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Connecticut Business Organizations

Business organizations help businesses start or grow through networking opportunities, educational events, and other assistance.

  • CTNext is Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, like an incubator helping entrepreneurs validate their ideas
  • For entrepreneurs, CTNext has unique mentor programs, seminars and onsite workspaces
  • CTNext is a support system that steps in with customized help right when entrepreneurs need it most
  • CTNext is Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, like an incubator helping entrepreneurs validate their ideas
  • For entrepreneurs, CTNext has unique mentor programs, seminars and onsite workspaces
  • CTNext is a support system that steps in with customized help right when entrepreneurs need it most
  • A nonprofit collaborative supporting new and growing companies in Stamford
  • Provides matching grants
  • Special consideration given to projects that can highlight the city’s unique qualities or promote collaborative activities
  • An “Innovation Place” offering support to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the New Haven region
  • Oversees numerous programs, shared facilities, and other initiatives
  • Solicits public input for economic development strategies
  • A nonprofit focused on industry research, innovation, policy development, and communications initiatives
  • The voice of businesses building a world-class clean energy hub in the Northeast
  • Convenes clean energy stakeholders dedicated to growing the state and the region’s clean energy economy
  • The nation’s oldest regional business organization
  • Numerous working groups and committees to develop policy recommendations in a variety of areas
  • Pursues special initiatives and holds regular networking events
  • A regional collaborative effort to coordinate the growth of defense-related industries
  • Seeks to bolster small and midsize businesses’ cybersecurity and to create a trusted network of small defense suppliers
  • The collaboration is still in development, but currently hosts webinars on cybersecurity
  • A shared work environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Allows businesses to share resources
  • Entrepreneurs from different businesses can interact socially
  • Quasi-public agency that owns, improves, and promotes Bradley International Airport and five state-owned airports in Connecticut
  • Works to support Connecticut’s economic growth by improving the aviation transportation resources it can offer for passenger and commercial flights
  • Offers services to local businesses as well as procurement opportunities
  • A support service for Hartford’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups
  • A goal of attracting and sustaining businesses to Connecticut’s capital city
  • Focus on insurance, advanced manufacturing, and digital medicine
  • A suite of resources for entrepreneurs
  • Networking, a semiannual competition, and a crowdfunding platform are among the benefits
  • Focus on Connecticut educators and students
  • An outreach and support organization for entrepreneurs in the greater New Haven area, especially people of color
  • Programs, “deep dive” meetings, and an accelerator program are among the offerings
  • A regular venture collaboration offers seed funds and other resources
  • CI offers equity investments, strategic guidance, and introductions to valuable partnerships.
  • For those starting or growing a business in Connecticut.
  • If you’re seeking help specifically for financing or investors, CI is a great option.
  • DECD provides funding program information related to cultural development businesses in Connecticut
  • For all businesses growing and expanding in Connecticut
  • The agency takes a comprehensive approach to economic development that incorporates community development, transportation, education, and arts and culture
  • Issues licenses, registrations, and permits for more than 200 types of jobs and businesses
  • Enforces state and federal regulations and monitors the marketplace for instances of fraud or unsafe products
  • Manages consumer complaints
  • A sales and marketing organization to accommodate meeting and event planners
  • Promotes the advantages of Connecticut’s convention centers, event spaces, and other venues
  • Provides a variety of services to assist event planners
  • Focuses exclusively on tech and tech-oriented companies
  • Provides leadership, guidance, and support
  • Oversees initiatives for workforce development, supporting small business growth, and growing Connecticut’s tech infrastructure
  • An investor-based economic development partnership dedicated to strengthening businesses in Hartford
  • Oversees several initiatives to support the local economy
  • Includes business relocation resources as well as benefits for investors
  • Provides guidance on Connecticut business resources
  • Information on funding options, tax incentives, and more
  • Additional sections offer information on quality of life benefits
  • A comprehensive resource on properties, incentives, and other information related to Stamford’s business community
  • Businesses ranging from banking to tech have made their home in the city
  • For entrepreneurs looking to do business in Stamford
  • Offers financing to small businesses that have struggled to find a lender
  • Business development resources also available
  • Focused on growing the economy of a 21-town region in northeastern Connecticut
  • Provides funding and investment to small businesses throughout New England
  • Specializes in gap financing and bridge loans
  • Offers a variety of other financial solutions as well
  • AdvanceCT, formerly Connecticut Economic Research Center, works with a variety of audiences
  • Strives to make CT a better place to live, work, and have a business
  • Assists companies in growth, location choice, and building the local economy
  • Serves the legal community of Connecticut but also has plentiful resources for the public
  • A Q&A portal offers free legal answers to numerous information
  • A wealth of information about doing business in Connecticut
  • Supports the arts, cultural, and creative businesses of Southeastern Connecticut
  • Provides core services to connect, strengthen, and advocate for the creative community
  • Serves as a regional “field office” for the Connecticut Office of the Arts/Department of Economic & Community Development
  • NCDC has been in the economic development business in Norwich since 1963
  • The organization shows what Norwich has to offer and encourages small businesses to establish themselves in the city
  • The Doing Business in Norwich section has a wealth of resources, like hiring, markets, classes, and more
  • CT.Gov | Business, launched in 2020, is the state’s resource site for starting or managing a business in CT
  • This site was created to help you find necessary forms and classify your business correctly
  • Business owners can follow a step-by-step set-up process that creates a tailored checklist for their business from name creation to getting the proper permits, to filing tax forms
  • AdvanceCT provides high-impact and inclusive solutions assistance to grow your business.
  • For Connecticut startups and small businesses.
  • Provides site selection, CT registration, resources, and tools to help CT based businesses.
  • CCAT is a non-profit organization which develops, validates and adopts advanced technologies into the manufacturing supply chain
  • For small and medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing industry
  • Helps manufacturers apply innovative tools and practices to increase efficiencies, improve workforce development, and boost competitiveness
  • seCTer is a non-profit, private organization in southeastern Connecticut that helps small businesses with loans, assistance programs, and economic development support
  • The authorized Economic Development Organization for southeastern Connecticut
  • Small business loans, assistance becoming a government contractor, Small Business Development Center, municipal support