Economic development grants program

(a) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall establish an economic development grants program to provide grants for the following programs and purposes: (1) To develop a small business incubator program to entities operating incubator facilities, as defined in section 32-34; (2) To promote, retain and expand hydrogen and fuel cell industries in Connecticut; (3) To promote supply chain integration and encourage the adoption of digital manufacturing and information technologies; (4) To provide training for small and medium-sized businesses in high-performance work practices; (5) To support the development of marine science, maritime and homeland security defense industries; (6) To promote research innovation and nanotechnology; and (7) To provide technical assistance to small business owners. (b) The Department of Economic and Community Development may enter into an agreement, pursuant to chapter 55a, with a person, firm, corporation or other entity to operate the grants program developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. (c) The commissioner shall prescribe the manner in which an entity shall submit an application for a grant awarded as part of the grants program developed pursuant to this section, provided such application procedure includes (1) a request for proposal, or (2) a competitive award process.