State Help for Greater Bristol Businesses is Available Thursday

Representatives of the state will be available Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon at the offices of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce at 200 Main St. in Bristol.

Local businesspeople hit by the tropical storm should bring photos and documents to explain the damage they sustained in applying for help from the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Appointments are not required.
Businesses negatively impacted by Hurricane Irene are eligible for assistance, including bridge financing and loans covering uninsured losses, through DECD. 

Highlights of this assistance include:

• Loans of up to $200,000 to companies for storm-related damage, including property, machinery and equipment, and working capital;
• Loan guarantees of up to $200,000 will be provided to banks and other lenders to spur local lending to businesses impacted by the storm;
• Grants will be available to businesses for assistance in disaster recovery, such as temporary help and training; and
• Technical assistance, linking businesses to a wide array of state and federal resources.

Agricultural businesses are eligible for funding.

Click here for the application:  Application is MS Word    Application in PDF format
 
A team of DECD workers has been assembled to work with companies at business resource centers around the state.  They will assist in indentifying financial and technical resources, as well as serve as business advocates with utility assistance, insurance companies, and federal agencies.