Business Tips

June 10, 2021

Hiring Resources

The state is open. Customers are getting vaccinated in record numbers. Businesses are ramping up and are looking to hire staff. If you are looking to recruit staff, interview, or train – all while trying to get back to business after the pandemic – we have pulled together a variety of resources that can help […]

March 3, 2021

Delegating Responsibility

Whether you are new to business or have been doing things by yourself for some time, it can be challenging to consider delegating some of your responsibilities to others. Instead, it is often more “comfortable” making decisions on your own. Yet, it gets to a point where you can either run the business or grow […]

February 8, 2021

What Employers Need to Know about CT Paid Family Leave Act

About the CT Paid Leave Act Starting January 1, 2021 private sector employers with one or more employees will need to begin withholding a payroll deduction of one-half of one percent (0.5%) in compliance with the CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (CT PFMLA).  The CT PFMLA allows eligible employees to be compensated while […]

November 5, 2020

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): Should your business start exporting?

As many small businesses work to recover or restructure their business, exporting may be an option to consider. According the SBA, total US Exports are $2.5 trillion with New England exports totaling $54 billion. Connecticut exports represent 30% of overall exports from New England, totaling $180 million. * The Connecticut Small Business Development Center has […]

July 28, 2020

A Look at Connecticut Small Business Performance and Outlook During the Early Phases of the Pandemic

The U.S. Census recently completed a 9-week Small Business Pulse Survey in order to get real time economic data from U.S. small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gathering data from businesses each week from April 26 to June 27, the Census has published the weekly responses by state and by industry sector for a variety […]

February 18, 2020

Strategic Lender Partnerships

There are many resources for small business owners. But, did you know that there is more than one way to obtain a loan other than using a bank? In addition to bankers, credit unions, and other financers, we have three strategic partners that we work with to help our clients receive the best funding option […]

February 8, 2020

Sole Proprietorships

The simplest and most popular form of business ownership is the sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a business owned and managed by one person. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), sole proprietorships make up about 73% of all businesses in the United States (Internal Revenue Service 2010). Advantages 1. Simple to Create & […]

February 2, 2020

Hobby or Business?

Many of us have side hobbies and fun projects that we enjoy but wonder if they could become more. Can we really make the leap from a part-time hobby to a full-time venture? How would we even identify whether our passion could turn into a profitable business? Understanding and answering these questions can help you […]

February 2, 2020

Starting Your Business Checklist

There’s a lot to think about when you’re starting your business. A few of your initial “to-dos” include creating your business concept, figuring out your financials, gathering industry data, and so much more! Identifying legal considerations on the Federal, state and local levels is a good starting point. You don’t know what you don’t know […]