Hartford, Connecticut, offers a wealth of resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners aiming to start, stabilize, or expand their ventures. This guide highlights several key programs designed to foster economic growth and community development.
Microenterprise Microgrant Program
The City of Hartford, in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Hartford, administers the Microenterprise Microgrant Program. This initiative provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The program aims to support Hartford residents in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams, thereby increasing business activity within local neighborhoods and creating jobs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. For more information, visit the Urban League’s website.
Neighborhood Investment Fund Program
To enhance Hartford’s commercial corridors, the City has launched the Neighborhood Investment Fund Program. This initiative offers forgivable loans to commercial property owners and business owners for building out new storefront spaces or enhancing existing ones. With an investment of up to $5 million, the program has already committed $1.6 million to support eight new and existing businesses across the city. Major commercial corridors, including Albany Avenue, Barbour Street, Park Street, and Maple Avenue, are eligible areas. Interested parties can find more details on the City’s official website.
Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI)
Operated by the University of Connecticut, CCEI offers various programs to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey. One notable program is BUILD Hartford, which provides students with real-world opportunities to engage with Hartford’s business and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Participants work with a wide range of individuals and organizations throughout the city to create innovative projects and develop new opportunities that aid in Hartford’s development. More information is available on CCEI’s website.
reSET Impact Accelerator
reSET, a Hartford-based organization, offers the Impact Accelerator program tailored for founders actively building businesses and ready to grow with focus, structure, and support. The program is open to entrepreneurs across industries, particularly those in consumer packaged goods, tech-enabled services, and technology platforms advancing sustainability or impact. reSET is especially interested in ventures led by women and/or people of color based in or around Greater Hartford and Greater New Haven. Details about the program can be found on reSET’s website.
HEDCO Inc.
HEDCO Inc. supports Connecticut’s small businesses and entrepreneurs with funding, technical assistance, and guidance to drive growth and success. Their Business Resource Center serves as a one-stop service center, offering business incubator and training programs. HEDCO also provides a team of experienced business professionals to assist with various small business needs. More information is available on HEDCO’s website.
By leveraging these resources, Hartford’s entrepreneurs can access the support necessary to thrive, contributing to the city’s vibrant and growing economy.