• Complete one of the following WBDC courses: GPS, BCC, Business Planning for Food-preneurs or Marketing Fundamentals, attend 80% of the classes, and submit the course deliverable
• Complete the Launch Pad application

• Have been in business for less than two years
• Be 51% or more woman owned
• Be headquartered in CT, and owned by a CT resident
• Have a business checking account or a separate account for the business
• Be a for-profit business registered in the state of CT
• Have generated revenues, incurred expenses, acquired resources, or accessed capital
• Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old
  

Please note that, if you have more than one business, you may apply for a Launch Pad Grant for only one of your businesses.

• Childcare businesses are not eligible for the Launch Pad 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
  

• Sole Proprietors are not eligible

• Any individual or business who has already received a Launch Pad Grant from WBDC 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

PDF Version of the FAQs: Click Here

Where can I find information on the Launch Pad Grant?

Please review our website at: https://ctwbdc.org/launch-pad-grant-program/ Our website includes a detailed description of all the requirements to apply for the Launch Pad Grant. In addition, we will have information sessions before the application period to help you prepare your application. In the case that you cannot attend a live session, a recorded session will be available on-demand.

Why can’t I access the Launch Pad grant from the website?

The application is only made available to those that have completed a qualifying course and met all other eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants will receive the application link via email after they have completed their course and submitted the deliverable.

 Do I have to enroll in a class to qualify for the Launch Pad grant?

Yes, you must take one of the four qualifying courses to receive the application link. Those courses are Business Concept Clinic, Guide Plan to Succeed, Business Planning for Food-preneurs, and Marketing Fundamentals. You must attend 80% if the classes and submit the course deliverable. As well as being an active and engaged participant.

What businesses are eligible to apply?

Most businesses can apply except the following:

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

Can I apply if I don’t live in Connecticut?

You cannot apply if your business is not headquartered/located in CT, registered in the state of CT and owned by a CT resident.

What can I use the funds for?
Grants are awarded for start-up business costs. Examples of use of funds include equipment, adding ecommerce to websites, technology that expands capacity, and training that expands service offerings. Your proposal should clearly explain how the funds will help your business.

 What is not an eligible use of funds?

Operating expenses are not eligible. This includes:

• Inventory
• Salaries
• Rent
• Real estate improvements (construction costs)
• Debt repayment or reimbursement for past purchases

If you are unsure about what is an eligible use of funds, please set up an appointment to meet with a business advisor for assistance. Email info@ctwbdc.org to get in contact with a business advisor, or call (203) 353-1750 x140 to speak to our Program Specialist. You can also refer to our FAQ for a general list of ineligible use of funds.  

I don’t know how to do projections; can someone help me?

Yes, we offer free business advising to our clients. To receive help for Ignite Grant applications you must have attended an info session or watched one of our pre-recorded info sessions.

We encourage you to use our projections template linked in the application.

Your first year of projections must be broken out by month. Email info@ctwbdc.org to get in contact with a business advisor, or call (203) 353-1750 x140 to speak to our Program Specialist.

How long do I have to be in business?
You must be registered in the state of Connecticut for less than two years from the start date of the class you are enrolled in.

Am I still eligible if I was previously a Sole Proprietor, and only recently became an LLC or registered my business?
If you have been the primary owner/operator of the business and can provide all of the required documents needed for the application. Please note in your application the change in business structure.

How do I submit my application?
We will accept applications through the application portal until 11:59PM on the due date. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Can someone review my application before I submit it?

We are happy to work with clients as they prepare their applications only after they have attended an information session or watched the on-demand recording. We highly recommend that applicants begin to prepare their applications and attachments well in advance of the application due date. Applicants are welcome to work with our Business Advisors during that period. Once the applicant completes the application and clicks the “SUBMIT” button, the application is final and review sessions are no longer available.

*Please note* If you review your application with a business advisor, it does not mean you will receive a grant, as an external review committee is making the decisions on which applicants receive grants.

Who reviews the applications?
Applications are reviewed by an external panel of community partners who will select the awardees.

What happens if my grant application is not approved? Can I reapply in the future?
If you are eligible and your application is not approved, you will be contacted by WBDC and given the opportunity to meet with a business advisor to help you prepare for the next round of funding.

Will there be future rounds of grants?
Each applicant has two rounds to apply from the time they received the application link. If you chose not to apply in the first round, there is still 1 more round to apply. If you choose not to apply during either of these rounds, you will no longer be able to apply.

Can I use the funds to franchise my business?

No. If you are unsure about what is an eligible use of funds, please set up an appointment to meet with a business advisor for assistance.

Is the grant money considered taxable income?

Yes, the grant money is considered taxable income.