Free confidential advising
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
One-on-one help with starting, funding, planning and growing a Connecticut business.
Visit official website →Related helpGet helpRequest an advising appointment↗
Tools to help your business start, strengthen and grow
Business Support Center
Trusted Connecticut and federal programs gathered in one place—so you can find the right help, even when you don't know what to ask for yet.
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A SIMPLE FIRST STEP
Not sure where to start?
Begin with a free, confidential conversation. These organizations can listen to what you need and guide you toward the right programs.
START WITH PEOPLE
Free Advice & Mentoring
Trusted organizations that can listen first, answer questions and guide your next move.
Free mentoring
SCORE Eastern Connecticut
Experienced volunteer mentors, workshops and practical guidance for local business owners.
Visit official website →Connecticut's business portal
Business.CT.gov
The state’s official one-stop guide to starting, registering, licensing and managing a business.
Visit official website →
Advising + grants
Women’s Business Development Council
Business advising, classes, financial education and eligible grant programs for women entrepreneurs.
Visit official website →FIND THE RIGHT MONEY
Funding, Loans & Grants
Official sources for capital, organized so loans, incentives and grants are easy to distinguish.
Low-interest loans
CT Small Business Boost Fund
Flexible loans for eligible Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits through participating lenders.
Visit official website →
State funding programs
Connecticut DECD
Connecticut’s economic-development agency connects businesses with financing and incentives.
Visit official website →
Capital + support
HEDCO
Loans, technical assistance and training for Connecticut small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs.
Visit official website →
Federal programs
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA-backed loans, federal programs, counseling and Connecticut District assistance.
Visit official website →SAVE, HIRE & SELL
Programs That Help You Grow
Support for contracting, hiring, training, energy savings and market expansion.
Government contracts
CT APEX Accelerator
No-cost counseling, certifications and bid support for businesses pursuing government contracts.
Visit official website →Related helpState bidsFind Connecticut bids on CTSource↗
Workforce funds
Capital Workforce Partners
Employer hiring assistance, workforce training support and possible wage reimbursement programs.
Visit official website →
Rebates + energy savings
Energize Connecticut
Assessments, incentives and financing that can lower operating costs and fund efficiency improvements.
Visit official website →Related helpAssessmentSmall Business Energy Advantage↗
Energy financing
Connecticut Green Bank
Commercial clean-energy and building-improvement financing, including C-PACE.
Visit official website →HELP BUILT FOR YOU
Innovation & Industry Support
Focused programs for startups, technology companies and Connecticut manufacturers.
Startup support
Connecticut Office of Innovation / CTNext
Programs that help innovation-driven companies move from ideas to commercialization and hiring.
Visit official website →Venture financing
Connecticut Innovations
Venture financing and strategic support for high-growth Connecticut technology companies.
Visit official website →
Manufacturing
ManufactureCT
Industry resources for modernization, technology, workforce development and grant opportunities.
Visit official website →