Economic Assistance
Every business, organization and individual who contributes to the economic success of their community makes an impact on Central Connecticut. To ensure businesses continue to thrive and grow in Central Connecticut, there are many programs and services available to provide economic and developmental assistance. On this page you will find details on just some of the programs currently offered to Connecticut businesses.
AdvanceCT (formerly CERC)
AdvanceCT is a nonprofit company funded primarily by utility companies with a mission of promoting Connecticut as a competitive business location. The company specializes in economic development, research and marketing for local, regional, state and utility economic development entities. Through their accomplished, entrepreneurial staff of professionals and its vast network of consultants and strategic partners, AdvanceCT provides clients with the knowledge and insight they need to gain a competitive advantage. AdvanceCT offers Connecticut economic development and related professionals with relevant expertise and a complete range of services – they can be a single source of assistance, providing everything from strategic planning and data gathering to implementation and follow up.
Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency
The Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCRPA) is the regional and metropolitan planning organization for the cities of Bristol and New Britain and the towns of Berlin, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, and Southington. For over 45 years, CCRPA has worked with government, business, and the public to develop a vision for the region and resolve its challenges. The Agency's mission is to plan and promote regional policies and programs to enhance the vitality, accessibility, and quality of life in our communities.
Connecticut Innovations & Connecticut Development Authority
In 2012, the Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) merged into Connecticut Innovations (CI) to form a stronger organization to better help the state’s businesses. CDA provides debt financing and investment capital to help businesses grow in Connecticut. They stimulate business investment and create jobs by financing companies and projects that:Enhance the state's industrial and economic base
Create economically vibrant urban communities
Encourage the expansion of technology intensive industries
Rejuvenate environmentally contaminated commercial and industrial properties
Increase state and local tax revenues
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) provides business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive in Connecticut. Our Business Advisors offer professional, confidential, and expert business advice for owners to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
Providing comprehensive business assistance is our mission, and we have the free resources, tools, and online trainings to offer business help along the way. Our Business Advisors provide geographic-based demographics, consumer spending data, market research, financial projections, industry reports and so much more! We are committed to enhance Connecticut’s economic wellbeing and build thriving communities. Contact us today!
CTSBDC Business Advisor Sade Owoye is available in this location and she comments, “The relationship that exists between the CTSBDC and the Central Chamber is a major benefit to any business that is looking to start or grow. The support that is given from both organizations can help to make your business successful.” Sade can be reached at Sade.Owoye@uconn.edu, 860-942-9813 or visit www.ctsbdc.com and register for business advising.
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and UConn. The CTSBDC program remains one of the nation's largest small business assistance programs in the federal government with a proven track record of providing 35+ years of service to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
CONNSTEP
Whether implementing the continuous improvement process or advising on management strategies, CONNSTEP helps your business compete and grow profitably. Our industry experts are located across Connecticut to help you become a world-class organization. CONNSTEP operates as a fee-for-service 501(c)(3) non-profit and is one of 59 affiliate organizations connected to the national network of Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) organizations.
CONNSTEP is supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) allowing clients’ access to services often otherwise only accessible to larger organizations. This investment partnership allows CONNSTEP to coordinate broader initiatives, track impacts of services provided and form long-term strategies on behalf of clients.
Department of Economic Development
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is the state's lead agency for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programs all of which are designed to enhance Connecticut's communities and business and housing environments.
DECD develops and implements strategies to attract and retain businesses and jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and communities, ensure quality housing and foster appropriate development in Connecticut's towns and cities.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.
For information on the full array of SBA programs and services in Connecticut, visit http://www.sba.gov and select the Connecticut District Office from the local resources section or you can call the Connecticut District Office in Hartford at 860-240-4700.