‘We need help, and we need it yesterday.' State launching grant program for small businesses devastated by flood

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As Connecticut waits for a potential major disaster declaration from FEMA, destroyed businesses impacted by the flood are now getting state dollars to help rebuild. On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont toured the damage in Seymour before announcing a $5 million state grant to help small businesses get back on their feet. “I’m usually a bit of a skin flint is my reputation,” Lamont says. “But sometimes you see the scope of the tragedy and know it’s really important for all of us to step up and do the right thing and air on the side of generosity.” Businesses and nonprofits in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties with less than 100 employees can apply for up to $25,000 for cleanup, replacing equipment and lost inventory. “We know that there are SBA loans out there and we know that there will be FEMA hopefully coming,” Themis Klarides says. “But there is nothing happening now.” The state says FEMA crews will survey the damage on Wednesday to determine whether or not the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance. “We have done everything and will continue to do everything we can to help them build back better and stronger,” Klarides says. “But we need help and we need it yesterday.” The grant application goes live on Sept. 3. For more information, businesses are asked to email decdctrecovery@ct.gov "