The Stamford-based Women’s Business Development Council is accepting grant applications to assist women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. The council’s Ignite Grant program awards between $2,500 and $10,000 to women-owned businesses seeking capital for growth projects.
Juliette LaRock, an Ignite Grant Program leader, said the grant program has awarded grants to 365 businesses since 2020.
“The Ignite Grant is a microgrant program designed to help women-owned businesses grow by providing grants for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on business growth and profitability,” said LaRock.
Past recipients include a woman-owned construction business, a child care center and most recently, Easton’s own Greiser’s Coffee & Market.
“Awarding us the grant validated our plan to grow our business and fund new kitchen equipment,” said Adrienne Burke, owner of Greiser’s.
Burke offered a tip for new applicants: “If you’re a small business owner interested in pursuing the grant, it is a lot easier if you have all your bookkeeping in order from the get-go, as it is a thorough process to apply,” she said.
LaRock encourages women to apply for the grants because “the application is designed to encourage small business owners to step back and view their business from a new perspective.” In addition to the funds the grant supports, LaRock said award winners also report “feeling more confident and empowered to implement changes in their businesses that they previously lacked the confidence to pursue.”
The deadline to submit a grant application is March 10. Grant funds cannot be used toward operating expenses (inventory, ongoing marketing expenses, salaries), real estate improvements such as construction costs, or reimbursement for past work. Businesses must be 51% or more women-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, and have an established business bank account.
More information on the requirements for the grant can be found on the Women’s Business Development Council website.
