Connecticut businesses and nonprofits can now apply for low-interest loans ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 through the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund.
The Department of Economic and Community Development has launched the $150 million lending program to bolster small businesses and nonprofits, especially those in low-income and historically underserved communities.
Currently, the loans have a fixed 4.5% interest rate. Eligible applicants must have operations in Connecticut with 100 or fewer full-time employees and annual revenues of less than $8 million.
The fund is a public-private partnership which DECD hopes will be self-sustaining as more private capital is invested.
The timely program comes amid a looming recession. Gov. Ned Lamont told the CT Mirror that when there’s a risk of recession, traditional banks and lenders tend to pull back.
“This fund was established to support small business owners who may have previously experienced barriers to accessing financial support and works with and through community lenders that are dedicated to equitable lending practices,” said Lamont in a press release.
Visit CTSmallBusinessBoostFund.org to learn more and apply.