COVID-19 Business Assistance and Recovery Resources
What assistance is available for local businesses? The Town of Groton Economic Development staff created this list of resources for our local businesses.
Recovery Resources Update
Business Assistance and Relief
Find several options here to help your business grow and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut.
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Mentoring & Counseling
Remote business assistance is available from the following organizations:
Women's Business Development Council of Southeastern CT
Southeastern CT SCORE Chapter
CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) Business Assistance
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer)
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
This grant managed by the Small Business Association provides emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by COVID-19 including live performance and movie theaters and some tourist attractions. CTSBDC is offering no-cost advising for businesses who have questions about the program.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide grants for restaurants sustaining financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA released technical guidance for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. To apply visit the SBA RRF site.
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Business Re-Opening Guidance
Latest COVID-19 Business Guidance
As of May 19, 2021, all of the business sector rules that were previously enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted and mask requirements have been updated. These changes are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated.
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Small Business Relief Loan from Chelsea Groton Bank
Chelsea Groton's new Small Business Relief Loan provides small business owners with a simple way to access up to $10,000 in funding. The fund will help businesses maintain operations while recovering from challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses with less than $2M in annual sales and up to 20 full-time employees are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by visiting a local branch or calling 860-448-4195.
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Business Recovery Strategies: Free Webinar Replay
The brand managers from Miranda Creative, led by Maria Miranda, have outlined the best methods to prepare and elevate as we bounce back as a business community. This information-packed webinar is essential viewing for any small business struggling to adapt to the accelerating pace of change that we are facing today.
View Webinar
Application for Temporary Outdoor Dining
On May 12, 2020 an Executive Order Number 7MM was signed by Governor Lamont that allows for expedited approvals of temporary outdoor dining for restaurants that are looking to open during the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration. In order to provide for a quick and comprehensive approach, Planning & Development Services has created these documents to assist applicants.
Groton Guide to Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining
Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining
Typical Conditions of Approval for Temporary Patios in Shopping Centers
Typical Conditions of Approval for Temporary Patios Onsite, Within Parking Areas
Typical Conditions of Approval for Temporary Patios Onsite, Not Within Parking Areas
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Outdoor Dining & Other Activities in the State Right-of-Way
Businesses seeking to operate outdoors in the right-of-way along a state road need to apply for a permit from the CTDOT [link]. Before completing the CTDOT permit application, the business should contact Deb Jones, Assistant Director of Planning & Development Services, at djones@groton-ct.gov to determine local requirements for location, hours, etc.
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Outdoor Service of Alcoholic Beverages Guidance
If you wish to offer outdoor service of alcoholic beverages at your restaurant, bar, or other dining establishment, you will need local and state approvals. The Patio, Extension of Use, And/or Additional Consumer Bar Application is available to facilitate this process.
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Small Business Support
Business Resources
The State of Connecticut provides updated information at ct.gov/coronavirus. A dedicated phone line, 860-500-2333, can be used for direct assistance and guidance, or you can send an e-mail to covid19.jic@ct.gov.
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Help Center for Small Businesses (Spanish)
The Town of Groton is happy to announce a partnership with the City of New London that will allow our Spanish speaking business owners a 'Help Line' to navigate available relief programs. Please call 860-437-6309 or email sbinfo@newlondonct.org to make an appointment. Now is the time where partnerships are vital in getting information to all of our small business/ non-profit owners. We are all in this together.
La Pueblo de Groton se complace en anunciar una colaboración con la ciudad de New London que les permitirá a nuestros propietarios de pequeñas empresas de habla española a utilizar el Centro de Ayuda paraevaluar los programas de asistencia disponibles. Por favor llamar al 860-437-6309 o enviar un correo electrónico a sbinfo@newlondonct.org para hacer una cita. Este es el momento vital para proveerles información a todos los propietarios de pequeñas empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Estamos juntos en esto.
Financial Support
Community Advantage Recovery Loan
Financial and technical assistance to help small businesses adapt to changing business conditions in the COVID-19 environment and strengthen their ability to manage through potential future disruptions. Loans of $50,000 to $250,000 are available.
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U.S. SBA Disaster Loans
Loans of up to $2 million, loan advances of up to $10,000 and Express Bridge Loans up to $25,000 are available from the US Small Business Administration.
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Employee Assistance
The CT Department of Labor offers guidance for your employees if you need to temporarily close your business, including how to file for unemployment benefits, FMLA, as well as a reduction-in-work alternative to layoffs, called SharedWork.
