Resources for Small Business Start-up and Operation

Prepared by: Piero Garofalo·Graduate Fellow in Italian
Trinity College·Hartford, CT 06106·(860)297-2433

Prepared for: Asylum Hill Organizing Project·350 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105·(860)249-7691

Trinity Center for Neighborhoods
190 New Britain Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106-3100
(860)297-5170
Maria Simao, Project Director
Research Project 31
February, 1997

Table of Contents

Business Information Center
Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Connecticut Enterprise Center
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Connecticut Development Authority
Connecticut Department of Economic Development
Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc.
Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Connecticut Department of Labor
Connecticut Works
Community Accounting and Aid Services
CW Group, Inc.
Entrepreneurial Center
Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce
Hartford Economic Development Corporation
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
United States Small Business Administration
Appendix A: Internet Addresses
Appendix B: Literature and Materials Available

Business Information Center

Mission: To provide resources to assist start-up and expanding businesses in the community.

Purpose: The Business Information Center (BIC) is a joint venture between the U.S. Small Business Administration and private partners. It provides the latest in high-tech hardware, software and telecommunications to help start-up and expanding businesses. BIC also offers a wide array of counseling services and training opportunities. BIC provides the tools and the advice necessary to evaluate and improve small businesses marketing and sales techniques, to assist businesses both in pricing products and in investigating the possibilities of exporting.

Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board

Mission: The Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board seeks to meet the employment and training challenges of the community.

Purpose: The Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board is designed to assist individuals in finding employment.

Services: The Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board provides job training and an employment referral system.

Cost: No charge for consultation nor for services.

Contact

[Rotating staff]
Central Connecticut Workforce Development Board
136 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
Tel. (860) 223-4421

Source: Interview

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Mission: The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development provides programs and services to set up or expand businesses.

Purpose: The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is a non-profit organization affiliated with the state, though not funded by it. It operates in partnership with the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. as an information clearinghouse to link people to the appropriate state and federal agencies and resources.

Services: The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development also offers a variety of managerial assistance programs, counseling, and incentives to small business. The Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. provides information services and referrals.

Cost: No charge for consultation nor for services.

Contact

[Rotating staff]
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Tel. (800) 392-2122

[Rotating staff]
Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc.
Building 4
805 Brook Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3405
Tel. (860) 571-7136
Fax: (860) 571-7150
Tel. (800) 392-2122

Internet: http://www.cerc.com

Source

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development in partnership with Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc. brochure and interview.

Connecticut Small Business Development Center Program

Services: CSBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems, and feasibility studies. Special CSBDC programs and economic-development activities include international-trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture-capital formation and rural development.
The CSBDC also provides specialized resources such as the Export Center, the Law Center and Community Accounting Aid Services. In addition to counseling services, the CSBDC sponsors a broad range of training and education programs. These CSBDC education programs are designed to assist new and prospective business managers, as well as established business managers, operate their business for a maximum profit and efficiency. Instructors are business professionals, all experts in their fields. To qualify for a course or seminar, you need only to have the desire to improve your business. Nominal fees are charged for most workshops, seminars and courses.
The CSBDCs also make special efforts to reach socially and economically disadvantaged groups, veterans, women and the disabled. Assistance is provided to both current and potential small business owners. CSBDCs also provide assistance to small businesses applying for Small Business Innovation and Research grants from federal agencies.
All CSBDC consulting and information services are offered free of charge. However, an appointment is necessary in order to meet with one of the professional consultants.
CSBDC assistance is availabe to anyone interested in starting or expanding a small business who cannot afford the services of a private consultant.

Cost: No charge for consultation. Nominal fees are charged for workshops, seminars and courses.

Contact

John P. O'Connor			
CSBDC State Director			
(860) 486-4135		
		
Zaiga Antonetti
CSBDC Associate State Director
(860) 241-4908

Dennis Gruell
University of Connecticut
Greater Hartford Campus
1800 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117-2659
Tel. (860) 241-4986
Fax: (860) 241-4907

Source: Connecticut Small Business Development Center brochure

Connecticut Development Authority

Mission

The Connecticut Development Authority promotes the economic growth of businesses in the state.

Purpose: The Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) seeks to guarantee loans to businesses. It encourages lenders to provide loans to small businesses that create and retain jobs in Connecticut, with added incentives for designated municipalities (including Hartford).
Any business enterprise unable to obtain conventional financing for a project in Connecticut is eligible.
The Small Business Assistance loans are available to Connecticut businesses with 100 or less full-time employees for projects located anywhere in Connecticut.
Any business purpose involving the purchase of real estate and equipment, lines of credit and term working capital that can be defined as agricultural, commercial, industrial, retail or service, is eligible. Preference is given to manufacturers, wholesale distributors, certain technology based service companies and firms engaged in exporting products beyond the state's borders.
There is no loan minimum; however, the maximum loan amount is $500,000.

Services

The CDA provides access to capital through the operation of nine principal funds:

Connecticut Works Fund: Loan guarantee program for businesses that cannot get conventional financing.
Growth Fund: Fixed asset and working capital loans to qualified small businesses that create and maintain quality jobs.
Business Assistance Fund: Fixed asset and working capital loans for enterprise zone businesses, small contractors, minority business enterprises, water companies or any business adversely affected by a natural disastrer or economic emergency.
Investment Financing: Loans and investments in developing businesses that have future potential to contribute to Connecticut's job growth and economic base.
Urbank Fund: Working capital loans to businesses located in target urban centers.
Surety Bond Guarantee: State guarantee of up to 90% of any loss incurred on a bid, performance or payment bond posted for small contractors or subcontractors.
Environmental Assistance Fund: Direct loan and loan guarantee program for projects that reduce hazardous and toxic substances in the manufacturing process.
Naugatuck Valley Fund: Matching funds of up to $200,000 at below market rates for fixed asset and working capital loans to manufacturers or wholesale distributors.
Environmental Clean-up Fund: Loans to small business property owners.

Cost: No charge for consultation. There is a .5% Program Fee payable to the CDA at the closing of the loan.

Contact

John Lobon
Connecticut Development Authority
845 Brook Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Tel. (860) 258-7825
Fax: (860) 257-7582

Internet: http://www.state.ct.us/cda

Source: Connecticut Department of Economic Development brochure and interview with Connecticut Development Authority.

Connecticut Department of Economic Development

Mission: The Connecticut Department of Economic Development seeks to promote the economic welfare of the state.

Purpose: The Connecticut Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for attracting businesses to the state as well as encouraging the expansion of existing businesses.

Services

Incentives to foster business expansion by the DED include:

Manufacturers Assistance Act: Provides grants, loans, guarantees and lines of credit of up to 90% of project costs for industrial park development, land, building, machinery and equipment acquisition, building renovation/construction, working capital, research and development and defense diversification.
Manufacturing Property Tax Exemption: 100% personal property tax exemption for four years to manufacturers who purchase or lease new or used machinery and equipment.
Corporate Tax Credit: Corporate business tax credit of up to 25% for up to 7 years for new and expanding Connecticut firms that create a minimum of 1,000 jobs and occupy a minimum of 250,000 square feet.
Flexible Investment Tax Credit: Phases in corporate tax credits of up to 25% for companies that create new investment in research and development, job training or give grants for research and development to state institutions of higher education.

Cost: No charge for consultation.

Contact

Norris V. Bacho, Director
City of Hartford, Economic Development Department
10 Prospect Street, 2nd Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Tel. (860) 543-8635
Fax: (860) 722-6329

Source: Connecticut Department of Economic Development brochure and interview

Connecticut Innovations, Inc.

Mission: Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated (CII) is Connecticut's high-technology catalyst, with the primary mission of fostering the development and expansion of job-producing, technology-based businesses and industries in the state. By investing in emerging companies, providing funding for key research development initiatives, encouraging technology transfer and other university/industry relationships, and leveraging resources through public/private partnerships, CII strengthens core competencies, and spurs commercialization of technologies deemed critical to Connecticut's economy.

Purpose: CII's focused set of initiatives is designed to stimulate the development of new technologies, companies and jobs of the future. When following a project, CII strategically directs university research funding and encourages collaboration between technologists and academic researchers. CII then helps Connecticut companies develop these leading-edge ideas into applied technology solutions by providing matching funds necessary for federal support. Finally, businesses that have developed technology can further their commercialization efforts with a CII investment to market or launch the production of a high-tech product.

Services

CII provides seven basic programs of financial assistance to qualifying Connecticut companies and Connecticut colleges and universities:

Product Development Investments: These projects make risk capital investments in emerging and established companies to stimulate their development of high- technology products, processes and services.
Product Marketing Investments: These projects provide working capital financing and equity investments in companies as a source of marketing and launch funding for the introduction of high-technology products, processes and services.
Technology Assistance Center Program: This Program was developed as an information clearinghouse to help Connecticut's firms and individuals interested in starting or growing technology driven enterprises and developing leading edge products and processes.
Connecticut Seed Venture Limited Partnership: This Program invests in start-up and young technology companies in Connecticut to allow them to obtain seed or early stage financing.
Yankee Ingenuity Initiative Grant Program: This Program was developed to encourage high-technology research development and training at Connecticut's colleges and universities.
Connecticut Technology Development Corporation: This Program provides assistance to commercialize research from universities, colleges and industrial laboratories by establishing new businesses around technologies with promising commercial potential.
Connecticut Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Assistance Grant Program: This Program funds marketing activities to help commercialize SBIR projects.

Cost: No charge for consultation.

Contact

Pamela A. Hartley
Director, Small Business Innovations Research Program
Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
40 Cold Spring Road
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Tel. (860) 563-5851
Fax: (860) 563-4877

Source: Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated 1995 Annual Report and interview

The Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Research

Mission: The Connecticut Department of Labor's mission is to help employees and employers become competitive in the global economy, to protect and promote the interests of the working women and men of Connecticut, and to be a high performance organization, committed to excellence, quality service, and applicant satisfacion.

Purpose: The Connecticut Department of Labor provides licenses and permits, employment training and unemployment compensation services.
The Connecticut Department of Labor requires that all firms employing workers in the state register with the Department's Employment Security Division under terms of the state's Unemployment Insurance Law. The Department of Labor Employer Service Unit provides labor-market education, training, support services, labor exchange activities and labor law clarification to businesses.

Services

The Department of Labor offers the following employment/training services:

Consulting services available to businesses:
		--Assessment of employment and training needs
		--Development of employment and training plan
		--On site safety and health consultation
		--Specialized incentives, tax credits and loans
		--Recruitment and referral assistance
		--Brokering and case management of employment and training services      delivery

Reemployment services available at local Job Centers:
		--Determination of eligibility for unemployment compensation
		--Development of job search skills
		--Referral to jobs
		--Vocational counseling
		--Asessment of employment and training needs
		--Determination of eligibility for programs including Dislocat 
		--Workers, Job Training Partnership Act, Trade Adjustment Assistance and Veterans Services

Apprenticeship programs
Automated job matching
Customized Job Training (CJT)
Dislocated workers
Employment search program
Federal Bonding Program (FBP)
Gate Applicant Master Order Technique (GAMOT): Businesses refer all applicants for specified openings to Job Center offices for initial screening.
Job connection: Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) on-site consultation program
Rapid response team
Shared work program
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA/NAFTA-TAA)
Unemployment Compensation (UI)
Veterans services

The Office of Research of the Connecticut Department of Labor provides information about jobs and workers and publishes basic statistical data series which are then used to gauge labor market and economic activity in the State.
The Labor Market Information (LMI) is a general reference for labor market information publications available from the Office of Research. LMI is used by business, education, government and indviduals. The Office also makes projections of trends in occupational employment opportunities, monitors and reports on agency employment services and unemployment insurance activities, tracks major layoffs and business closings, conducts surveys to identify average wage rates by occupation, maintains demographic information on the population and labor force, and gathers and prepares a variety of other LMI products and reports which serve the needs of various users.
LMI provides the following publications:

Annual Report of the Commissioner of Labor on the Economy, Workforce and Training Needs in Connecticut
Connecticut Data for Affirmative Action Plans
Connecticut Labor Market Review
Connecticut Labor Situation
Connecticut Occupational Employment and Wage Survey
Connecticut: Census Income Data
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Covered Employment and Wages by Industry--Annual Averages
Equal Employment Opportunity Special Census File
Employment Distribution by Occupation
Jobs in Connecticut
Layoffs and Shutdowns Announced in the News Media
Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)
New Manufacturing Firms
Nonfarm Employment--Annual Averages
Occupational Employment Rankings by Annual Openings
Planning Guides
Planning for the Future
Total Nonfarm Employment by Town
Work Stoppages in Connecticut

The Directory of Labor Market Information, as well as other research publications or information, may be obtained by calling (860) 566-5683. The Department of Labor in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development publishes The Connecticut Economic Digest. This publication can be received by writing to:
Connecticut Economic Digest
Connecticut Department of Labor
Office of Research
200 Folly Brook Boulevard
Wethersfield, CT 06109

The Connecticut Economic Digest is also available on the internet at:
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us or,
http://www.state.ct.us/ecd/research

Cost: No charge for consultation nor for use of services.

Contact

Roger Therrien, Director					
Connecticut Department of Labor			
Office of Research						
200 Folly Brook Boulevard				
Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114				
Tel. (860) 566-7823
Fax: (860)	 566-7963					
Tel. (860) 566-5160 (Information)

Job Center
90 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel. (860) 566-5771
Fax: (860) 566-8417

James P. Butler, Commissioner
Department of Labor						
Employer Service Unit						
Tel. (860) 566-7682 (Hartford)				

Public Access Labor Information System Bulletin Board Number:
Hartford: (860) 566-4240

Internet address: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us

Source: Connecticut Department of Labor Training Employment Services Information and interview

Connecticut Works

Mission: To enhance economic development in Connecticut by addressing the special employment and training needs of both job seekers and employers.

Purpose: Connecticut Works is a unique collaboration of state, regional and local organizations whose purpose is to address the workforce development needs of the state--both the residents who are seeking employment and the businesses who want to employ them.
Designed by Connecticut's Department of Labor and nine Regional Workforce Development Boards, Connecticut Works coordinates the varied job development services offered by these organizations, providing access to them all at each Connecticut Works center.
Connecticut Works helps bring job seekers together with potential employers through easy access to a wide variety of job and career-oriented information. Services offered job seekers focus on counseling, skills training and job search assistance, while businesses receive recruiting, job training and related support.

Services

Connecticut Works offers the following services for job seekers:

Career Assistance
Self-Service Resources
Job Search Support
Education and Training
Workshops
Individual Counseling
Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Connecticut Works offers the following services for employers:

Workforce Development
Recruitment
Workplace Consultation
Business Development Services
Apprenticeships
Customized Job Training
Seminars

Cost: No charge for consultation nor for use of services.

Contact

Connecticut Works Coordinator			
Department of Labor					
200 Folly Brook Boulevard				
Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114				
Tel. 1-888-CT WORKS (Toll Free)

Connecticut Works Center
3580 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06120
Tel. (860) 566-5790

Source: The Department of Labor brochure and the Connecticut Works Center brochure

Community Accounting Aid & Services, Inc.

Mission: To further the economic development of small businesses, individuals and not-for-profit organizations.

Purpose: Community Accounting Aid & Services, Inc. (CAAS) is a private not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide free accounting and financial counseling to economically disadvantaged businesses and individuals in Connecticut.

Services

Through CAAS, volunteer accounting specialists can assist clients in the following areas:

Education and training in accounting record keeping, internal control and financial management.
Evaluation of a business for possible purchase.
Accounting system and procedures set-up.
Sales, payroll and property tax return preparation.
Preparation of financial statements for internal use.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns.
Provision of volunteers to serve on not-for-profit boards of directors.

The CAAS office may be contacted directly to apply for assistance. The criteria for elegibility are:

Small business owners with annual net income not exceeding $25,000.
Individuals with adjusted gross income not exceeding $20,000.
Married couples with adjusted gross income not exceeding $30,000.
Not-for-profit organizations with an annual budget not exceeding $100,000.
Individuals, small business owners and not-for-profit organizations not currently being served by an accountant.

A professional accountant will be provided to assist you at no cost. CAAS volunteers provide accounting instruction on starting a small business. CAAS conducts tax clinics during tax season for eligible clients. CAAS also has published a book entitled Small Business in Connecticut which can be purchased through the offices of CAAS or CSBDC.

Cost: No charge for consultation nor for use of services.

Contact

Nancy DeAngelis, Executive Director
Community Accounting Aid and Services, Inc.
1800 Asylum Avenue, 4th Floor
West Hartford, CT 06117
Tel. (860) 241-4984
Fax: (860) 241-4907

Source: Community Accounting Aid and Services brochure and interview

CW Group, Incorporated

Mission: The mission of CW Group, Incorporated is to optimize the ability of its subsidiaries to serve the needs of persons with disabilities and other challenged populations including people with socioeconomic disadvantages so that they may live as integrated, active and productive members of the community.

Purpose: CW Resources, Inc. is a subdivision of the the CW Group. Formerly known as Constructive Workshop, the name was changed to CW Resources to reflect more accurately the array of services provided. CW Resources services the needs of adults with psychiatric disabilities (replacing the now defunct affiliate Sunshine Projects), operates a Meals on Wheels Program and provides community, employment and production services. In addition to CW Resources, there is a new small business incubator program, the Connecticut Enterprise Center (CEC), an affiliate of CW Group. CEC serves the needs of small and start-up businesses by nurturing their development and providing the resources to help them survive and grow.

Services

CW Resources, Inc. has two main divisions: Division of Employment and Community Services and Production Division:

1. The Division of Employment and Community Services provides an extensive network of vocational and employment services for persons with disabilities and the economically disadvantaged. The Centers provide consumers professional services, with the unifying goal of community employment and living. Available services include:

Community supported employment
Individual job placement
Occupational skill training
Situational assessment
Supported living
Vocational evaluation and training
Work experience

The primary purpose of this division is to provide customer service to the employer who hires qualified CW clients, to referring agencies, and to clients to meet their individual needs.

2. The Production Division allows CW to train and evaluate persons with disabilities and other challenged populations while they work. CW contracts with the Federal Government and numerous private businesses in the areas of machining, packaging, mailing, fulfillment and inspection.
Additional services are provided by the Connecticut Enterprise Center, Inc. which nurtures small business development in central Connecticut. CEC is a place where numerous small and start-up businesses operate under one roof with affordable rents, shared services and a business support network aiding beginning companies to survive.

Cost: No charge for consultation.

Contact

[Rotating staff]
CW Group, Inc.					
200 Myrtle Street				
New Britain, CT 06053
Tel. (860) 229-7700
Fax: (860) 229-6847

Source: CW Group Incorporated 32nd Annual Report and interview

The Entrepreneurial Center Hartford College for Women

Mission: The mission of the Entrepreneurial Center is to help people achieve financial independence through self-employment.

Purpose: Although the Entrepreneurial Center serves the entire community, low-income individuals are especially encouraged to participate. The Center provides financial and informational support to promote financial independence.

Services: The Center offers Self-Assessment Workshops for prospective business owners and a four-month Comprehensive Training Program for starting up a business.
The Entrepreneurial Center provides access to capital. It has a loan program through People's Bank with a loan guarantee from the Connecticut Development Authority. To be eligible, one must be a graduate of the program and have a complete and viable business plan. The maximum loan is $50,000.
The Entrepreneurial Center provides assistance to new businesses through ongoing consultation, access to small business loans, referrals to other business services, short term professional services and networking groups.

Cost: No charge for consultation. There is a $20 charge for the Self-Assessment Workshop. The Comprehensive Training Program is offered for a $500 fee.

Contact

Donna Wertenbach
The Entrepreneurial Center
Hartford College for Women
50 Elizabeth Street
Hartford, CT 06105-2208
Tel. (860) 768-5681

Source: The Entrepreneurial Center brochure and interview

Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce

Mission: To coordinate economic development and to cultivate a pro-business environment within the community.

Purpose: The focus of the Chamber of Commerce is business. To this end, it seeks to strengthen and retain businesses currently in the community and to attract new and dynamic businesses. It makes assets and resources available to restore the city's commercial base. It markets the features and the benefits of the Greater Hartford area and promotes the image of a community ripe for investment.

Services

To members the Chamber of Commerce offers numerous benefits. The principal features of membership include:

Insurance: The Chamber offers health insurance to small businesses with as few as one employee at group rates. The plans are underwritten by Connecticare and The Travelers. For more information call 525-4451, extension 242.
Products and Services: Phone service, television advertising, marketing, credit card processing, newsletters are all available at special rates.
Programs and Seminars: The Chamber provides educational programming for members and their employees through the Leadership Greater Hartford program. For more information call 525-4451, extension 214. The Chamber also provides extensive information services to members and to companies seeking to do business in Hartford as well as to individuals planning to relocate. This information includes: Membership Directory & Buyers' Guide, Member Referrals, Job Search and Relocation Packages (call the Communications Department at extension 245 for information), Demographic Information (call Economic Development Department at extension 339 for information), Import/Export Directory (call the Economic Development Department at extension 339, to order a copy). All information is free to members.
Marketing and Promotion: In addition to networking opportunities, The Chamber provides numerous ways to promote a company's product or service to a targeted market of key business decision-makers. Call the Membership Services Department at 525-4451, extension 242 for information on how to promote your business through The Chamber.
Lobbying and Legislative Advocacy: The Chamber serves as a strong business advocate for local businesses. The Government Relations/Legislative Affairs Department helps shape public policy by developing, advocating and lobbying positions that support business. The Chamber will also accompany established and prospective businesses through the governmental regulatory process and testify on their behalf at city building, zoning and planning meetings. For more information contact the Governmental Relations Department at 525-4451, extension 258.
Networking: Various Chamber functions offer opportunities to get connected with the Greater Hartford business community. The Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce holds over 40 events each year to provide networking, education and business development opportunities for members. Call the Conferences, Seminars and Events Department 525-4451, extension 319 for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Greater Hartford Chamber, Hartford Downtown Council and Affiliate Chambers of Commerce conferences, seminars, events and festivals offer many opportunities for member companies to participate as sponsors, with recognition in marketing and promotional efforts before and during events.
Economic Development: The business of all Chambers of Commerce is commerce--business growth and development. Call The Chamber's Economic Development Department at 525-4451, extension 232 for more information on programs, initiatives and committees.
The Greater Hartford Chamber formed the Hartford Downtown Council to address the city's urban issues. The organization has evolved from a strictly promotional agency to a management organization that works with the public and private sectors to foster business growth, to facilitate real estate development and to promote the cultural and entertainment resources of Hartford. For further information concerning the Hartford Downtown Council, call 728-3089.
Business Referral and Information Services: The Chamber distributes member information to individuals seeking particular goods and services.
Community Image: The Chamber strives to enhance the image of Hartford through support of community projects. The Chamber sells the positive features and benefits of the city by promoting its arts and entertainment venues, parks and recreational facilities, educational opportunities, municipal services and world class businesses.
Awards and Recognition Programs: Awards are given at special events held by The Chamber, the Hartford Downtown Council and affiliated organizations to recognize distinguished leaders who have positively influenced the community.
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce: As part of its regional focus, eight suburban chambers maintain affiliation with the Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Each affiliate maintains autonomy. The overall goal of the Affiliate Chambers is to promote and enhance the business environment which in turn works toward stimulating local and regional economies. The eight affiliated Chambers are: Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury and Wethersfield. The Affiliate Chambers can be reached at 527-9258.

Cost: Membership dues are currently $195, though these will soon increase. For further information call the Membership Services Department at 525-4451, extension 242.

Contact

Timothy J. Moynihan, President
Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce
250 Constitution Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Tel. (860) 525-4451

Edward L. Morgan Jr., Chairman
Hartford Downtown Council
250 Constitution Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Tel. (860) 728-3089
Fax: (860) 527-9696

Source: Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce brochure and interview

Hartford Economic Development Corporation

Mission: The Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCo) is a private, non-profit economic development corporation. HEDCo is a one-stop business assistance center for businesses in Hartford or those wishing to relocate to Hartford and for women owned or minority owned businesses in those towns physically contiguous to Hartford.

Purpose: HEDCo's primary goals are job retention, job creation and increased capital investment in the City of Hartford.

Services

Services provided by HEDCo include:

Technical assistance
Loan packaging
Regulatory assistance
Locational assistance
Problem solving

There is no fee. HEDCo is funded partially by dues from corporate members and from operating earnings on loans packaged for the Greater Hartford Business Development Center, Inc. (GHBDC).

The GHBDC is a private, non-profit, non-stock corporation dedicated to assisting small and medium sized businesses in the City of Hartford. The GHBDC's objectives are the following:

To encourage small business development and growth
To expand employment opportunities
To stimulate neighborhood improvement through economic development
To reduce City aid, general assistance and unemployment while increasing per capita income of residents and private capital investment in the City.

Loans to small business can be provided for the following purposes:

Acquistion and/or renovation of commercial or industrial real estate in which the applicant occupies a significant portion of the available space for the operation of his/her business.
Purchase of machinery and equipment. 3) Short term working capital loans which have significant collateral.

Cost: All services are provided free of charge.

Contact

Samuel C. Hamilton
Executive Director
Hartford Economic Development Corporation
15 Lewis Street, Room 204
Hartford, CT 06103-2502
Tel. (860) 527-1301
Fax: (860) 727-9224

Source: Hartford Economic Development Corporation brochure and interview

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)

Mission: To provide business training and counseling assistance to new and prospective business owners.

Purpose: SCORE is a non-profit volunteer association sponsored by the United States Small Business Administration. Male and female business executives share their management and technical expertise with present and prospective small business owners free of charge by providing individual counseling sessions.

Services: SCORE provides individual counseling and workshops. All counseling is provided each weekday and is done by appointment only. Regularly scheduled workshops are provided at a fee according to location. The pre-business workshops address topics like assessing entrepreneurial potential, developing a start-up checklist, selecting a legal entity, creating a business plan and securing funding. Other workshops offer experienced business owners information on a wide array of subjects, including starting a home-based business, purchasing a franchise, defining a marketing and advertising strategy, implementing a waste-reduction plan, setting merchandise prices and beginning an exporting venture.
SCORE counselors also help successful firms review their distribution channels, survey expansion, modify products and meet other business challenges. The counselors meet with you personally and as frequently as necessary. They analyze and define your problems. They help you find solutions. They check up with you to see how the solutions are functioning. The period of counseling may take as little as a week or as long as a year--whatever length of time is needed. All information learned about your business is confidential; it is not revealed to anyone outside of SCORE.
Any small business can obtain help from SCORE. The approach is confidential and personal. You don't need to be applying for or to have an SBA loan to participate in the program.
In Hartford, SCORE sponsors a Small Business Entrepreneurs' Workshop on the third Tuesday of each month (8:45 am - 3:30 pm) at The Hartford Graduate Center:
The Hartford Graduate Center
275 Windsor Street
Hartford, CT 06120-2991
(203) 548-2400
The agenda for the workshop is the following:
Morning:
8:45 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 9:05 Orientation--Description of SCORE, Its activities and purpose
9:05 - 10:30 The Business Plan--Its purpose, how to develop and use it. (Presented by a SCORE member)
10:30 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:00 Financing--How to finance a small business (presented by an Ace member affiliated with Business Credit Corp)
Afternoon:
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch Break
12:30 - 1:30 Legal Considerations for Small Businesses--(presented by a member of the law firm of Robinson and Cole)
1:30 - 1:45 Break
1:45 - 3:00 Business Planning and Record Keeping, Budget and Cash Flow, Bookkeeping etc. (Presented by a partner of O'Connell, Pace & Co. CPAs)
3:00 - 3:30 Tax Issues--Discussion of taxes for small business (presented by a representative of the IRS); The pre-business workshops which cover all aspects of starting a small business including marketing, finance, banking and legal requirements, carry a fee of twenty dollars.

Cost: No charge for consultation. Twenty dollar charge for Small Business Entrepreneurs' Workshop.

Contact

SCORE								
330 Main Street						     
Hartford, CT 06106					
Tel. (860) 240-4640

Source: United States Small Business Administration and interview with SCORE

United States Small Business Administration

Mission: The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the nation.

Purpose: The SBA makes special efforts to help entrepreneurs raise capital and find sales markets, especially those who face unusual difficulties in the private marketplace such as the handicapped, minorities, women and veterans.

Services

The SBA offers a variety of loan programs to eligible small businesses to meet both long and short term credit needs. The bulk of SBA's business loans are made by private lending institutions and are guaranteed by the SBA. The loans are processed through a Certified Development Company (CDC) which is a private, public sector non-profit corporation that is set up to contribute to the economic development of its community.
The SBA's Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) is designed to stimulate investment in small businesses. It provides risk capital in the form of debt and equity financing to small businesses for their growth, modernization or expansion. SBICs, licensed and regulated by the SBA, are privately owned and privately managed investment firms that use their own funds, plus money borrowed with SBA guarantees, to make venture capital investments in small businesses. These are profit-motivated businesses--their incentive for investing in small business is the chance to share in the success as the enterprises grow and prosper.
The SBA assists small business obtain a fair share of government contracts through the functions of the Agency's Procurement Assistance Division.
The SBA Minority Enterprise Development is a Business Development Program created to promote and to assist socially and economically disadvantaged business persons in gaining equal access to the resources necessary to improve their ability to compete on an equal basis in the mainstream of the American economy.
Small and emerging contractors who cannot get surety bonds (bid payment, and/or performance) through regular commercial channels on reasonable terms can apply to a surety company under the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program.
You also may request a free copy of The Resource Directory for Small Business Management, a listing of for-sale publications and videotapes from the local SBA office or the SBA Answer Desk at (800) 8-ASK-SBA.
The SBA is also on the internet using uniform resource locators (URLs):

SBA Home Page:
http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov
SBA gopher:
gopher://gopher.sbaonline.sba.gov
File transfer protocol:
ftp://ftp.sbaonline.sba.gov
Telnet:
telnet://sbaonline.sba.gov

The SBA OnLine provides the following services:

SBA publications
SBA services
Points of contact
Calendar of local events
On-line training
Access to other federal on-line services
Electronic mail forums
Internet E-mail
Special interest groups
Downloadable shareware files
To use these services the Data Parameters are: 300 - 19.2, N, 8, 1
1-800-697-4636
-SBA and other government agency information
-Downloadable SBA information files and .QWK mail
1-900-463-4636
-SBA and other government agency information
-Downloadable shareware files (14¢/minute)
-Internet E-mail
-On-line searchable data banks
-Gateway
-Mail
-Technical support (202) 205-6400
-TDD (202) 205-7333

Cost: No charge for consultation. Certain on-line services incur a toll charge.

Contact

James Williams
United States Small Business Administration
Hartford District Office
330 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel. (860) 240-4700

Source: United States Small Business Administration brochure

Appendix: Internet Addresses

Connecticut Economic Resource Center : http://www.cerc.com
Connecticut Development Authority : http://www.state.ct.us/cda
Connecticut Department of Labor : http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us
The Connecticut Economic Digest : http://www.state.ct.us/ecd/research or http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us
United States Small Business Administration :

SBA Home Page: http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov
SBA gopher: gopher://gopher.sbaonline.sba.gov
File transfer protocol: ftp://ftp.sbaonline.sba.gov
Telnet: telnet://sbaonline.sba.gov

To use the SBA OnLine services the Data Parameters are:
300 - 19.2, N, 8, 1
1-800-697-4636
-SBA and other government agency information
-Downloadable SBA information files and .QWK mail

1-900-463-4636
-SBA and other government agency information
-Downloadable shareware files (14¢/minute)
-Internet E-mail
-On-line searchable data banks
-Gateway
-Mail
-Technical support (202) 205-6400
-TDD (202) 205-7333