Hartford Microgrant Program Creates New Opportunities For Small Businesses In City
Published By: Upper Albany Main Street
Date: September 15, 2025
Category: MBI Program
Hartford is expanding its microgrant program and offering up to $5,000 to help small businesses grow. There is added support for entrepreneurs in underserved areas.
Small businesses in Hartford aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving thanks to a microgrant program now entering its second year.
And for local entrepreneurs like Sasha Fay, co-founder of Ovelle Coffee, the opportunity is brewing real change.
“I applied for the microgrant. It was such a great opportunity because we’re looking to scale our business, and in order to do that, we need funding,” said Fay, who runs her small-roasting company out of the Swift Factory in Hartford. “And that’s always a major thing for any small business is funding.”
With help from a $2,500 grant from the city last year, Fay and her husband Ian were able to purchase more coffee beans and grow their roasting operation.
The Hartford Microenterprise Microgrant Program, a collaboration between the City of Hartford and the Urban League of Greater Hartford, was launched last year to support local microbusinesses – those with five or fewer employees. In its first year, 31 small businesses received $2,500 each.
This year, the program is expanding in a big way. Grant amounts have increased, now ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, with over $370,000 in total funding available.
To further support small business owners, new dedicated staff are strengthening outreach, technical assistance and program coordination, helping Hartford residents realize their dream of entrepreneurship.
“Small businesses really enhance and strengthen our neighborhoods, and it’s important that they survive and thrive,” said Nicole Porter, workforce development manager at the Urban League. “Small businesses provide job opportunities, and we definitely appreciate what they bring in our local economy.”
The program prioritizes businesses in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, especially those located within the city of Hartford. Funding can be used to start, stabilize or expand a small business, and applicants must have five or fewer employees to be eligible.
Porter emphasized the importance of inclusive economic growth and community development.
“It’s important just to make sure that they are able to help build on our local economy,” she said.
To support that mission, the city is also bringing on two new roles: a program coordinator and a merchant services coordinator, who will focus on program administration and direct business assistance.
For entrepreneurs like the Fays, the expanded program couldn’t come at a better time.
“There’s so many funding cuts going on and things that affect local communities. There’s really a big backlash against that kind of,” Ian Fay said.
“There are government entities and cities that want to support small. businesses and continuing building up their future,” added Sasha. “Because, you know, small businesses are the backbone of America.”
Applications are now open through the Urban League of Greater Hartford. Businesses located in Hartford with five or fewer employees are encouraged to apply.
To apply or learn more, visit the Urban League’s website or click here for a direct link to the application.
If you’re a Hartford entrepreneur looking for your next step, this could be your moment.
Read the full article: https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/hartford-county/hartford/hartford-microgrant-program-creates-new-opportunities-for-city-small-businesses/520-7c1d60de-9153-444d-a75b-f3f45c5f1689