Launch of $8.7 Million Grant Program for Entrepreneurs in New Haven

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CFGNH) hosted a press conference Monday to announce the launch of its $8.7 million grant program and website, e3connector.com, for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Alisha Crutchfield, owner of BLOOM, noted that resources like the New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) grant have helped her business grow. “This grant supports so much more than a business - it supports a vision. With this grant, I’ll be able to expand my growing business and hire experienced team members. I’ll also hire inexperienced team members and properly train them so they can contribute to society in innovative ways and take care of their families,” said Crutchfield, who owns a multi-concept gathering space in Westville.

CFGNH created the NHE3 grant program as a result of its strategic planning four years ago, which prioritized opportunity and equity.

“We need to see economic growth that creates opportunity for everyone in this community,” said William Ginsberg, CFGNH’s President and CEO. “This is a unique moment. There is a greater economic opportunity for this community today than at any time in the four decades that I have been in this community.”

NHE3 plans to award 750 grants, averaging $6,000 per grant, over the next 5 years. Black, brown, and women-owned business owners are strongly encouraged to apply.

Grant recipients can use the funding for operational costs, including purchasing equipment, inventory, marketing, and payroll. NHE3 is accepting applications on the website, e3connector.com, and will award the grants to small business owners throughout the Greater New Haven area. The e3connector.com website is a portal for small business owners to apply for grants and sign up for business support services. Applicants can also be connected with Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESO) in the ecosystem to guide them through the application process, which includes gathering financial statements.

“The NHE3 grant helps residents in the Greater New Haven area thrive! This is about wealth creation in our community,” said Joe Williams, Jr., Director of NHE3 Operations.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker commented, “NHE3 is a great model of how government, community organizations, and the business community can work together to make an even bigger impact. We’re committed to inclusive economic growth and helping provide our local entrepreneurs and small businesses – particularly those who have been historically marginalized in our economy – with the tools needed to be successful and thrive. That includes access to capital, training, technical assistance, and support through mentorship and networking. The NHE3 program will help advance all of this, and that’s why the City of New Haven has committed $1.5 million and additional supports to this initiative.”

The state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is funding $7.2 million towards the grant program, part of a $46.6 million statewide initiative to help underserved entrepreneurs and fuel business growth in Connecticut. Liberty Bank has also contributed $50,000 to support this initiative.

“We’re really excited about this partnership, and we can’t wait to see the results of the investments we’ll be making, not only now but for months and years to come,” said DECD Deputy Director Paul Robertson.