About this programme
The CT Opportunity Fund is a planned Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) lending program meant to bring affordable financing to small businesses in underserved communities, using HEDCO, a Connecticut-based mission-driven lender, as the lending partner.
As described on DECD's own page, loans would run $10,000 to $500,000, with interest capped at 4% and terms up to 10 years, for machinery and equipment, building renovation or leasehold improvements, relocation or working capital, marketing and advertising, and other lender-approved expenses.
Who can apply
As planned, businesses or business owners would need to meet at least one of: operating or residing in a concentrated poverty census tract (under CGS Sec. 32-7x), having income at or below HUD's area median household income, or being a first-time business owner or enterprise lacking access to traditional commercial lending.
DECD lists a priority order for these three groups: concentrated poverty census tract businesses first, then HUD income-eligible businesses, then first-time owners or those facing capital-access barriers.
Frequently asked
Can I apply for the CT Opportunity Fund right now?
No. DECD's own page states the fund has not launched yet and that program details and application information will be posted once it does.
Who will run the fund once it launches?
DECD will administer it, with HEDCO, a Connecticut-based mission-driven lender, as the lending partner.
What will the loan terms be?
As currently described: $10,000 to $500,000 per loan, interest capped at 4%, terms up to 10 years.
More funding in Connecticut
AI/Q Fund
Connecticut Innovations · Connecticut
Connecticut Innovations invests from a $50 million fund in AI, quantum computing, and deep tech companies with a Connecticut connection.
ClimateTech Fund
Connecticut Innovations · Connecticut
Equity capital of $150,000 to $2 million per year for climate tech companies with a Connecticut presence, from seed to Series B/C.
Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund (CBIF)
Connecticut Innovations · Connecticut
Connecticut Innovations backs bioscience companies from a $200 million evergreen fund; per-company amount is set case by case.
Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development · Connecticut
Low-interest loans of $5,000 to $500,000 at a fixed 4.5% for Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits, arranged through community lenders.
Future Fund
Connecticut Innovations · Connecticut
Equity investment of $250,000 to $1.5 million for Connecticut tech startups accelerating growth, with priority for diverse founding teams.
Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund
Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA), in partnership with HEDCO · Connecticut
Loans of $10,000 to $100,000 at 4% fixed interest, up to 10 years, for Connecticut minority-owned small businesses statewide.
All 15 programmes in Connecticut →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.