Development Services

CARES Act – updated information

1. Connecticut Humanities is honored to provide rapid-response funding to nonprofit humanities and cultural organizations that are facing financial hardship resulting from COVID-19. These grants are funded by the CARES Act via the National Endowment for the Humanities.

• Connecticut Humanities will be re-granting a total of $450,000 in CARES Act funding. Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $15,000 and no match is required (maximum amount of funding that can be requested is based upon an organization’s budget size). For complete information click here.

2. The CARES Act includes a $1.5 billion supplemental appropriation to the US Economic Development Administration "to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus". AdvanceCT (formerly CERC) is taking the lead on behalf of the state regarding CARES ACT EDA funding initiatives. Visit www.advancect.org. EDA funds can be used for (among other things):

• Planning and technical assistance (which could be very helpful in creating new business development plans and strategic plans for downtown organizations);
• Capitalization and recapitalization of revolving loan funds that provide access to capital for businesses (also very helpful for downtown business development activity);
• Construction of infrastructure and other economic development projects (I can think of half a dozen downtowns that have benefitted from this EDA funding category); and
• Innovation grants.

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If you are a business owner and do not pay taxes on your salary OR are self-employed or an independent contractor, are you eligible for unemployment benefits? 

Generally, no, it is very rare. However, you may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made on your eligibility. Please be advised that this is a very lengthy process. Also, you will need to continue to be able and available for full-time work. However, you may be eligible for benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits. If you feel you are eligible under this program please feel free to apply. Please refer to the link to the application below.

The website to file for unemployment benefits, including starting the PUA process is http://www.filectui.com.

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For inquiries and guidelines regarding essential business and nonessential business operations, please visit www.ct.gov/coronavirus.

DECD’s COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit can be reached via phone (860) 500-2322 or email DECD.COVID19@ct.gov. 

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Federal Assistance for Connecticut Businesses and Nonprofits

Click here for more information

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COVID-19 Business Assistance

Click here for more information

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Help for Businesses and Residents - LINK to Federal Paycheck Protection Program Included

Click here for more information

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Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

Click Here

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CARES ACT

https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/COVID19/DRS-COVID-19-Response-FAQ

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Special Coronavirus Edition #4: Former SBA Chief Gives Great Advice

Special Coronavirus Edition #4

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