seCTerRise Business Retention & Expansion Program

seCTer administers $4.5 million over five years in business resiliency and sustainability funding for southeastern Connecticut businesses.

Geographic Scope: Southeastern Connecticut (seCTer region)

Focus Industries:

• Childcare
• Cybersecurity
• Agriculture
• Sustainable energy

Key Features:

• Free advising services paired with growth funding
• Up to $20,000 in growth funding per business
• Up to $5,000 seed funding for business pitch and business plan competition winners
• 50% of program funds awarded to minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses
• Priority consideration for businesses in economically distressed communities (as determined by state criteria)

Eligibility: Businesses located in southeastern Connecticut region; priority to economically distressed areas and minority/women/veteran-owned businesses

Contact Information:

• Joe Violette, Business Retention & Expansion Specialist
• Phone: 860-437-4659
• Email: jviolette@secter.org
• Website: www.secter.org

Program Launch: May 9, 2023

Application Process

1. Contact seCTer staff for help with application
2. Work with seCTer staff to determine best use of funds for business sustainability and expansion
3. For business pitch and plan competition events: Submit business plan or pitch (details to be announced)

Contact for Application Assistance:

• Joe Violette, Business Retention & Expansion Specialist
• Phone: 860-437-4659
• Email: jviolette@secter.org

Required Information: Specific application materials not detailed in source material; contact seCTer for complete requirements and eligibility criteria.