Norwalk Offering Coronavirus Aid Grants To Small Businesses

NORWALK, CT — The city this week launched a new small business grant program to help Norwalk businesses navigate the negative impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The new $150,000 effort, called COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program, is part of an ongoing effort by the city to help Norwalk businesses. The funds specifically will be earmarked for businesses with 25 or fewer employees, and because of an expected large number of applications, recipients will be selected via a random lottery system. Applications are now available at norwalkct.org and must be submitted by noon on Feb. 9.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted our business community," said Mayor Harry Rilling. "There has been limited grant funding opportunities available, and I felt it was important that we provide more assistance to our local small businesses. I know this is not a significant amount money, but in talking with local businesses, I have heard that anything we can do will be of help."

According to Sabrina Church, Norwalk's director of Business Development and Tourism, the grants will be a flat $5,000 which means it will serve 30 recipients.

"The $150,000 is from city funds," Church told Patch. "We hope to have more funds available in the future, but for right now, this is all that is available. With a new federal administration entering the fold, we can hope to see more relief programs released from the federal side."

Businesses with questions or that need more information are encouraged to contact Church at 203-939-2202 or via email at SChurch@norwalkct.org.

Applicants will have three weeks to complete the application. To be eligible businesses must be for-profit enterprises that employ under 25 people and not have been subject to frequent COVID-19 sector health and safety violations, according to officials.

Eligible expenses include rent, utilities, payroll, and purchasing of personal protective equipment. Funds may not be used for payment of non-business expenses, for political or lobbying activities, or for any other purpose deemed inappropriate or expressly prohibited by federal regulations, officials added.

"Norwalk has a robust and vibrant business community, and I am hopeful these grants will help our small businesses continue to navigate through this pandemic," Rilling said. "Clearly, more support is needed from the federal government, but I hope these grants will be a bridge to more significant help. I encourage our business community to submit an application for this grant program."

Once an application is submitted, Norwalk officials will review it for completion and to ensure a business meets all eligibility requirements. Once staff confirms the application is complete, it will be assigned a random application number. All the completed applications will then be placed into a lottery. A live public drawing will be conducted by the mayor during the week of Feb. 15.

Complete eligibility guidelines and the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program application can be found at norwalkct.org/covid19businessresources.