ARPA Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program

The Town of Plainfield will operate a Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program utilizing funds allocated to the Town by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden on March 11, 2021. The Town of Plainfield ARPA Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program will provide nonrefundable grants to eligible applicants. Applicants may request grants not to exceed $25,000. Additionally grant requests cannot exceed the amount of loss demonstrated by the applicant in the application (ex. $10,000 loss demonstrated = maximum of $10,000 request). The Board of Selectmen reserves the right to award, partially award, or reject any application. 

All applicants must describe how the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted them, and how these funds will be used to benefit their business as they continue to recover from the Pandemic. Applicants must demonstrate the financial impact the Pandemic had on them. This Program applies to organizations that experienced loss during the period between March 3, 2021 and October 3, 2022. This grant does not apply to the pandemic period prior to March 3, 2021 per regulations of the US Treasury, and losses prior to March 3, 2021 cannot be considered in this application. Start-ups must be able to describe how their ability to open was hindered during this period, and they must provide sufficient evidence.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements
The following are eligible to apply:
  • Any business or tax-exempt nonprofit located in Plainfield that experienced loss during the period between March 3, 2021 and October 3, 2022. This also includes fully licensed home occupation businesses located in Plainfield.
  • Any established business or tax-exempt nonprofit moving into Plainfield that experienced loss during the period between March 3, 2021 and October 3, 2022.
  • Start-ups that can demonstrate they faced increased costs to starting the business due to the Pandemic, or that the business lost expected startup capital due to the Pandemic (during the period between March 3, 2021 and October 3, 2022)

**Loss can be demonstrated as: Decreased Revenues (donations and fees for nonprofits), Financial insecurity. Increased costs, Capacity to weather financial hardship, Challenges covering payroll, rent or mortgage, and other operating costs**

Eligible Usage/Activities
In general, grants can be used for a variety of business-related expenses including:

  1. Purchase or renovation of equipment. Applicants must demonstrate how the Pandemic hindered their ability to purchase/renovate this equipment (loss of revenue, increased cost, etc.), or how it will assist in recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic (build a more resilient business, create jobs, etc.).
  2. Construction/Improvements of real estate. Applicants must demonstrate how the Pandemic impacted their ability to complete the desired work (loss of revenue, increased cost, etc.), or how it will assist in recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic (build a more resilient business, create jobs, etc.). APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT AT LEAST 3 DETAILED QUOTES OF PROPOSED WORK. Alteration to any leased property must provide written approval by the property owner when applying.
  3. Employee training (CNA Certification, CPR Certification, etc)
  4. Tax-exempt nonprofits may also request funds to institute or continue programs that directly assist in the economic and social recovery of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Ineligible Properties/Activities
Grants MAY NOT be used for

  1. Non-business-related expenses.
  2. Purchase of rolling stock.
  3. Refinancing
  4. Debt financing.

Guidelines and Application
ARPA Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program Guidelines
ARPA Small Business Economic Recovery Grant Program Application

Applications must be received by the Economic Development’s Office no later than 5:00 pm on 01/03/2023. Electronic applications may be emailed to hkohlmar@plainfieldct.org Late applications will not be accepted.

Physical Copies Must be Addressed to:
Plainfield Town Hall
ATTN: Small Business Economic Recovery Grant
8 Community Ave,
Plainfield, CT 06374

Questions? Please email Program Manager Heather Kohlmar at hkohlmar@plainfieldct.org or call (860) 230-3003