Are you considering starting a small business in Connecticut? New startup businesses are opening every day with the help of the Small Business Development Center team. The SBDC is Taking Care of Business!

In order to serve you better, we ask that you invest sometime in your business idea and prepare yourself to be a successful entrepreneur. Below are helpful resources to get you started:

IT'S EASY AS 1,2,3, and 4

STEP 1. ATTEND A SBDC WORKSHOP:

Learn what it entails to open a successful business and more, attend one of the upcoming SBDC workshops.

CAN'T GET TO A WORKSHOP?

Try our free online workshops.

STEP 2. DO YOUR RESEARCH:

The  CT Small Business Resource Guide provides information on a wide array of services - loan guaranties, assistance for small business in federal contracting and business counseling- the SBA and its network partners have helped millions of entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Click on the link to get started.

• Self Assessment: Why do you want to start a business? What traits do you possess that make owning your own business right for you? (pg. 9)
• Developing Your Idea: It's important that your business is based on a product/service that is compatible with your set of skills and addresses a demand in the marketplace (pg. 9-12)
• The Basics: What every business owner must know to start your business (i.e legal structure, registration and licensing), (pg. 12).
• The Business Plan: Every business needs a roadmap to success. It's time to create yours. (pg. 12-13)

                  SBA Business Plan Template

• SBDC Feature: ANOTHER YEAR OF ACHIEVMENT (pg. 20-24)

STEP 3. FIND RESOURCES:

Helpful Local and Government Websites:

Local

• Small Business Administration (SBA) - CT District Office
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Connecticut Economic Resource Center
• State of Connecticut
• Connecticut Licensing Center
• Connecticut Women's Business Development Center

• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Counselors to America's Small Business
• The Official Business Link to the U.S. Government
• Statistical Information by the Federal Government
• Internal Revenue Service
• Total Know-How For Small Business

Step 4. Complete Draft Business Plan: Ready to take your business idea to the next level and you have the draft business plan? Contact the SBDC via our Online Request for Counseling. When you click on the link it will take you to our office page. Select your town (at the right side of the page), click on the “Workshops & Request for Counseling Button”, and then click on the “Online Request for Counseling” link.