Why Work For Someone Else When You Can Start Your Own Company?

The state is holding a series of informational sessions to let entrepreneurs and small-business owners know about how they can help small businesses grow and prosper.

They are coming to Clinton on December 19.

“One focus of the special session was to help businesses—most notably small businesses—prosper and grow,” said Catherine Smith, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), in a prepared statement.  “With $180 million in new funding specifically targeted to Connecticut’s small business community, the Malloy administration and the state legislature are clearly supporting the job creators and innovators that can accelerate our economic recovery.”

Those interested in attending should register in advance or call 800-392-2122 for more information.   Check in regularly to view the updated Reinventing Connecticut Informational Sessions schedule.

Recent legislation designed to help small businesses on agenda

Attendees will learn about the recent legislation designed to help businesses, as well as existing programs to assist Connecticut businesses.  In addition, they can meet one-on-one with economic development representatives to access fast-track assistance from the state. All sessions are currently scheduled from 8:30am to 10am.

Small Business Express Program designed to spur job creation and growth

The Small Business Express Program (EXP) provides loans and grants to Connecticut’s small business to spur job creation and growth.  Assistance focuses on:

• Access to capital
  • EXP Revolving Loan Fund
• Incentive loan and grants to create jobs
  • EXP Job Creation Incentive
  • EXP Job Creation Matching Grant

Small businesses employing not more than 50 employees are eligible.  Priority will be given to Connecticut’s economic based businesses, 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.

The EXP Procedures and Guidelines will assist you in the application process and will answer many of your questions.  To apply to the program an application, including the Financing Plan and Budget and all other required information as highlighted in the application, must be submitted to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

The application may be transmitted via on-line EXP application.  All other documents should be sent in either via email or mail to the attention of:

Michelle Lugo
DECD
505 Hudson Street
Hartford, CT  06106
Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle at 860-270-8052 or via email.

This information was provided by the state Department of Economic Development. Please see their website for additional information.