Equity Match Grant Program

To be eligible, the business must:

– Be 51% or more woman-owned
– Be headquartered in CT, registered in the state of CT and owned by a CT resident
– Have been in business for at least two years before January 17th, 2023 (business must have been established by January 17th, 2021) with a record of sales
– Have a record of annual sales/revenue in last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000
– Be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
– Have an established business checking account
– Currently utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting)
– Be a for profit business
– Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old

The following businesses are not eligible

Childcare businesses are not eligible for the Equity Match Grant. If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you. We encourage you to visit our Child Care Business Funding page to learn more or reach out to us at childcarebusiness@ctwbdc.org

Any individual or business who has already received an Equity Match Grant is not eligible.

Non-profit organizations are not eligible.

Current vendors or contractors of WBDC are not eligible.
Former vendors are eligible to apply a year after working with WBDC.

Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale

– Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25% match. This does not necessarily mean that the applicant needs to contribute funds to receive a grant.

For example, if the business receives a $10,000 grant for the purchase of new software, the business must have invested $2,500 in their business over the past 12 months OR be able to invest an incremental $2,500 of their own funds in that purchase

– Businesses located in distressed economic municipalities (as defined by DECD) do not need to provide the 25% match.

One-hour informational webinars will be held in January and February for applicants to prepare their applications before submitting. Sign up for the webinar that best meets your schedule using the links below. The content will be the same for all webinars. You only need to attend one session, though you are welcome to attend as many as you would like.

Click on a link below to register for an upcoming information session!

English Information Sessions
Thursday, January 19th @ 12:00 – 1:00 PM​
Wednesday, January 25th @ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM​
Monday, January 30th 5:30 – 6:30 PM​
Thursday, February 9th @ 12:00 – 1:00 PM​
Wednesday, Feb 15th @ 5:30 – 6:30 PM​
Tuesday, February 21st @ 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Spanish Information Sessions (coming soon)​

There are four sections to the application:

Section A: How you would use the grant
Section B: Narrative of your business
Section C: Upload supporting documents
Section D: Compliance and consent

Click here to download the application questions

– Thoughtful, complete, and well-developed picture of your business that shows a path to growth.
– Exceptionally clear use of funds, with a direct link to growth, focused, strong supporting detail.
– Financial Projections are robust and reflects seasonality of business in projections where all numbers make sense.
– Display the business’ long-term potential, with strong growth and potential for continued growth
– Job creation potential, with the business being on track to adding more jobs
– Return on investment, that the funds will unlock growth
– Grant will have a meaningful impact on the business and help the business grow and scale

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts from the community. WBDC Business Advisors will not be making the decisions on who receives grants.