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12 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2016 Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development What is it? DECD is a state agency that serves as the lead organization in charge of promoting economic development in the state. What does it do? A lot. DECD is the umbrella organization for four key programs: business development, tourism, the arts and historic preservation. Under the business development umbrella, DECD offers a variety of incentives for business growth, including loan programs for small, medium- and large- sized businesses. The Office of Tourism helps market the state as a place to visit and vacation. The Office of the Arts manages grant programs aimed at strengthening the arts in the state. And finally, the state Historic Preservation Office manages a range of federal and state programs related to historic build- ings, sites, structures, districts and objects. How do I learn more? Visit www.ct.gov/ecd Connecticut Innovations What is it? CT Innovations is a quasi-public agency. It is governed by a 17-member board of directors that includes appointees selected by the gover- nor and state legislature. What does it do? CI, as it is known, is a resource for startups as well as established companies in the state. It provides seed capital to startups and debt financing to more mature companies. CI also has a Small Business Innovation Team that helps companies in a variety of ways, including through the application process for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. CI administers the state's Bioscience Innovation Fund and runs CTNext, which is aimed at sparking entrepreneurial activity throughout the state. How do I learn more? Visit www.ctinnovations.com CTResources4biz Catherine Smith, commissioner Matthew McCooe, CEO Connecticut Business and Industry Association What is it? CBIA is the largest business organization in the state with thousands of business members. What does it do? First and foremost, CBIA serves as an advocate for its members, the business owners of Connecticut. It seeks to promote a business climate that is globally competitive and it encourages communication and cooperation among businesses, government, the private sector and the general public. It also provides programs to help businesses, including insurance and employee benefits. How do I learn more? Visit www.cbia.com Joe Brennan, president & CEO The MetroHartford Alliance, like many chambers throughout the state, helps connect business owners with elected leaders. Above, Oz Griebel, left, president & CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, moderates a panel discussion with Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal, center, and Chris Murphy, right. Looking to start a business in Connecticut? Looking to expand? Or looking to relocate an existing firm? There are a wide variety of public and private organizations established to help foster business growth within the Nutmeg State. The key resources for businesses in Connecticut are outlined within the next few pages.