Starting a Business |
| Connecticut Business Incubator Network (CBIN) |
| Network of CT incubators that provide space and a process to help entrepreneurs succeed. In Storrs, Avery Point, and Farmington, they offer a full array of business assistance services tailored to client companies, and an on-site incubator manager, outside professionals, and organizations that provide mentoring assistance. Companies graduate from the program once they meet their program goals. Storrs: The Technology Incubation Program (TIP) allows new companies that have a technology linkage or synergistic relationship with the university, the ability to locate on campus and access resources that could be otherwise unattainable for a fledgling company. TIP offers lab and office facilities, business support and planning resources, access to faculty experts, expensive instrumentation and specialized equipment. |
| Connecticut Business Response Center (CBRC) |
| Free service for people looking for information about doing business in Connecticut. Funded by CERC, a partnership of CT utilities/telecommunications companies and state government. CBRC specialists use extensive, regularly updated databases to address questions on government and private resources, make referrals to contacts for further assistance, identify possible business locations, and explain state and local requirements for different business types. |
| Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship (CCEI) |
| Housed in the Management Department of the UConn School of Business, CCEI serves as a focal point for entrepreneurship. CCEI stimulates student and faculty participation in entrepreneurship and innovation, provides a pipeline of talented, knowledgeable, and skilled entrepreneurs to the State's economy, facilitates the development of transformational businesses in Connecticut, and enhances Connecticut's business climate by assisting new as well as existing companies to solve the complex business problems associated with capturing market opportunities. |
| Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) |
| Non-profit company funded primarily by utility companies with a mission of promoting Connecticut as a competitive business location. Specializes in economic development, research and marketing for local, regional, state and utility economic development entities. CERC provides clients with the knowledge and insight they need to gain a competitive advantage. |
| Connecticut Innovations (CI) |
| Provides strategic capital and operational insight to push the frontiers of high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. Over the years, CI has helped over 100 emerging companies research, develop, and market new products and services. |
| Connecticut Licensing Info Center (CT-CLIC) |
| Promotes free enterprise in Connecticut and supports business community with the information they need to be successful. |
| Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CSBDC) |
| Promotes the creation and growth of small business by providing sound business advice through professional no-cost counseling, seminars, technical assistance and education for business owners and entrepreneurs in one-on-one or group training environments. |
| CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) |
| 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. |
| Eastern Connecticut Enterprise Corridor (ECEC) |
| Industrial properties and mill sites in Thompson, Putnam, Killingly, Sterling, Plainfield, Griswold, Lisbon, and Sprague. |
| Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) |
| Nonprofit organization which promotes economic growth and provides assistance to all small business, especially Latino businesses. |
| U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), CT District Office |
| Created in 1953 as 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. |
Strengthening Businesses |
| Connecticut Brownfields Redevelopment Authority (CBRA) |
| Develops programs that encourage brownfields redevelopment by reducing costs, eliminating environmental uncertainty, and simplifying the regulatory process. |
| Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) |
| The broadest-based business membership organization in the state, as well as the largest. CBIA is the leading voice of business and industry at the State Capitol and before state administrative agencies. |
| Connecticut Licensing Info Center (CT-CLIC) |
| Promotes free enterprise in Connecticut and supports business community with the information they need to be successful. |
| Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CSBDC) |
| Promotes the creation and growth of small business by providing sound business advice through professional no-cost counseling, seminars, technical assistance and education for business owners and entrepreneurs in one-on-one or group training environments. |
| Connecticut’s Manufacturing Resource (CONNSTEP) |
| Assists manufacturing businesses to implement Lean Manufacturing programs, obtain ISO certification, or explore innovative ways to grow their manufacturing business. |
| CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) |
| 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. |
| Eastern Connecticut Enterprise Corridor (ECEC) |
| Industrial properties and mill sites in Thompson, Putnam, Killingly, Sterling, Plainfield, Griswold, Lisbon, and Sprague. |
| Micro Enterprise Resource Group (MERG) |
| Strengthens the resources for microenterprise in the state of Connecticut through cooperation, advocacy, and education. |
| Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce |
| Non-profit professional consortium of nearly 400 businesses which promotes the increased profitability of area businesses through a strong economy. |
| Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) |
| Nonprofit organization which promotes economic growth and provides assistance to all small business, especially Latino businesses. |
| U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), CT District Office |
| Created in 1953 as 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. |
| Windham Region Chamber of Commerce |
| Works with the 11 area town governments, the University of Connecticut, and Eastern Connecticut State University on behalf of its communities’ and members' businesses, with a commitment to responsible growth and open communication. |
Business Financing |
| Community Economic Development Fund (CDEF) |
| Strengthens neighborhood economies by providing flexible financial and technical support to small businesses, community organizations and initiatives in targeted communities and to low and moderate-income individuals throughout Connecticut. |
| Connecticut Community Investment Corporation (CTCIC) |
| Non-profit economic development lender. Provides Connecticut's small business owners with access to capital that may not be available elsewhere. In addition, it provides financing opportunities for expanding businesses looking to purchase real estate and/or machinery and equipment. CTCIC's mission is to enhance commerce, industry and local entrepreneurship. |
| Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) |
| Independent financing arm of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) that operates as a quasi-public entity whose mission is to stimulate economic growth, business investment and job creation by providing loans to help businesses grow in Connecticut. |
| Connecticut Innovations (CI) |
| Provides strategic capital and operational insight to push the frontiers of high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. Over the years, CI has helped over 100 emerging companies research, develop, and market new products and services. |
| Connecticut Venture Group (CVG) |
| Assisting the development of high-growth enterprises through the promotion of capital formation. |
| CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) |
| 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. |
| U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), CT District Office |
| Created in 1953 as 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. |
Strengthening Economic Development |
| Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) |
| Committed to advancing the practice of economic development within the state of Connecticut. The Association encourages communication among its members by providing a forum for discussion and information exchange. |
| CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) |
| 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. |
| Eastern Connecticut Enterprise Corridor (ECEC) |
| Industrial properties and mill sites in Thompson, Putnam, Killingly, Sterling, Plainfield, Griswold, Lisbon, and Sprague. |
| Northeast Utilities’ Economic and Community Development |
| Northeast Utilities’ economic and community development staff can connect your business to federal, state, municipal, business and community leaders, and brief you on the regional and local political landscape. |
| Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (NECCOG) |
| Composed of 12 member towns: Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Willington, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, Thompson, Union, and Woodstock. Board is made up of the first selectman from each member town, and provides a regional forum for information exchange and cooperation among communities. Contact: John Filchak, Executive Director 125 Putnam Pike (Rt. 12), PO Box 759 Dayville, CT 06241 Phone: (860) 774-1253 Fax: (860) 779-2056 Email: john.filchak@neccog.com |
| Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA) |
| Provides education, resources, advocacy, certification, and network opportunities for economic development professionals. |
| Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG) |
| Voluntary association of municipal governments that serves nine communities in eastern Connecticut. WINCOG's mission is to plan for the future of the region, both physical and economic; to provide a forum for intermunicipal discussion and decision-making; and to help towns implement their planning goals by providing information and assistance. |
|
Northeast CT Economic Alliance 860-465-5141 Toll-Free: 800-635-9161 ECSU, Beckert Hall PO Box 186, 83 Windham St. Willimantic, CT 06226 (located at the corner of Valley and High Streets) |