2026 Norwalk Innovations Initiative Application

  • 2026 Norwalk Innovations Initiative Application

  • The Norwalk Innovations Initiative aims to support new businesses and entrepreneurs in Norwalk both financially and through education. Applicants must have a Norwalk, CT business address registered with the State of Connecticut or plan to use the funds to register with the State of Connecticut. Residents who own a business or wish to start a business in a different city or town are not eligible.

    For complete program guidelines, click here.

    Those businesses who are selected to continue through the process will be entered into a ‘Shark Tank’ competition to pitch to Norwalk-based ‘sharks’ and potentially be awarded start-up grant funds between $1,000 and $20,000 to support their business growth.

    Applicants selected to advance to Phase 2 of the selection process will be required to pitch to a selection team in July/August. Applicants will be notified of their status in early June.
     
    Applications will close at 5 PM ET on Friday, May 22.
     
    Should you have any questions about the program, please email Alex Cross or call (475) 291-2745.
  • WMBE Designation (Check all that apply)*

  • Applicant Information

  • Eligibility

  • Is your business registered in Norwalk, or will be soon?*
  • Do you employ or plan to employ at least 2 employees and no more than 50?*
  • Have you participated in educational programming from any of the following affiliates? Participation will be verified during application review.*
  • Are you current on all local, state, and federal tax obligations?*
  • Are you free from any ongoing zoning or blight issues?*

  • Grant Use

  • What is your intended use of the funds?*
  • Should be Empty: