Women’s Business Development Council accepts applications for two grant programs

STAMFORD, CT (WFSB) – The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) began accepting applications for two of its key grants on February 3.

The Ignite Grant Program and the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund aim to support small businesses across Connecticut, particularly those owned by women and child-care providers.

The Ignite Grant Program is accepting applications from February 3 to March 10.

The program provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to businesses with clearly defined projects that show measurable potential to drive growth and profitability.

Since launching in 2020, the program has awarded more than $3.3 million to 364 women-owned businesses in Connecticut.

In the most recent round of grants, 37 businesses received over $342,000 in funding.

Beth Iovinelli, owner of Milk Street Lactation in Norwalk, shared the impact of the grant on her business, “This grant allows us to have alternate streams of revenue and increase our revenue. It will allow me to focus on continuing to grow the business.”

Applications for the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund are open from February 3 to March 3.

This fund offers grants of up to $25,000 for licensed and aspiring child care businesses in Connecticut, helping them grow, sustain operations, and expand services.

Since its inception in 2020, the program has awarded more than $7.5 million, including $1.7 million to 155 childcare businesses in the most recent funding round.

Donna Rissolo, owner of Essex Preschool and a recent grant recipient, encouraged other child care business owners to apply, saying, “Even if you don’t receive a grant, the application process itself teaches you valuable lessons in business development.”

Both grant programs are made possible through a unique partnership between WBDC and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

For more information on how to apply, visit the Women’s Business Development Council’s website at ctwbdc.org.