Technical Assistance
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), both directly and through its partner network, offers a broad range of programs and services to help businesses maintain their competitive edge. These programs and services include:
· New business opportunities in government bid work
· Financial resources for land, buildings, machinery and equipment and working capital
· Utility rate incentives for energy conservation/loan management
· Workforce development and training assistance
· Engineering assistance with issues such as ISO certification, lean manufacturing, plant layout and supply chain management
· Site selection assistance for new business facilities fast-tracking of permits through state and local regulatory agencies
· Export assistance
· Energy cost reductions through the use of sustainable energy products such as solar, wind and fuel cells.
Organizations providing technical assistance include:
Connecticut State Technology Extension Program (CONNSTEP)
Provides engineering and technical support for small and mid-sized manufacturing firms.
To learn more visit: www.connstep.org
University of Connecticut Tech-Knowledge Portal
Assists existing companies seeking assistance with technology related issues and/or entrepreneurs developing new tech-related products and forming new tech-based firms.
To learn more visit: www.otc.uconn.edu/tkp
Institute of Technology and Business Development (ITBD)
Technical training, skill development, industrial modernization, marketing, financial and networking opportunities. To learn more visit: http://web.ccsu.edu/itbd/
Procurement Technology Assistance Program (PTAP)
Marketing assistance for Connecticut businesses that sell or wish to sell products and services to federal, state and local government. To learn more visit: www.ctptap.org
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Management information for small business owners.
To learn more visit: www.sba.gov/localresources/district/ct/index.html
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Professional confidential, one-on-one business counseling services to small business owners throughout the state. To learn more visit: www.ctsbdc.org
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT)
Helps private and public entities to apply innovative tools and practices to increase efficiencies, improve workforce development and boost competitiveness.
To learn more visit: www.ccat.us
Connecticut Economic Resource Center
Manages and supports programs for business attraction, formation and expansion including Connecticut’s Business Response Center – offering a wealth of information on federal, state, regional and local business assistance programs through a database called CERC ProgramFinder and Smart Start. To learn more visit: www.cerc.org/Content/Business_Assistance.asp
Connecticut Licensing Information Center (CLIC)/Smart Start
Streamlined registration, permitting and licensing processes. To learn more visit: www.ct-clic.com
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Overview and insight on the process of establishing and operating a business. To learn more visit: www.score.org/index.html
Department of Labor (DOL)
Full range employment and training services. To learn more visit: www.ctdol.state.ct.
Turnaround Management Association
Connecticut Corporate Revitalization Program. To learn more visit: www.turnaround.org/default.aspx?viewingchapteris=7&viewmode-chapter
New England Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NETAAC)
Cost-shared assistance for import-injured manufacturers. To learn more visit: www.netaac.org
Institute for Sustainable Energy
Relating to energy education, energy policy, energy efficiency, energy conservation and load management, renewable energy, distributed generation, protection of environmental resources, and the dissemination of information on energy alternatives and sustainability. To learn more visit: www.easternct.edu/sustainenergy
Energy Conservation
Conservation and load management assistance through the utility companies. Northeast Utilities: www.cl-p.com or United Illuminating: www.uinet.com
Middletown Export Assistance Center
The U.S. Commercial Service is a federal government agency dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized companies develop and achieve their exporting strategies. Their U.S. Export Assistance Center in Middletown assists Connecticut companies leveraging the resources of their vast network. To learn more visit: www.buyusa.gov/connecticut
DECD International
DECD increases the global competitiveness of Connecticut businesses by developing two-way trade and investment opportunities; by helping businesses enter new markets and expand their global business base; by aggressively pursuing foreign direct investment opportunities; and by building public/private strategic partnerships. To learn more visit: www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?a=1102&Q=249862&ecdNav=1
Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research Office (CT SBIR)
Helps high tech small businesses and entrepreneurs compete for and win federal SBIR/STTR awards. They facilitate commercialization by collaborating with industry, government and academia.
University of Hartford Entrepreneurial Center
Supports aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing businesses. They also offer regular business classes and workshops to help start and grow your business. To learn more visit: http://www.hartford.edu/cpd/ec/default.aspx