Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program (MVP)
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) / CCAT
$6,250–$100,000
CT manufacturers: upgrade with state matching funds
Connecticut's Manufacturing Innovation Voucher Program (MVP) provides grants of $6,250–$100,000 to established CT manufacturers to fund improvement projects executed by third-party vendors — technology upgrades, automation, process improvements, R&D, equipment, and workforce training. Requires a dollar-for-dollar match from applicants. Businesses must have 3–100 employees, 3+ years in CT, and generate majority revenue from manufacturing or allied services.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $6,250 – $100,000
- Realistic amount
- Most awards are in the $25,000–$75,000 range. Prior recipients must not have accumulated $100K+ in previous MVP grants t…
- Deadline
- Rolling — applications accepted on an ongoing basis until program funds are exhausted each fiscal year.
- Status
- active
- States
- CT
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Registered with the CT Secretary of State for at least 3 years
- Currently generating revenue from operations
- At least 3 full-time employees and no more than 100 full-time employees
- At least 51% of revenue generated from the sale of manufactured goods or allied services provided to manufacturers
- In Good Standing with CT Department of Revenue Services and CT Department of Labor
- Must not have previously received $100,000 or more in cumulative MVP grants
- Project must have a minimum total value of $25,000 and use a third-party vendor
Hard requirements
- Location restriction: Connecticut — registered and operating in CT for 3+ years
- Minimum 3 employees
- Max 100 employees
- Restricted to industry: Manufacturing or allied services to manufacturers (51%+ of revenue)
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Third-party vendor fees for process improvement and lean manufacturing implementation
- Automation and robotics system purchase and installation (via vendor)
- R&D and product development consulting or lab services
- Equipment purchase from third-party vendors
- Workforce skills training delivered by external providers
- Technology upgrades (ERP, MES, CAD/CAM systems) through a vendor
Ineligible expenses
- Work performed by the applicant's own employees
- Routine maintenance or repair of existing equipment
- Administrative or overhead expenses
- Projects with a total value under $25,000
- Real estate acquisition or construction
- Activities not related to the manufacturer's own production or operations
How to apply
-
1
Identify a qualifying project and third-party vendor
Define the specific improvement project (process improvement, automation, R&D, equipment, or training) and identify the third-party vendor who will execute it. The vendor cannot be the applicant business itself.
-
2
Confirm eligibility and program availability
Verify your business meets all eligibility criteria (3-100 employees, 3+ years in CT, majority manufacturing revenue, good standing). Contact CCAT or DECD to confirm current funding availability.
-
3
Complete and submit application
Submit the online application through the MVP portal (ctmvp.app.novusdev.us). Include project description, vendor quotes, and planned matching funds. Provide evidence of CT registration and revenue.
-
4
Receive approval and execute project
Upon approval, execute the MVP grant agreement. Engage the approved vendor, complete the project, and submit invoices and proof of payment for reimbursement.
Apply in July–August when the fiscal year resets and funds are freshest. The 3-year CT registration requirement is a strict gate — recent relocations to CT from another state won't qualify.
Deadline & timing
MVP is a rolling application program with no set deadline per cycle. Apply early in the state fiscal year (July–August) for best access to available funds before annual budget is committed.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.