Submitted by Haley Stafford
(January 24, 2026) — The application period for the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission’s (MCRC) 2026 Business Operating Grants Program will open online in mid-February. The program, funded through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, offers grants of up to $25,000 to qualified small businesses in Middlesex County.
The 2026 application window—from February 15, 2026 to March 15, 2026—is for the fourth year of a five-year program aimed at providing financial and technical assistance to business owners so they can continue operations and sustain—and expand—employment opportunities for Middlesex County residents. Applicants are encouraged to consider how the requested funds will positively influence the growth and development of their businesses or help mitigate the negative effects of any hardships they are currently experiencing. Grant funding can be used for equipment and/or technology, leasehold improvements, and other fixed costs, including expenses related to supply chain disruptions, increased employee travel time/mileage, higher vendor costs, loss of income, and additional marketing expenses.
For-profit businesses that apply must be based in and have operated in a Middlesex County town for at least twenty-four months, have fifty or fewer employees, generate less than eight million dollars in revenue, and be in good standing with all municipal, state and federal authorities. A full list of eligibility and application requirements is available on the Commission’s website at https://mxcrc.org.
“This program has been a real boost to many of our small businesses across the county,” said MCRC Chair Darlene Briggs of Westbrook. “We have seen transformative growth in the businesses that received funding, and we expect strong interest again in this year’s grant opportunity.
A series of virtual information sessions will be offered for businesses interested in applying. For more details, please visit https://mxcrc.org.
