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
SBA EIDL Program Updates
On September 8, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced an update to their program guidelines for Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) which provide significant opportunities for small businesses who are still looking for relief from effects of the pandemic. SBA CT District Director, Catherine Marx will provide a review of the updates. CT […]
Cyber Hygiene Tips for Your Small Business [October 7]
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This webinar will provide tools and resources available to help you prepare, assess and implement cyber security protocols in line with the NIST-CSF cybersecurity framework. Join the Connecticut Small Business Development Center to learn the basics of the Data Assured cybersecurity program to keep your business safe from a cyberattack. […]
Small Business Guide from Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journal
SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE: HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS Connecticut Small Business Development Center partnered with the Westchester & Fairfield County Business Journals to offer tips for small businesses to grow their business. The Small Business Guide offers insight for family-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, businesses looking to win government contracts, businesses looking to access capital, and […]
Aquila's Nest Vineyards
Neviana Zhgaba & Ardian Llomi, Co-Owners
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As an experience-focused vineyard, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards was founded by Neviana Zhgaba and her husband, Ardian Llomi, to produce wines ultimately bring people together, cultivate stronger communities, provoke storytelling, and promote local art. Capital Accessed $120,000 SBA 7a Loan $70,000 Commercial Bank Loan $30,000 Line of Credit $5,000 DECD CARES Act Grant Jobs Created 29
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Learn MoreTorigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ashley Kalinauskas, Owner
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Torigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc is a veterinary biotechnology company focused on creating affordable personalized cancer therapeutics for companion animals diagnosed with cancer. Torigen’s founder, Ashley Kalinauskas, started this business with the goal to become a leader in the veterinary oncology market and utilize research and innovation to create new products to help pets after a cancer […]
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Learn MoreThe Modern Milkman
Seth Bahler
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The Modern Milkman came to CTSBDC looking for assistance growing their fresh farm delivery service. Through the counselling they received, The Modern Milkman has reached a bigger market in CT and is now expanding into other states as well. Capital Accessed $150,000 EIDL Loan $300,000 PPP Loan through AgCountry Farm Credit Services
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Learn MoreKerian Home Health Care Agency
Valerie and Robert Legagneur, Co-Owners
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Valerie and Rob had been planning to open their own home health care agency since 2019. After filing their paperwork and planning to launch their business, COVID-19 hit and Kerian Home Health Care Agency delayed opening until 2021. In the meantime, Val and Robert worked with CTSBDC to refine their business plan and focus on […]
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Learn MoreDC & J’s Trustworthy Cleaning Service
Darryl Chestnut, Owner
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Darryl started his own commercial cleaning business after having worked in the industry and seeing the potential owning his own business could have. With the help of his CTSBDC business advisor, Darryl was able to continue operating his business during 2020 when many of his clients were closed due to the nature of their business.
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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.
