Helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Connecticut Small Business Development Center’s trained and experienced full-time advisors work with a variety of small businesses in all industries and stages of development by providing no-cost advisory services. How can we help you today?
We help many Connecticut businesses
At the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, our team is passionate about helping small business owners reach their business goals. Our professional, expert advisors offer guidance and support so you can focus on growing your business. Whether a new idea, a new product or a new location – we help you turn your dream into a reality by helping you access funding, create new strategies and find critical information.
Our online business resources will help you grow
Our expert advising services are available on-demand for you to access at your convenience. We have a library of recorded webinars, business tips, and online resources to help small businesses learn how to grow and manage their business.
News & Events
How to Finance, Increase Export Sales & Limit Risks [May 3]
May 3 @ 11am Is your small business new to exporting or looking to start? Are you an experienced exporter of goods and/or services and looking to increase your company’s international sales? Join U.S. Department Commerce, SBA, Ex-Im Bank, SBDC and other private sector export industry experts for a conversational webinar on how small businesses […]
Overview: Restaurant Revitalization Fund [Recording]
Join the U.S. SBA Connecticut District Office, the Connecticut Restaurant Association, and CTSBDC to learn about the soon-to-be-launched Restaurant Revitalization Program. In this recording we review eligibility, the covered period, eligible expenses, estimating grant amounts based on revenues as well as the time the applicant has been in operation, and required documentation. There is no […]
Applying for Paycheck Protection Program Funds [Recording]
This webinar offers a full review of eligibility requirements for those looking to apply for the first or second draw and steps to understand how to apply. With the PPP application deadline extended until May 31, there is still time to apply. The Economic Aid Act (Dec. 2020) expanded uses of funds, and Executive action […]
onewith
Hayley Segar, Founder
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Looking for a swimsuit that feels flattering and is still stylish led Hayley Segar to create her own swimwear line, onewith. After finding CTSBDC through an online search, she signed up to attend a course to learn how to launch a business and was connected with CTSBDC Pre-Venture Business Advisor, Mary Kay Della Camera. From […]
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Learn MoreSip Wine Bar
Derrik & Kelley Kennedy, Owner
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After a trip to Italy and experiencing the culture, Derrik and Kelley Kennedy decided to open their own wine bar in their community of Old Saybrook, CT. Being first-time business owners, they worked closely with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center to understand the requirements of opening this business and did so successfully in November […]
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Learn MoreIntegrity Martial Arts
Jonathon Metcalf
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Integrity Martial Arts is a martial arts studio in Enfield making a big impact for their students. Respect, self-control, and discipline — these are the founding principles owner Jonathan Metcalf teaches the youth who are enrolled in his classes. Jonathan began working with CTSBDC advisor Denise Whitford in 2016 and since then he has been […]
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Learn MoreBetter Half Brewing
Matthew & Rachel Haseltine
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What started as hobby brewing beer in their garage, has grown into a successful full-blown brewery with dining options for Michael and Rachel Haseltine. We recently had the chance to meet up with these busy entrepreneurs to discuss their business and how it got started. Business Start 2019 Capital Accessed $50k Commercial Bank Loan Jobs […]
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Learn MoreHAYVN Coworking
Felicia Rubenstein
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Owner and Chief Collaborator, Felicia Rubinstein, reached out to the Connecticut Small Business Development Center for help launching this collaborative shared workspace. Felicia is no stranger to starting her own her business as she had done in the past but she realized that the expertise of CTSBDC business advisors could help her secure the loan […]
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Learn MoreHere for you at every stage of your business
Start or launch a business
Whether it's your first time starting a business or you've started many, speaking to our Pre Venture Business Advisors can help you prepare to launch a successful business.
Contact us to get started today.
Expand your customer base
Our Business Advisors have the experience and expertise to help existing businesses reach new markets, explore industry trends, attract new customers, and many other tasks which may help grow your business.
Business Operations: Our Operations team offers advising on topics including business planning, strategic planning, growth strategy, business model development, intellectual property, operations and process, cybersecurity and more. Contact us to learn more.
Customer Acquisition: If you are looking for support in expanding your customer base and revenue stream including market research, marketing strategies, digital marketing, SEO, ecommerce, international trade/export, government contracting, and more. Contact us today to get started.
Raise capital for my business
Our Capital Access team has many years of experiencing helping business access the capital they need to grown or sustain their business. With many personal relationships with some of Connecticut's premier lenders, CTSBDC advisors can help you evaluate your financial options. In addition to traditional lending programs, CTSBDC advisors work with community funding institutions focused on helping small businesses.
Contact us today and get connected with a Capital Access business advisor.
Request COVID-19 Assistance
COVID-19 has forced many small business owners to re-think the way they run their business. We have a number of on-demand and live webinars and resources available to help you navigate this crisis for your business. Our business advisors are available to meet one-on-one with you to review your loan application, business plan, and answer your questions.
Contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.
