Posted on February 23, 2021

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the latest round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opened last month has already succeeded in making major improvements to the program’s implementation:

• For businesses with fewer than ten employees, the share of funding is up nearly 60%
• For businesses in rural communities, the share of funding is up nearly 30%
• The share of funding distributed through Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions is up…

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Posted on February 23, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors,

Connecticut is continuing an age-based approach to COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. Below is important information announced today.

1. Vaccination schedule for every resident: All residents will be able to get a vaccine appointment based on their age per the following schedule.

• Currently – Everyone 65+
• March 1 – Age 55+
• March 22 – Age 45+
• April 12 – Age 35+
• May 3 – Age 16+

While the state has decided not to give a priority to essential workers or those with chronic conditions,…

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Posted on February 22, 2021

Governor Lamont has announced that the state will continue with an age-based approach to expanding eligibility to the vaccine.

To provide clarity and predictability, he also released a schedule for age-based eligibility for the next several months:

• March 1, 2021: Expands to age group 55 to 64
• March 22, 2021: Expands to age group 45 to 54
• April 12, 2021: Expands to age group 35 to 44
• May 3, 2021: Expands to age group 16 to 34

In addition to the age-based eligibility, preK-12 school staff and…

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Posted on February 9, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors,

While the initial press release from the Governor’s office stated that the 65+ would be allowed to make appointments as of Thursday, Feb 11, I am hearing first hand that VAMS and most providers are allowing 65+ to make appointments NOW.

Sincerely,

Harry Arora

Here is the news many of our seniors have been waiting for. CT residents age 65-74 will be eligible to make an appointment for the COVID vaccine starting this Thursday, February 11. Vaccinations for individuals over…

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Posted on February 8, 2021

Dear friends and neighbors,

We are starting to get good news on the COVID front. As things improve, there will be more consensus in opening schools and businesses. Here are the details:

• COVID update: The number of COVID cases, hospitalizations, positivity rate, and deaths in CT have started coming down in recent days. HERE is the picture which very well captures what is happening. The national numbers are also showing improvement. This may be the beginning of the end of this pandemic. Restaurant…

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Posted on February 4, 2021

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will enable residents to renew their driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards online without having to visit an office in-person.

Eligible residents will receive an invitation by postal mail or email to complete their transaction online and make an electronic payment via credit or debit card. Upon successful completion of the online renewal, the license or non-driver ID will be received by mail within 20 days.

The DMV has also launched two new services with…

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Posted on February 1, 2021

New COVID-19 relief program: The Equity Match Grant Program

The Equity Match Grant Program, which will be administered by the Women’s Business Development Council through its Opportunity Fund, will aid entrepreneurs in accessing the capital needed to build banking relationships, improve credit, and overcome challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application period for the next round of funding will open from February 1st – February 15th.

For more information about the application process…

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