Details and procedures regarding the program are below. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Award amounts will vary based on business maturity and purpose or demonstrated need for use of the funds. Award Information: Eligible businesses may receive $2,500, $3,500 or $5,000. One award per business per business owner. Disbursements will be upon submission of receipts or invoices. Award amounts vary depending on: • Maturity of the business • Previously received grants from the Urban League of Greater Hartford • The City of Hartford’s SBIF and HartLift recipients will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please email info@ulgh.org before applying. Award Tiers: $2,500 • Start-ups and businesses under 1 year to 3 years of active operation. • Previous microgrant recipients demonstrating strong progress. $3,500 • New Businesses approaching expansion. Workshop requirement to ensure readiness. • Mature businesses demonstrating operating shortfalls. Workshop requirement to remedy operating gaps. $5,000 • Businesses 3+ years in active operation. • Previous microgrant recipients demonstrating a critical need for expansion or sustainability. Award Requirements: Compliance, Reporting and Business Development • Applicants may only receive 1 grant every 12 months, with a maximum cumulative award of $5,000 over a 24-month period. • Must attend at least one (1) Urban League approved workshop, seminar, symposium, financial training webinar and other related business development opportunity. • Promotional opportunities with City of Hartford and the Urban League of Greater Hartford. Applicant Requirements: • Business must have a physical address in the City of Hartford. • Business must be registered as an LLC or other structure with the state of Connecticut. • Business must have 5 or fewer employees- including the business owner. • Business owner(s) must have a qualifying low-to-moderate household income (LMI) employee or the business must serve Hartford residents from low-to-moderate income households. • Applicant cannot be delinquent on real or personal property taxes. • Applicant must be in good standing with the City of Hartford (i.e. no violations of Zoning, Building or Fire Codes, etc.). • Applicant must have an established business banking account. Disqualifying factors: • Medical marijuana • Liquor stores and alcohol distributors • Adult content • Vape retailers • Tobacco shops and smoking lounges • Gambling • Gun stores and ranges • Cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops • Bail bonds • Collection agencies or services • Auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar businesses are not eligible. Eligible Uses of Funds: • Payroll • Rent/Mortgage • Inventory and supplies • Exterior signage and customization • Equipment or technology upgrades (subject to approval) • Marketing and outreach • Product or service innovation • Business support services (i.e. business plan development, accounting, etc.) • General support services (i.e. peer support programs, counseling, childcare, and transportation) Ineligible Uses of Funds: • Tax Payment • Debt Services • Construction Application Process: Step 1: Apply Online at https://www.ulgh.org/microgrant • Select Apply to view and complete the application form and all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If applicants have questions, they are strongly encouraged to email questions prior to submitting the application. Step 2: Receive City of Hartford Clearance and Application Certification and Clearance Documents Step 3: Email certification and declaration signature pages/notarized forms Step 4: Complete one (1) workshop, if necessary. Step 5: Grant Distribution