Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1170674
26 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2019 Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) What is it? The DRS collects the funds – $19.5 billion in FY2018 – that flow to all of our communities in the form of new schools, roads, bridges, and other state funded programs. What does it do? The DRS administers, and ensures fair and equitable collection of, more than 40 state taxes. The DRS has a responsibility to provide world-class customer service and timely and credible information, and to safeguard taxpayer privacy. The DRS endeavors to be the best tax collection agency in the country, and to contribute leadership in the development of state tax policy. The DRS also represents the state in litigation before the State's Tax Court, may initiate civil collection actions to collect unpaid taxes, and conducts criminal investigations of potential tax violations of the Connecticut General Statutes. How do I learn more? Visit www.portal.ct.gov/DRS Scott D. Jackson, Commissioner Connecticut Small Business Development Center What is it? he Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is an agency that provides business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive in Connecticut. Our business advisors offer professional, confidential, and expert business advice for owners to overcome challenges and reach their goals. CTSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and UConn. What does it do? Providing comprehensive business assistance is our mission, and we have the free resources, tools, and online trainings to support business owners. Our business advisors provide geographic- based demographics, consumer spending data, market research, financial projections, industry reports and so much more! We are committed to enhance Connecticut's economic wellbeing and build thriving communities. How do I learn more? Visit www.ctsbdc.com SBA Connecticut District Office What is it? The Connecticut District Office is the local branch of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its main Connecticut office is in Hartford, and there is also an office located in Bridgeport. What does it do? The SBA's mission is to help entrepreneurs on their way to becoming successful business owners. To that end, the SBA offers a broad array of programs, including financial assistance through SBA lenders as well as free counseling through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the CT Small Business Development Centers (CTSBDC) and Women's Business Centers (WBC and WBDC), as well as our Veterans Business Outreach Center. It also offers training events and special support for businesses owned by the socially and economically disadvantaged, veterans, and businesses involved in international trade. How do I learn more? Visit www.sba.gov/ct Anne Hunt, Director More agencies of interest to business Community Investment Corp. www.ciclending.com Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau www.ctmeetings.org Connecticut Housing Finance Authority www.chfa.org Department of Consumer Protection www.ct.gov/dcp Department of Housing www.ct.gov/doh Secretary of State https://portal.ct.gov/sots The Connecticut Convention Center (pictured) is located in downtown Hartford and offers 205,000 square feet of meeting space. CT BUSINESS RESOURCES Joe Ercolano, State Director