The Town of Brookfield has opened a Small Business grant program. Funding for the grants is being paid for through a portion of the town's share of the American Rescue Plan Act. Small businesses were heavily impacted by COVID-19, experiencing large losses of revenue and additional costs for PPE, outfitting and other expenses. In communities like Brookfield, Community Development Specialist Greg Dembowski says these small businesses often do not have the means to easily or quickly recover.
At the recent Special Town Meeting, Brookfield voters approved a $200,000 program. Applications are due by 1pm on April 19th and by 2pm on May 6th. Two rounds of recommendations by a committee will be made to the First Selectman and awardees will be notified.
Eligible businesses may apply for grants up to $5,000. Funding is limited and not all businesses approved for participation will receive the maximum amount. A business may submit only one application.
The Brookfield-based business must be registered with the Town, currently in operation and have an annual gross revenue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic of less than a million dollars. Non-profits with 501(c)3 exempt status may apply. Applicants must be in good standing and current on its federal, state and local tax obligations and have no liens or judgements. The business must be able to demonstrate that it has been negatively impacted by the pandemic and that funding will enable the business to continue to operate. The business must have a clear and specific use for the grant money on future expenditures including, but not limited to: payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, costs associated with compliance with health measures and construction of outdoor dining area.
A committee of five will review the applications. Those members are the Economic Development Commission Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary, Economic Development Manager and the Brookfield Tax Assessor.
Applications can be e-mailed to Greg Dembowski, Economic Development Manager at GDembowski@BrookfieldCT.gov, mailed to Brookfield Town Hall, 100 Pocono Rd., Brookfield, CT, ATTN: Greg Dembowski, or dropped off at Brookfield Town Hall, Land Use Office, room 103.
