses can apply for the final phase of the City of Norwalk’s COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program. The announcement was made at Oksana Tanasiv Gallery, a recipient of Norwalk’s second round of Small Business Grant Program. This final round of funding will include $375,000, which is part of the City's $8.7 million commitment to economic and community development in Norwalk.
During this final phase of the program, a minimum of 50 grants are available for eligible Norwalk businesses that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are now open through February 17.
The grants are available as follows:
- A minimum of 31 Grants: of $5,000 each for businesses with 2-5 employees (10 reserved for WMBE Businesses);
- A minimum of 13 Grants: of $10,000 each for businesses with 6-15 employees (4 reserved for WMBE Businesses); and
- A minimum of 6 Grants: of $15,000 each for businesses with 16-20 employees (2 reserved for WMBE Businesses).
“These small business grants, thanks to the funding from American Rescue Plan and the prescience of the City of Norwalk, will provide much needed relief to business owners who have been continuing their recovery from the impact of the pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Governor Lamont and our administration will never stop fighting for small business and their employees, because we know that Connecticut is not only the best place to live, but also the best place to grow a business.”
“We are incredibly proud of our robust and vibrant business community and want them to thrive here in Norwalk. While this is the last phase of our COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program, the city's support doesn't end here," said Norwalk Mayor Rillings. “We are always identifying new ways to assist our local businesses and encourage anyone seeking additional resources to visit our new Norwalk Business Development Center at 3 Belden Avenue.”
"The small business grant money helped me invest and grow my business," said gallery owner Oksana Tanasiv. “I hope that other small business owners will apply for this program, because the support has been incredible.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, the city has granted $520,000 to nearly 70 local businesses, of which over 75% have been women or minority-owned businesses.
For information on how to apply, visit https://norwalkforbusiness.org/support-for-your-business/financial-resources/.
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For Immediate Release: Monday, January 30, 2023
Contact: Britt Foulds
Britt.Foulds@ct.gov
