Press releases
08/08/2022
Governor Lamont Announces Distribution of $30 Million in Grants to Support Hospitality Businesses Adversely Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Starting this week, funds will be sent to restaurants, hotels, transportation companies and others in this sector of Connecticut
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that starting this week, the state of Connecticut will award $30 million in grants to more than 1,700 businesses in the state’s hospitality industry that have suffered financial losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses in this industry can expect to receive Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) checks ranging from $7,500 to $49,999. The hospitality industry includes restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, breweries, wineries, travel services, transportation services and other businesses.
Funding for the grants, known as the Connecticut Hospitality Industry Support Program and overseen by the Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development (DECD), was approved as part of the state budget bill that Governor Lamont recently signed and is supported by money the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“So many small local businesses in the hospitality industry continue to recover from the pandemic and any help that can be provided will help support them and their workers,” he added. Governor Lamont said. “These funds are sent directly to businesses to accelerate their continued growth and can be used as they see fit to help mitigate financial losses from the pandemic. I thank the Biden administration and Connecticut’s congressional delegation to deliver these funds to our state through the American Rescue Plan Act.”
To receive a grant, existing businesses must have met several criteria developed by DECD, most notably a 15% or more decrease in gross revenue when comparing calendar years 2019 and 2021. Grant amounts depend on the amount of losses and the overall level of the subsidy. receipts generated by the company.
New businesses (defined as those that filed tax returns beginning in calendar years 2019, 2020 or 2021) receive grants of $7,500 (or $15,000 if located in a struggling municipality), provided they meet certain criteria of ‘eligibility.
Companies do not have to apply for subsidies. DECD analyzed DRS data to identify those who experienced losses during the pandemic. (For detailed program eligibility information, click here.)
said Senator Richard Blumenthal“These grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan, are a lifeline for Connecticut businesses struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut has some of the best restaurants, breweries and hotels in the country, but our hotel industry is still rebuilding after two years of debilitating losses. I have visited many of these businesses and heard firsthand their struggles to keep their doors open. I am proud to have fought for the “American Rescue Plan Act in Congress so our state’s vibrant communities can rebuild to become even stronger.”
Congressman John B. Larson said“Along with the entire congressional delegation, I fought for small business relief at the height of this pandemic through programs like the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and the Blind Spot Operator Grant .As Connecticut’s hospitality industry continues to face the challenges of COVID-19, I’m excited to join Governor Lamont in announcing another round of grants to keep small businesses afloat in our state”.
DECD Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said, “Connecticut’s hospitality industry suffered devastating economic losses as a result of the pandemic, losses from which many are still recovering today. Connecticut’s hospitality industry support program is intended to serve as a stabilizing force as our hospitality businesses return to full operations and customers return to pre-pandemic behaviors.”
Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said“These grants will provide significant assistance to Connecticut restaurants adversely affected by the pandemic, most of which are family-owned businesses whose owners and employees live in and around the communities where they work. While the restaurants have worked to to recover from the pandemic, they have faced new headwinds in the form of inflation, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. We are grateful that the state is taking this step to help local businesses that continue to face- to these uphill battles, and we encourage lawmakers to continue to find ways to help local businesses keep their doors open.”
Duane Schroder, president of the Connecticut Lodging Association, said“The Connecticut Lodging Association thanks Governor Lamont, the Connecticut Legislature and the Department of Economic and Community Development for their continued support of the lodging industry during the worst economic downturn the lodging industry has ever faced. through the pandemic Public-private partnerships will create a stronger economy for the state’s hospitality businesses and Connecticut residents as we work together to rebuild the hospitality industry after the pandemic “.
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