Business Briefs: DeLuca foundation grants available

Workers of the world, speak up

As your colleagues have dwindled in number during the recession, how has it impacted your workload and your situation in the workplace? Staff Writer Michael Juliano is collecting your experiences for a Labor Day story to run Sept. 5 in the business section of the Hearst Connecticut Media Group newspapers. Requests for anonymity will be respected, but please include a general description of the business, such as insurance company or general contractor, and its location. E-mail your comments to michael.juliano@scni.com.

DeLuca foundation grants available

The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, created by the Subway restaurants co-founder, is accepting grant proposals. The foundation assists public charities with grants to help give others a chance in life. Concentration is on education, job training, and the arts, but grants are not exclusive to these types of organizations. Proposals are accepted from Sept. 1 to Oct. 8. Applicants should submit an application and proposal that includes the organization's mission statement; a copy of its latest financial statement; a detailed outline and budget for the project and a copy of the IRS 501(c)(3) letter establishing that the applicant is a 509(a)(1) or (2) public charity. The foundation discourages elaborate proposals, as they are expensive to prepare. Gifts range from $1,000 to $5,000 and decisions will be made by Dec. 31. To obtain an application and guidelines, e-mail delucafoundation@subway.com or call Janice Szabo at 203-877-4281, Ext. 1960. The application and proposals should be mailed to Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Attn: Janice Szabo, 300 Bic Drive, Milford, CT 06461.

Competitive Tech tries to keep stock listed

Fairfield-based Competitive Technologies Inc. said the NYSE Amex has rescheduled the previously postponed delisting hearing for Wednesday. The company is working to finalize the sale of two million shares of Competitive Technologies common stock to Crisnic Fund. Funds raised from the sale are expected to provide Competitive Technologies with capital to increase shareholder equity required to retain the exchange listing, and to more aggressively sell its Calmare Pain Therapy Treatment device.

Milford accountant talks taxes

Certified Public Accountant Joe Martorelli is taking registrations for two workshops on tax-related issues facing small businesses. The workshops will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27 at the Milford Financial Center., 50 Cherry St., in Milford. The workshops are sponsored by the Connecticut Economic Development Fund. The cost is $15 for current fund clients, $25 for other small business owners in the state. Registration required. Call Rina Bakalar at 203-235-2333, Ext. 2040, or visit www.cedf.com.

U.S. Treasury gives $750K to Bridgeport nonprofit

Community Capital Fund Inc. of Bridgeport was one of two state institutions to win awards from the U.S. Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Community Capital Fund was awarded $750,000 while Greater New Haven Community Loan Find Inc. won $91,803. Those receiving awards are financial institutions pledged to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.