Small Business Resources and Help for Entrepreneurs

Resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs

There are more than 360,000 small businesses in Connecticut. Small business owners face unique challenges. We can help you find funding, mentorship, and other resources to help your small business thrive and grow.

Grants, loans, and funding for entrepreneurs and small business owners

Find small business loans, learn how to get a small business grant, and access other funding to help you start and grow your small business in Connecticut.

Local and regional small business funding

• Northeast CT Economic Alliance: A nonprofit that provides loans and resources to businesses in Northeast Connecticut.

Statewide

• Resources for entrepreneurs: Helps local entrepreneurs find funding, incentives, and other support, provided by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
• Term loans, real estate loans, and lines of credit for small business owners: For small business owners who may have lower credit scores or other issues borrowing, provided by the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF).
• Specialty loans and practical guidance: For small business entrepreneurs in CT, RI, and parts of MA, provided by the Community Investment Corporation (CIC).
• Funding to make your business more eco-friendly: Financing and incentives provided by Connecticut Green Bank.
• Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund: Small businesses and nonprofits can borrow between $5,000 and $500,000 depending on eligibility and need, supported by the DECD.
• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant: Funding to help your business export more products and increase global visibility, supported by the DECD.

Nationwide

• Search a comprehensive list of government grants for small businesses on Grants.gov.
• America’s Seed Fund: Funding for technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, powered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

For more funding resources, visit our Business Funding page.

Advice and mentoring for CT small business owners and entrepreneurs

Find mentorship and guidance for small business owners all across Connecticut. Some programs are available at no cost.

Local and regional business mentors

• Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest Connecticut: Serving entrepreneurs everywhere (especially in the Northwest Corner of CT).
• HEDCO, Inc.: Small business training classes, professional consultations, and financial assistance for small businesses in Greater Hartford.
• Middlesex County Revitalization Commission (MCRC): The Commission works with member towns on a broad range of economic development services and resources.
• Northeast CT Economic Alliance: Nonprofit providing ongoing support and guidance for small businesses.
• Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region: No-cost advising services to both prospective and existing business owners to help them start or expand their business.
• reSET: Helping businesses become financially successful while consciously improving our society in Greater Hartford.
• Waterbury Development Corporation (WDC): Works with businesses and residents to revitalize Waterbury.

Statewide

• Resources for small businesses: Networking opportunities, advisory resources, and more for small businesses in Connecticut, provided by the DECD.
• Resources for entrepreneurs: The DECD also offers guidance, support, and coworking spaces for entrepreneurs.
• AdvanceCT: Provides free online help for businesses to get licenses and register with the State.
• Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC): Offers no-cost consulting to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.
• Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA): Provides free business advising services through the CTSBDC.

Nationwide

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Website offers a wealth of information on tax topics relevant to small businesses.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Business mentorship with offices in Bridgeport and Hartford.
• Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Primarily funded by U.S. SBA, with mentors for Eastern CT, Fairfield Country, Greater Hartford, Greater New Haven, Northwest CT, and Western CT.
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office assistance program: Learn how to file a patent for your small business.

Education, training, and development for small business owners and entrepreneurs

As a small business owner, you’re used to learning on the job. Learn about small business insurance, bookkeeping, accounting, and more.

Local and statewide training and help

• Resources for small businesses: Directs you to business classes, workshops, and more, provided by the DECD.
• Resources for entrepreneurs: Highlights a few types of support that may be particularly helpful for entrepreneurs.
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate (currently offered at Gateway CC and Housatonic CC): The student program takes two semesters and helps both new and established entrepreneurs.
• Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest Connecticut: Business seminars and more to develop vibrant and connected communities of entrepreneurs in Northwest CT.

Nationwide education and development

• U.S. SBA Learning Platform: Library of programs, development, and growth opportunities designed to empower and educate small business owners.

Market and sales opportunities for small business owners

Small businesses deserve to bid on government contract work and other opportunities. Use these resources to access and apply.

• CTsource: An abundance of procurement tools and how-to guides to help you bid on State contracts and more.
• CT Apex (formerly CT PTAC): Marketing and procurement assistance for Connecticut businesses interested in selling their goods or services to federal, state, or local governments.
• Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program: Provides contracting opportunities for small businesses that are located within the member towns of the Metropolitan District (MDC).
• SBA federal contracting assistance: Helping small businesses compete for federal contracts with data, support, and guidance.

Export Assistance:

• International Trade Association - Middletown Office: Offers trade expertise to help with exporting and growing your business.
• Help with international trade: Certified export assistance through our team of advisors who help clients develop export and international trade opportunities, provided by SBDC.

Insurance help for small business owners

Figure out insurance for you, your business, and your employees in Connecticut.

• Business insurance resources: Guidance on how to determine your insurance needs for your small business, provided by the SBA.
• Access Health CT: Health insurance guidance for you and your employees.

Other resources

• ChooseCT - Doing Business in Connecticut: Learn more about the different industries and opportunities available to small business owners.
• CTData Collaborative: Use data to drive your business decisions and find opportunities.
• CT Department of Labor - Office of Research: Information about the labor market that could help your small business stand out.