Minorities, including Black, Latinos, and Asians, as well as women owned small business in Connecticut can get financial help. Find loans from a variety of lenders near you, free grants from the state or federal government (and charities) and other funds in Connecticut. Find free MWBE grant or loans in CT help near, including from charities, banks, corporations, and the government.
Small businesses in Connecticut as well as startups can get assistance, both financial and free consultations. Each and every program is allocated some of the funds to disadvantaged businesses, including minorities, LGBTQ, the disabled, veterans, and female owned businesses. They can get either grants or loans to use to pay for inventory, rent, marketing costs, and other business operating costs. In almost all cases the loans and grants come with ongoing support.
Much of the assistance is for the major cities in Connecticut, including Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and the Fairfield County area. However financial aid, including grants, can be offered to small to mid-sized businesses across the state with priority on MWBE, veteran, and people of color (BIPOC).
Women or minority businesses loans and free grants in Connecticut
The list of resources below is updated daily with the latest resources. Latino, Asian, Black, minority and women owned businesses can find the help they need in Connecticut. Financial resources, capital raising programs and support is available across the state.
February 2026
Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is providing two different grants in February and March. The Ignite Grant Program as well as the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund Start-Up and Expansion Grants. They are focused on helping qualified, women-own businesses (that fall into the application criteria) access the capital they need for growth. More information on the grants is at https://ctwbdc.org/what-we-do/funding-your-business/
There have been grants and loans issued in previous years as well – look here for other business grants and loans in Connecticut from previous years.
By Jon McNamara
