Connecticut is a great place to start or grow a business. Why? The state provides the competitive advantages companies need to succeed in today's global marketplace.
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is in the business of growing your business.
DECD is the state's lead agency for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programs that support business growth and innovation. The department offers a wide range of programs and services to help companies prosper in Connecticut:
Growing businesses need capital, and no state realizes and responds to that need better than Connecticut. Whether the financing requirement is equity investment, fixed asset purchases of land, building acquisition, leasehold improvements, working capital, or the purchase of machinery and equipment, there are a multitude of financing programs available to support businesses large and small.
The State of Connecticut and local cities and towns offer a wide variety of tax incentives that encourage businesses investment. Numerous tax credits, tax exemptions, and tax abatements are available at the state level, while municipalities can offer property tax incentives based on certain levels of capital investment.
Some of the most distinguished national and international companies in the world call Connecticut home. DECD staff works with clients from project inception to completion, and can help with real estate identification, site visits and evaluation, cost and quality comparisons, identification of available workforce, and permitting issues.
For businesses that require intense, specialized training including emerging aerospace, software and bioscience technologies, Connecticut has a wealth of programs through its colleges and universities. Workshops and training programs are available through both schools and targeted programs.
Small businesses with operations in Connecticut, registered to conduct business for not less than twelve months, in good standing with all state agencies and with the payment of all state taxes, and employing not more than 100 employees, are eligible to apply. Priority for available funding will be given to those eligible applicants who (1) are creating new jobs and (2) are within Connecticut’s economic base industries, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes 32-222, including but not limited to: precision manufacturing, business services, green and sustainable technology, bioscience, and information technology sectors.
In order to better serve our clients and improve the efficiency of the application process, DECD is implementing a new policy. Effective Tuesday, February 20, 2018, all applicants must meet with or speak with a Project Manager prior to submitting a Small Business Express application. Please email DECDexpress@ct.gov or contact the Express Hotline at 860-500-2333 in order to request that a Project Manager to be assigned to contact you.
The Small Business Express Program (EXP) provides loans and grants to Connecticut’s small business to spur job creation and growth.
Here is an overview of how you can increase your chance for success.