Hartford Microenterprise Microgrant Program

Hartford Microenterprise Microgrant Program is sponsored by City of Hartford (in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Hartford). This program supports local microbusinesses with five or fewer employees in Hartford. Funding can be used to start, stabilize, or expand a small business.

The program prioritizes businesses in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, especially those within the city of Hartford.

Microgrant | Urban League GH The Urban League of Greater Hartford, in partnership with the City of Hartford Development Services, is offering microgrants to help small business owners start, stabilize, or expand their operations. This initiative fuels economic growth, fosters a sense of community among Hartford’s entrepreneurs, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of local neighborhoods.

Details and procedures regarding the program are below. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Award amounts will vary based on business maturity and purpose or demonstrated need for use of the funds.

Eligible businesses may receive $2,500, $3,500 or $5,000. One award per business per business owner. Disbursements will be upon submission of receipts or invoices.

Award amounts vary depending on: • Maturity of the business • Previously received grants from the Urban League of Greater Hartford • The City of Hartford’s SBIF and HartLift recipients will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please email info@ulgh. org before applying.

• Start-ups and businesses under 1 year to 3 years of active operation. • Previous microgrant recipients demonstrating strong progress. • New Businesses approaching expansion.

Workshop requirement to ensure readiness. • Mature businesses demonstrating operating shortfalls. Workshop requirement to remedy operating gaps.

• Businesses 3+ years in active operation. • Previous microgrant recipients demonstrating a critical need for expansion or sustainability. Compliance, Reporting and Business Development • Applicants may only receive 1 grant every 12 months, with a maximum cumulative award of $5,000 over a 24-month period.

• Must attend at least one (1) Urban League approved workshop, seminar, symposium, financial training webinar and other related business development opportunity. • Promotional opportunities with City of Hartford and the Urban League of Greater Hartford. • Business must have a physical address in the City of Hartford.

• Business must be registered as an LLC or other structure with the state of Connecticut. • Business must have 5 or fewer employees- including the business owner. • Business owner(s) must have a qualifying low-to-moderate household income (LMI) employee or the business must serve Hartford residents from low-to-moderate income households.

• Applicant cannot be delinquent on real or personal property taxes. • Applicant must be in good standing with the City of Hartford (i.e. no violations of Zoning, Building or Fire Codes, etc.). • Applicant must have an established business banking account.

• Liquor stores and alcohol distributors • Tobacco shops and smoking lounges • Cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops • Collection agencies or services • Auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar businesses are not eligible.

• Exterior signage and customization • Equipment or technology upgrades (subject to approval) • Product or service innovation • Business support services (i.e. business plan development, accounting, etc.) • General support services (i.e. peer support programs, counseling, childcare, and transportation) Ineligible Uses of Funds: Step 1: Apply Online at https://www. ulgh.

org/microgrant • Select Apply to view and complete the application form and all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If applicants have questions, they are strongly encouraged to email questions prior to submitting the application.

Step 2: Receive City of Hartford Clearance and Application Certification and Clearance Documents Step 3: Email certification and declaration signature pages/notarized forms Step 4: Complete one (1) workshop, if necessary. Step 5: Grant Distribution Application Certification City of Hartford Tax/Financial Certification Form ​ Contact: Terrence Murphy | tmurphy@ulgh. org | (860) 527-0147 ext.

168 Applying is easy. Click the button below to get started and submit your application for the Microenterprise Microgrant Program.