The following is a listing of Local, State and Federal resources which offer assistance and information to people interested in supporting, growing or establishing a business.  There are a large number of groups and sites which can be of help. As always, if you need assistance or cannot find what you need contact the town at (860) 871-3600.

Connecticut Brownfields Redevelopment Authority
Connecticut offers up-front grants to developers and business owners who redevelop “brownfield” sites.  Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or under-utilized sites where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental risk.

Connecticut Department Of Environmental Protection
The State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is dedicated to conserving, protecting and improving the natural resources and environment of the state.  The DEP’s website includes information on state laws and regulations affecting the environment, as well as downloadable versions of state environmental permits, licenses, and registrations.

Connecticut Department of Labor
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) mission is to protect and promote the interests of Connecticut workers.  The DOL assists workers and employers in becoming competitive in the global economy and takes a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers, employers, and other agencies that serve them.  This website includes information on resources for job training and a vast amount of information on Connecticut’s labor market.

Connecticut Development Authority
The Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) is committed to business assistance programs that generate increased investment in business, increased employment, increased state and municipal tax revenue, an educated workforce, and economically vibrant urban communities.  Services include, but are not limited to, financial services for start-ups and small businesses, job training, working capital, equipment, expansion and relocation.

Connecticut Licensing Center
The Connecticut Licensing Info Center provides direct access to official State of Connecticut licensing information and resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Find your business or consumer licensing needs in a convenient, well-organized place: (a) determine you eligibility, fees and how to register, (b) download forms and instructions, (c) find answers and agency contacts.

CONNSTEP, Inc. - Connecticut’s Manufacturing Resource
CONNSTEP provides Connecticut Manufacturers with non-biased, leading edge technology solutions, and helps them adopt technologies that may not otherwise be feasible due to time or personnel constraints.  Their field engineers provide on-site technical assistance, conduct detailed assessments, outline potential solutions, identify/review and manage external service providers, and coordinate opportunities to defray client costs.

Economic Development Data & Information
The E.D.D.I. is a first-of-its-kind, online database of economic and demographic information for Connecticut and Western Massachusetts and its metro areas, counties and towns.  Connecticut and Western Massachusetts are the first states on the East Coast to utilize E.D.D.I., which is based on the LocationOne Information System developed by Midwestern utility company, Aquila.  E.D.D.I. contains hundreds of searchable data points representing labor force, wages, leading employers, business growth and more, allowing site selectors, researchers and others to access easy-to-find data and to learn about our regional landscape.  E.D.D.I.’s data is compliant with International Economic Development Council Guidelines and features downloadable, locality-specific data provided directly by towns, regions and state-level organizations, as well as maps, links and printable flyers.

Metro Hartford Alliance
The Metro Hartford Alliance brings together the region’s economic development leadership, serving the 34 towns of the Capital area and the Metro Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide.  SCORE provides key services – both fact-to-face and online – to busy entrepreneurs who are just getting their feet wet, or in need of a seasoned pro as a sounding board for their existing business.  When considering starting a business, or while in the midst of contemplating an expansion, make SCORE the first, and best, place you turn to for free, confidential advice.

Spanish American Merchants Association, Inc. (SAMA)
The Spanish American Merchants Association, Inc. is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut to serve as a vehicle for community economic growth and to assist business people, in particular, Latinos, to acquire a better understanding on economic principles.  Technical assistance is provided to promote business retention, business expansion, job creation and new entrepreneurship.

Small Business Administration
SBA provides financial, technical and management assistance to help start, run, and grow businesses.  They offer a variety of financing options for small businesses.  The SBA’s assistance usually is in the form of loan guaranties – the SBA guarantees loans made by banks and other private lenders to small business clients.

Tolland County Chamber of Commerce
Whether you’re a long time resident, a newcomer, or a visitor just “traveling” through, “Tolland County” is a very special place.  In addition to abundant natural beauty and charming history, the best part of Tolland County is its people.  From businesses to community service organizations, educational and governmental institutions, the people of Tolland County are refreshingly down-to-earth and willing to contribute to their neighbors welfare.  This strong undercurrent of “community” is embodied by the spirit and vitality of the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce.

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