Small Business & Community Development

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The Small Business and Community Development Division creates and initiates community-based strategies to:

  • Build strong neighborhoods
  • Enhance economic opportunities, and
  • Ensure a dynamic framework for quality growth and community development.

Our vision is to create a vibrant, prosperous and growing Hartford through exceptional community development, for families and commerce.

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Small Business Development Partners and Resources

Small Business Façade Improvement Program

The Small Business and Community Development team identifies financial incentives in the form of grants and loans to help support Hartford's entrepreneurs.

Most commonly, the division administers façade improvement programs which incentivize property owners to improve the exterior appearance of their commercial buildings and storefronts. Storefront improvements are essential to the success of our local business communities! They revitalize the pedestrian environment, attract customers, and encourage additional neighborhood economic investment. The team may also be available to provide design assistance to help ensure that modifications comply with zoning or historic district guidelines.

Check Back Here Periodically for New Applications and Announcements!

You may also download the PDF file and email your completed questionnaire to smallbiz@hartford.gov: Façade Program Participation Questionnaire (Cuestionario de Participación para el Programa de Fachadas)

For more details regarding this grant, including eligibility guidelines, please review the program overview: 

FAÇADE PROGRAM OVERVIEW    UNA DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PROGRAMA DE FACHADAS

Once you are ready to apply, submit an application via our online portal: 

APPLY ONLINE (Solicite Online)

APPLY BY MAIL (Solicite por correo):

Please deliver completed applications to the address below (Por favor, entregue las solicitudes completas a la dirección abajo):

Small Business Division
Attn: Small Business Facade Improvement Program
City of Hartford Department of Development Services
260 Constitution Plaza, 1st Floor
Hartford, CT 06103                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Small Business Investment Fund Program

This program is no longer accepting applications. 

The City of Hartford is directing $1,000,000 into the Small Business Investment Fund (SBIF) in an effort to stabilize the small business community post-pandemic. The goal of this program is to create and retain job opportunities, spur entrepreneurial activities, revitalize downtown and neighborhood businesses, and leverage private investments in the small business community. The program is also intended to provide necessary technical assistance to small business owners to build a strong foundation for future business growth.   

Award Amount: up to $100,000 per business 

Matching Requirement: 50% (e.g., $50,000 match for $100,000 grant award) 

For more details regarding this grant, including eligibility guidelines, please review the program overview: 

SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT FUND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

FONDO DE INVERSIÓN PARA LA PEQUEÑA EMPRESA DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PROGRAMA

 

Microenterprise Microgrant Program

This program is no longer accepting applications. 

The Microenterprise Microgrant Program is designed to support Hartford entrepreneurs in developing, operating, and stabilizing their businesses. This program has $500,000 in its funding pool and intends to support microenterprises in the City of Hartford. 

Program Overview(PDF, 402KB)

Award Amount: up to $2,500 per business

Definition of Microenterprises: fewer than 5 employees, including the owner

 

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