18 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2015
CTResources4biz
Connecticut Department of Labor
What is it? The Connecticut Department of Labor is a state agency whose
primary mission is protecting and promoting the interests of the state's workers.
What does it do? The state DOL offers a variety of programs for employers,
mostly through its American Job Centers located throughout the state. The agen-
cy has a program called 21st Training Resources, which provides businesses in
the state with free consultation services that result in an action plan outlining
training needs, funding sources to cover those costs, and service providers who
can provide the training. The DOL website also offers in-depth labor market
data and hosts www.connecticut.us.jobs, a website where employers can post
job openings for free.
How do I learn more? Visit www.ctdol.state.ct.us
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
www.ct.gov/sots
Sharon Palmer,
commissioner
The Connecticut Convention Center
(pictured) is located in downtown
Hartford and offers 205,000 square
feet of meeting space.
Connecticut Small Business
Development Center
What is it? CT SBDC is an agency that supports small businesses. It's
funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA, the state
DECD and the University of Connecticut.
What does it do? CT SBDC offers custom-designed services, including:
business plan review; cash flow analysis; guidance with loan and grant ap-
plications; marketing and social media; international trade; inventory control
management; market research; management and personnel expertise; and
emergency preparedness. The agency has 10 locations throughout the state.
How do I learn more? Visit www.ctsbdc.com
Emily Carter,
state director
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.
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;
free counselors through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the
CT Small Business Development Centers (CT SBDC) and Women's Business
Centers (WBC). It also offers training events as well as special supports 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
Bernard M. Sweeney,
district director
