Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp, known as seCTer, is a public charity based in Groton, Connecticut. It is a regional economic development organization providing services and resources to support economic development and diversification in southeastern Connecticut, primarily serving businesses, residents, and municipalities in New London County and the Town of Windham.
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp at a glance
In short: Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp gave $461K across 40 grants in 2025 (avg $12K). Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $460,710
- -38.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 40
- -9.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $11,518
- -31.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $9,839,274
- +17.5% vs 2024
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
- Contact
Mailing address: 19-B Thames Street, Groton, CT 06340
Phone: (860) 437-4659
Website: https://secter.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
Amount
Flexible working capital loans at 4.5% fixed interest rate
Deadline
Deadline not published
Connecticut Small Business Support Program
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
seCTerRise Business Retention & Expansion Program
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
Amount
Up to $20,000 in growth funding per business; up to $5,000 seed funding for pitch/plan competition winners
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Connecticut Wind Collaborative Inc ($50K). Together the top 10 received $170K.
Grant Size Distribution
87 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 86 grants of 87 (99%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
seCTer primarily serves New London County and the Town of Windham. Its regional economic development work covers a 20-town, two-borough, and two-tribal-nation area in southeastern Connecticut. The seCTerRise program is limited to businesses located in its listed eligible Connecticut communities.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
How Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp gives
- 0% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2023 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $57K (2023) to $743K (2024). In 2025 it made 40 grants totaling $461K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Wind Collaborative Inc | — | $50,000 |
| Miranda Creative Inc | — | $25,000 |
| Pontes Construction LLC | — | $25,000 |
| McKenna Inc | — | $10,000 |
| New London Natural Health Center | — | $10,000 |
| Puerto Lima LLC | — | $10,000 |
| Sixpenny Oysters LLC | — | $10,000 |
| Story and Soil LLC | — | $10,000 |
| The Main Avent Group LLC | — | $10,000 |
| Hunts Brook Farm | — | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,839,274 | $3,307,605 | $2,321,724 | $460,710 | 40 | $368,017 |
| 2024 | $8,374,310 | $3,420,333 | $2,827,788 | $742,698 | 44 | $375,165 |
| 2023 | $8,711,019 | $1,855,907 | $2,261,698 | $57,280 | 3 | $294,120 |
| 2022 | $8,675,526 | $2,397,817 | $1,654,286 | — | — | $196,922 |
| 2021 | $7,847,183 | $2,659,837 | $1,574,256 | — | — | $230,050 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
seCTer’s mission is to make southeastern Connecticut stronger and more vibrant by 2030. Its stated vision is to be the lead regional economic development resource, stimulating growth and prosperity in the region.
The organization’s work includes regional economic planning through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Its 2024 filing also describes expenses for a Procurement Technical Assistance Center and revolving loan funds, including loans to southeastern Connecticut businesses to promote job growth. These are described as program expenses and loans, not grants to outside applicants.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, seCTer reported 40 grants totaling $460,710. Grants ranged from $7,343 to $50,000, with a median of $10,000. Listed recipients included CONNECTICUT WIND COLLABORATIVE INC ($50,000), MIRANDA CREATIVE INC ($25,000), PONTES CONSTRUCTION LLC ($25,000), and MCKENNA INC ($10,000). Other listed $10,000 recipients included NEW LONDON NATURAL HEALTH CENTER, PUERTO LIMA LLC, SIXPENNY OYSTERS LLC, STORY AND SOIL LLC, THE MAIN AVENT GROUP LLC, HUNTS BROOK FARM, GRISWOLD EYE CARE PLLC, and FORGE 41 INC.
seCTerRise offers a $10,000 grant for eligible small businesses and a $25,000 grant for eligible established businesses. The $10,000 option is for businesses with annual revenue over $35,000 and up to $750,000 that have operated for at least one year. The $25,000 option is for businesses with annual revenue of at least $750,000, at least four years in operation, and at least two full-time employees, excluding founders. Applicants must be for-profit businesses located in an eligible Connecticut municipality, registered in Connecticut, in good standing with the state Department of Revenue Services, and provide required financial documents and a detailed project budget. Businesses that have previously received a seCTerRise grant are ineligible for another award.
The website describes eligible project expenses such as professional services, equipment, machinery, and other growth-related purchases. For the $25,000 grant, inventory purchases are ineligible. Documentation is required for purchases over $1,000 under both options, and projects primarily focused on deferred maintenance are described as not competitive. Application materials include financial statements, tax documentation, a W-9, proof of business existence or registration, and supporting project documentation; the $25,000 option also calls for anticipated business outcomes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kevin Brown as chair; John Godin as first vice chair; Ameanda Kennedy as second vice chair; Catherine Young as secretary; and Sandra Allyn-Gauthier as treasurer. It also lists Angela Adams, Fred Allyn III, Richard Balestracci, James Bellano, and Elsie Bisset as board members. The organization’s website identifies Paul Whitescarver as executive director.
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp is led by Kevin Brown, Chair since 2025 (on filings since 2022); 1 of 30 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kevin Brown
Chair
Board Member → 1st Vice Cha, 2023
1st Vice Cha → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Whitescarver
Executive Di
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$152K (2023) → $152K (2025)
Ayanti Grant
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Felix Reyes
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary Goeschel II
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Holly Cheeseman
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maria Hanna
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sean Nugent
Immediate Pa
1st Vice Cha → Chair, 2023
Chair → Immediate Pa, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ameanda Kennedy
2nd Vice Cha
Board Member → 2nd Vice Cha, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angela Adams
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Flax
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Young
Secretary
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Godin
1st Vice Cha
Treasurer → 1st Vice Cha, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Light
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Nogelo
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clayton Potter
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elsie Bisset
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Allyn III
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Bellano
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Savin
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Latoya Cluff
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Molly Bruno
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Balestracci
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sandra Allyn-Gauthier
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wendy Vincent
Board Member
2nd Vice Cha → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Annemaria Seifert
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Schill
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ross Gionfriddo
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shannon Christian
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tracy Espy
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: Ernest Muccio (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Maria Miranda (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Susan Adams (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Tony Sheridan (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Zakkyya Williams (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: David Hammond (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Mark R. Oefinger (2021–2023) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Naomi Otterness (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ronald McDaniel (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Thayne Hutchins (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Wendy Bury (2021–2023) — 2nd Vice Cha
- Former: Paige Bronk (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Roderick Cornish (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Charles Seeman (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Donna Simpson (2021–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Gabriel Stern (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Mark Hill (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Carey (2021–2022) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Paul Formica (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Robert Congdon (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Cathy Young (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Jewell (2021) — 2nd Vice Cha
- Former: Ed Dombroskas (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Nancy Cowser (2021) — Executive Di
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $152K, to Paul Whitescarver (Executive Di).
Frequently asked questions about Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp
How much does Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp give each year?
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp gave $461K across 40 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $743K across 44 grants.
What is Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp's typical grant size?
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $11,518, across 40 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp's largest grantees?
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp's largest 2025 grantees include Connecticut Wind Collaborative Inc ($50,000), Miranda Creative Inc ($25,000) and Pontes Construction LLC ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 22% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp?
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp reported $9.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.3M.
What does Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp fund?
seCTer’s mission is to make southeastern Connecticut stronger and more vibrant by 2030. Its stated vision is to be the lead regional economic development resource, stimulating growth and prosperity in the region. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp?
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check secter.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
Where does Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp make grants?
seCTer primarily serves New London County and the Town of Windham. Its regional economic development work covers a 20-town, two-borough, and two-tribal-nation area in southeastern Connecticut. The seCTerRise program is limited to businesses located in its listed eligible Connecticut communities.
What is Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp's EIN?
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-2973506. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
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Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region Corp down — hundreds of funders to go?