Business Operating Grants Program 2025 (United States)

The Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC) Business Operating Grants Program will distribute $200,000 in grants annually for five years, beginning in 2023 and ending in 2027. The grants are designed to assist Middlesex County-based small businesses in continuing and expanding their operations.

Funding Information

• The maximum assistance amount will not exceed $25,000.00 per business per grant year.
• The total grant amount per business will be based on the documented need and available resources.
• MCRC will determine if a matching component of the grant will be required.

Use of Funds

• Applicant must demonstrate that the operating funds are necessary and sufficient to sustain and grow the business and increase and/or retain jobs when combined with any other sources. The grants are to provide funds for potential business expansion and growth or support ongoing operations due to an experienced hardship.
• The approved use of funds includes equipment and/or technology, leasehold improvements, and other fixed costs, including costs associated with supply chain disruption, increased employee travel time/mileage expenses, increased vendor costs, loss of income, and additional marketing expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, the business must:
  • Be based in and have operated in Middlesex County for at least 24 months as of March 15, 2025 (this is a business retention and growth initiative for existing Middlesex County businesses. Startups will not be considered.)
  • Have no more than 50 employees and under $8 million in gross sales in 2024.
  • Be a for-profit United States Corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship, and possess good character and reputation.
  • Be in good tax standing with the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
  • Be compliant with the Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Unemployment Assistance and all applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to minimum wages, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and child labor.
  • Be in good standing with the town where they are located.
  • Be current on all prior MCRC and state lending programs, if applicable.
  • Be in operation, even if working remotely.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Please note even if the business meets these conditions, it will be disqualified if it has any of the following:
  • Active bankruptcies
  • Owners with unpaid child support
  • Outstanding taxes, liens/judgments, or payroll
• Ineligible Applicants:
  • Franchise businesses with two or more locations under ownership
  • Payday loan businesses
  • Adult-oriented businesses
  • Passive real estate investments
  • Lobbying firms
  • Pyramid schemes or multi-level marketing firms
  • Speculative business firms such as commodity futures trading

For more information, visit MCRC.