STAMFORD — The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced on Friday, January 30 that new application periods will open in February for two of its signature grant programs: the Ignite Grant Program for women-owned businesses and the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund for licensed and aspiring child care businesses. Together, these programs help women entrepreneurs invest in growth, create and retain jobs, and strengthen local economies across Connecticut.

WBDC will accept applications for:

*Ignite Grant Program (open February 3-March 18) — grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for clearly defined projects expected to have a measurable impact on business growth and profitability.

*Child Care Business Opportunity Fund Start-Up and Expansion Grants (open February 1-February 28) — grants of up to $25,000 to help child care businesses launch, expand, and increase capacity, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

Investing In Women Entrepreneurs — And Connecticut’s Economic Growth

WBDC’s grant programs are designed to address one of the most persistent challenges small businesses face: access to capital at pivotal moments. For women business owners, a targeted grant can mean the difference between maintaining momentum and missing out on opportunities to hire, expand services, upgrade equipment, or increase revenue.

Since launching in 2020, Ignite has distributed more than $4.4 million to 469 women-owned small businesses across Connecticut. In the most recent round alone, 46 grants totaling $449,658 were awarded — funding tangible business improvements that support growth and local job creation.

For the child care sector — an essential pillar of the broader economy — WBDC’s Child Care Business Opportunity Fund has provided more than $8 million to child care providers since the program began in 2020, helping business owners stabilize and scale. WBDC has distributed $8.4 million across 787 child care business grant awards, supporting the creation or maintenance of 4,264 jobs and 13,332 child care slots — investments that help working families stay in the workforce and help employers retain talent.

Statewide Road Show Highlights Real-World Results

The upcoming application rounds follow a statewide road show, during which WBDC visited more than a dozen women-owned businesses and child care providers that recently received WBDC grants — spotlighting how targeted investments can quickly translate into business progress and community impact.

WBDC Supports Applicants Through The Application Process

Applicants do not need to navigate the process alone. A series of information sessions is scheduled for both grant programs in the coming weeks. WBDC also offers no-cost support, including application guidance and one-on-one advising, so interested business owners can ask questions, understand eligibility, and submit a strong application with confidence. WBDC advisors are available at no cost, and application support is available in English and Spanish.

WBDC also encourages applicants to take advantage of informational resources and direct assistance:

*For Ignite application questions, applicants can contact WBDC at microgrants@ctwbdc.org and access free advising support.

*For questions about the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund application, applicants can contact childcaregrants@ctwbdc.org.

Applicants can learn more about program qualifications, eligible uses of funds, and timelines by visiting ctwbdc.org.