Business Incentives

T-Mak Bodega Grant Award_ 08.06.2024Groton City Business Incentives are strategic investments designed to support local businesses, enhance the public realm through placemaking, and encourage private investment.

The City of Groton has two grant opportunities available to local business owners or operators:

  • Business Soft Cost
  • Minor Facade Improvements

Reimbursements of up to $2,500.00 are available to qualified businesses and commercial property owners through these programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Business owner or operator must employ between 1-25 full-time employees
  • Individual / Partnership property owner(s) is making changes to their building in support of an existing or new commercial tenant.
  • Business (Brick & Mortar) or commercial property must be located in the City of Groton, CT.
  • If a commercial property owner, the property must contain a permitted business.
  • All real estate and property taxes dues to the City of Groton and Town of Groton for the property and business, for which funds are requested, must be paid in full at the time of application.
  • All water and sewer services for the property and business must be paid in full at time of application.
  • Business owner or operator must have no pending litigation brought by or against the City of Groton, CT.
  • All proposals must comply with Building and Zoning requirements.

Business Soft Cost Grant

Costs associated with opening or expanding a business including, but not limited to:

  • Architectural Fees
  • Survey and/or Soil Scientist Fees
  • Engineering Fees
  • Legal Fees specific to planning and zoning issues
  • Consultant Fees
  • Other Fees deemed necessary for business opening or expanding, and pre-approved by the Planning & Economic Development Department

Minor Facade Improvements Grant

Costs associated with rehabilitating commercial facades. The Facade refers to the portion of a commercial property that is viewable from the public street. Improvements include but are not limited to:

  • Facade Repairs ( painting, masonry, gutters, windows, and doors)
  • Storefront Signage
  • Awnings or Canopies
  • Façade Exterior Lighting
  • Handicap Accessibility
  • Frontage Landscaping (plants must be perennials)
  • Sales tax associated with the project
  • Other improvements pre-approved by the Planning & Economic Development Department.

Application Process Details

Angelique Aesthetics Minor Facade Grant - 04012024Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If possible, applicants are encouraged to meet with staff and discuss their project prior to beginning work. Work completed six month prior to the submittal of an application can be considered for this program. All documentation should be submitted to the City of Groton Economic Development Manager at 295 Meridian Street, Groton CT or EconomicDevelopment@cityofgroton-ct.gov

Reimbursement is available to the applicant when work is complete and the grant request application has been processed and approved. Applicants are eligible for one grant per project, per calendar year. The Economic Development Commission may waive the provision, but in no case can the total reimbursement exceed $2500.00 per fiscal year.

Application Process & Timeline:

The application time-frame can range anywhere from 3-6 months depending on project completion, submission of all required documents and approvals.

  • Staff review of initial eligibility
  • Economic Development Commission Review during a regular meeting typically held the 1st Wednesday of every month.
  • Economic Development Commission’s recommendation to move application submission to City Council’s next Committee of the Whole meeting
  • Mayor & Council Vote
  • Staff to process reimbursement

Submission Requirements:

  • Completed Application
  • Before Picture
  • Schematic Sketch, if available
  • After Picture
  • Project Estimate
  • Proof of Payment
  • Property Card
  • State or Local Business Verification
  • Insurance Policy 
  • Building Permit & Certificate of Approval
  • Tax Office status of accounts
  • Groton Utilities status of account
  • Litigation Review