$1.2 million in Senate Directed Funds has been awarded to the United Way of Western Connecticut support the expansion of a first- of- its- kind digital marketplace. Prosperi-Key will support ALICE families, those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.  Nearly 40 percent of their service region does not make enough to afford the basic cost of living. 

The digital marketplace was launched last year to connects ALICE households to social services, business discounts, government supports, and other resources to help lessen the cost of living, reduce family stress, and support their ability to save. Prosperi-Key also supports small businesses by linking them with a new customer base, while also giving back to their community. 

The Senate funding will help grow small and mid-size businesses offerings for ALICE by underwriting the cost for businesses to join Prosperi-Key;  recruit ALICE to join Prosperi-Key as “Key Members”;  enhance vocational and educational accessibility on Prosperi-Key, including collaboration with State workforce development programs; and help to build out the additional technology infrastructure for this expansion.