Flexible financing to support Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits.
The CILF Loans program provides affordable, flexible financing to help local entrepreneurs and organizations grow. In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, Grow America connects you with the capital and support services needed to take on new opportunities, featuring competitive interest rates tailored to your business.
Where to begin
Wondering if this program is a fit for you? Here are the eligibility requirements for applicants:
- Located / operating in Connecticut
- 100 or fewer full‑time equivalent (FTE) employees
- In operation at least 1 year
- Current on all Connecticut and local taxes
- Historical cash flow adequacy
- Minimum credit score of 620
- No outstanding tax liens or judgments for you or your business
What to prepare
To get your application moving, please have the following documents and information ready:
- Most recent 2 years of filed personal and business tax returns
- Interim year-to-date income statement for current year
- Schedule of ownership or beneficial ownership forms from all owners
- Copy of driver’s license or other photo ID for all owners
- Valid Connecticut operating license, where applicable
- Additional documentation may be required
Application
If your business is ready:
- Start the application process here.
- We evaluate eligibility based on their underwriting criteria, underwriting typically takes 7-14 days
If your business is not yet ready:
- Contact Anthony Booth-Carvalho here.
- A Technical Assistance provider helps strengthen the application. Gathering documents, business planning, etc.
- Business may resubmit once ready
Next steps
After our team evaluates your application, the next steps depend on the decision.
- If approved, loan documents are signed, and funds are disbursed
- If declined, lender refers to a Technical Assistance Provider and the Technical Assistance provider works with the business and the application can be resubmitted
- Optionally, post-funding Technical Assistance is available to support loan success and business growth
Get in touch
