Governor Lamont announced today an additional $35 million in CARES Act funding to aid small businesses, an increase from the originally proposed $25 Million. The Business Recovery Grants will provide close to 2,000 Connecticut businesses a grant in the range of $10,000 to $30,000 depending on hardship and size.​

There is no application process as the DECD is working with DRS to finalize eligibility. Checks will be distributed directly to those businesses before the end of the year.

“We’re very thankful to Governor Lamont, Commissioner David Lehman, and Chief of Staff Paul Mounds for their partnership in getting to this point. Our association has been advocating for additional funding since September, and the Governor and his team have kept an open door throughout, fully recognizing the damage done to our industry. We’re also very grateful to the many state legislators who put forward plans and calls to action in recent days and weeks, as their efforts helped keep the conversation moving toward action and a positive outcome,” said CRA Executive Director Scott Dolch.
Click HERE to read the media statement from Scott Dolch.

The CRA will be hosting an industry update webinar on Wednesday, December 23rd at 10AM to provide further details about the state grants and the recently announced federal stimulus package. Register for the webinar

CONGRESS REACHES AGREEMENT
ON COVID RELIEF PACKAGE
Congressional leaders announced Sunday night that they secured a deal for a sweeping $900 billion rescue package to deliver much-needed relief for small businesses, unemployed Americans and health care workers while bolstering vaccine distribution. 

While details are still being finalized, here is what we know so far:

Congress has agreed on a $900 billion stimulus package — the second largest in U.S. history. It will include another round of small-business aid through PPP,  a $300 per-week unemployment benefit, and a second round of stimulus checks of $600, among other things. Read more details here. 

A vote on this package is expected to happen as early as tomorrow. We will update by email and industry update webinar later this week. 

In partnership with Eat IN Connecticut and CT Bites, the CRA is excited to announce “12 Days of Foodie Giveaways” sponsored by Restaurant City, who have generously donated $5000 in gift cards to CT restaurants!


To participate, visit @EatINConnecticut and @CTBites on Instagram and follow entry instructions. The campaign continues throughout the month of December and will cover all parts of Connecticut, so remember to check back daily and show your favorite restaurants some love.

Thank you again to Restaurant City for their generous donation and to Eat IN and CT Bites for their continued support.


Click HERE learn more about the #saveCTrestaurants campaign.