You must start by registering for our services online. Simply follow the registration instructions and an advisor in your area will contact you within 2 business days.

No. We have a staff of paid professionals throughout the state to provide no-cost advising and other services to prospective and current business owners. We are able to provide advising at no cost due to our funding from the Small Business Administration, CT Department of Economic and Community Development, and University of Connecticut. CTSBDC may charge nominal fees for training programs or other resources.

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals and serves as your firm’s resume. It describes the products and services you will sell, the customers to whom you will sell them, the production, management, and marketing activities needed to produce your offerings, and the projected profit or loss that will result from your efforts.

All businesses need a business plan. Download the sample CTSBDC Business Plan.

Usually, the best business for you is the one in which you are most skilled and interested. As you review your options, you may wish to consult local experts and businesspersons about the growth potential of various businesses in your area. Matching your background with the local market will increase your chance of success.

The SBDC does not provide financing. However, we can help you identify what financing you may need and discuss alternative sources. We can also help you to improve a loan application and business plan. We help to put together financial projections, but the actual financing comes from outside sources.

Learn more about our access to capital services.

Generally speaking, grants given to business start-ups are very rare. An exception may be for a high technology business or for businesses producing products that can be used by certain agencies or departments involved in our nation’s defense. Also, non-profit businesses are sometimes eligible for grants.

PrepareCT helps Connecticut’s small business community prepare for and minimize the impact of disruptions and disasters, and take precise steps to ensure their continued business survival and well-being.

If you have a business idea, the best thing you can do is research. For instance, you should ask yourself what problem/need your product or service can solve, who is your market, how profitable that specific industry is. Our Learning Center offers a variety of resources to help you explore your idea further. Whenever you feel ready and want an expert’s advice, register for our free services.

According to the U.S. Business Administration, the following are considered small business:

• Wholesale Trade: 100 employees or less
• Manufacturing and Mining Industry: 500 employees or less
• Retail/Service Industry: $6 million or less in sales
• General and Heavy Duty Construction Industry: $28.5 million or less in sales
• Special Trade Contractors: $12 million or less in sales
• Agriculture Industry: $.75 million or less in sales