Note: Additional Community Development links can be found here. Links to our clients' sites are here.

The Department of Economic and Community Development - (DECD) is the lead state agency for promoting economic growth in Connecticut. DECD develops programs and strategies to attract and retain businesses and jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and communities, and ensure quality housing.

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority-(CHFA) has been a leader in housing finance in Connecticut, helping over 88,000 families and individuals purchase their first home and providing financing for the construction and/or rehabilitation of more than 25,000 units of affordable rental housing for families and the elderly.

SCORE A non-profit association providing free counseling and low-cost workshops to the small business community. A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

U.S. Small Business Administration - (SBA) Established in 1953, the SBA provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, in addition to a venture capital portfolio of $13 billion, SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses.

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CSBDC) is a statewide organization, funded by the State of Connecticut through The University of Connecticut and the Federal Government through U.S. Small Business administration, providing professional consulting to the small and medium-sized business community without charge.

Microenterprise Resource Group (MERG) An organization of service providers and microentrepreneurs with a  mission to  strengthen the resources for microenterprise in the state of Connecticut through cooperation, advocacy, and education.

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CERC) is a private, not-for-profit 501(C)(6) corporation formed through a unique partnership of utility/telecommunications companies and state government in 1992. Its mission is to increase Connecticut's economic vitality by helping our customers innovate and compete in the "New Economy." In its partnership with DECD, CERC supports the states' Competitiveness Strategy, which is based on industry clusters, with strategic direction, research and marketing services

The Bridgeport Economic Resource Center (BERC) is a privately funded, non-profit organization created by a partnership of greater Bridgeport businesses, utilities, institutions, and city and state government. Their goal is to help existing businesses expand, to attract new businesses to Greater Bridgeport, and to market the City of Bridgeport as a good place to do business.

Hartford Economic Development Commission - Whether your business is a small retail establishment or a large corporation, the HEDC team knows of opportunities that can maximize your business potential.

Official State of Connecticut Home Page -The state of Connecticut's official home page, this comprehensive site contains many valuable resources. A good starting point and handy reference site for anything related to Connecticut.

The Regional Business Resource Center provides resources and solutions that foster the development of small businesses. This "one stop" center provides current and prospective business owners in the region with comprehensive business assistance, resources, and consulting services.

The Connecticut Development Authority -(CDA)is the independent financing arm of the Department of Economic and Community Development. The CDA provides financing assistance to businesses that create or retain jobs, giving priority to manufacturing, skilled jobs, urban areas and enterprise zones, woman- and minority-owned firms, exports, and innovative products.

Permanent Commission on the Status of Women -(PCSW) Since 1973, the PCSW has provided valuable research and analysis to the Legislature and state leaders regarding such issues as sex discrimination in education, employment and credit, the health and safety of pregnant workers, child day care, women in nontraditional employment, sexual harassment, child support enforcement, equal education, women and healthcare, the economic status of women and welfare policy.

US Dept. of Commerce - Provides small and midsize companies with marketing statistics, reports, foreign country data, trade lists etc. associated with foreign trade.

Access International DECD - Provides a single point of contact for any export business seeking expert consultation in matters of export trade.

Connecticut Economic Information System - Provides economic and demographic information at the town, regional and state level.

CT Set Aside Program - For existing small or female owned or disabled and minority owned business wishing to bid on State contracts.

CT State Techs Extension Program - helps manufacturers evaluate and implement modern manufacturing and management techniques.

Smart Start – The First Step For Business
Contact Smart Start through the Connecticut Business Response Center at the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. (CERC) at 1-800-392-2122 or at www.YouBelongInCT.com. Ask their business information specialists for information on how Smart Start can help you get your new business registered.

The Entrepreneurial Center – Developing Businesses and Business Owners Since 1985. For more information contact The Entrepreneurial Center.
Hartford (860) 768-5681
Bridgeport (203) 382-5582

SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO)
OWBO is a program of The Entrepreneurial Center, provides owners of start-ups to established businesses one-on-one business counseling, business workshops and resources, access to all SBA business programs and access to SBA loan programs. OWBO also provides business counseling online at www.onlinewbc.gov.
For more information contact OWBO at (860) 768-5663

CT Rural Development Council
CRDC's Mission: To develop strategies to help improve employment opportunities, incomes and the well-being of rural communities in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Rural Development Council is a voluntary partnership organization formed by the State of CT and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in 1994. It has representatives of local, state and federal government, regional organizations, non-profits as well as private sector and tribal partners. The Council provides coordination among its member organizations in order to help preserve the rich heritage and unique physical, economic and social qualities of life in rural Connecticut.

For More information please contact: Linda Cardini, Executive Director, Phone 860-738-6413 or email: info@ruralct.org. Website: www.ruralct.org.

Other Resources
Minority Development Program (SBA) - Business development program for socially and economically disadvantaged (SDB) businesses. Companies must be SBD Certified. Contact: Kitty Duncan at (860) 240-4700

Community Accounting Aid & Services - Provides free accounting and financial accounting to economically disadvantaged businesses and individuals in CT. (860) 570-9113