City of Hartford and Urban League Launch Second Year of Microgrant Program for Small Businesses

Following a successful first year, in which 31 Hartford businesses each received a $2,500 grant, year two will introduce expanded grant amounts of $2,500 to $5,000, along with new dedicated staff to strengthen outreach, technical assistance, and program coordination. A total of more than $370,000 will be invested this year to help Hartford residents start, stabilize, or strengthen their dream of entrepreneurship and increase business activity within local neighborhood to create jobs, build capacity, and attract future investments.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Hartford’s neighborhoods, and this program ensures that our local entrepreneurs, especially those in historically underserved communities, have access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “We are proud to continue this partnership with the Urban League, a trusted presence and longstanding leader in our community, and serve even more businesses in year two,” added Paige Berschet, Director of Small Business Initiatives and Support for the City.

To build upon lessons learned in the inaugural year, the program will now feature two new dedicated roles: a Program Coordinator to manage program administration and compliance; and a Merchant Services Coordinator focused on outreach and direct assistance to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. The program will also invest in marketing and promotional efforts to broaden awareness of available resources.

“From barber shops to restaurants to virtual services, small businesses of every type should feel welcomed to be a part of this initiative,” said Urban League of Greater Hartford (Hartford, CT) Workforce Manager Nicole Porter. “We’ve partnered with the City on many other initiatives, but this one is particularly important to our mission of economic self-reliance,” said Urban League President & CEO David Hopkins. “We are providing access to funds, but also fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of Hartford.” Hopkins notes that the announcement was made just days after August’s National Black Business Month, underscoring Hartford’s commitment to advancing inclusive economic empowerment.

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