This short analysis makes use of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) monthly data 1990 to 2013, for Connecticut’s coastal communities adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy to attain upper bound and lower bound estimates, by industry, of increased unemployment in each of the last three months of 2012. Subsequently, using the Regional Economic Modeling Inc. dynamic input-output model (REMI),1 this report estimates the dollar-value of the storm’s economic impact on the state over the coming years.

Communities Covered 
The three areas covered by the BLS data include:

• Bridgeport-Stamford Norwalk CT New England City and Town Area (NECTA);

• New Haven CT NECTA; and

• Norwich-New London RI-CT NECTA2

March 6, 2013 — In this article from The Hartford Courant, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy says ”The reinvigorated Small Business Development Center takes our economic development strategy to a new level, combining the academic strength and resources of our flagship university with the knowledge and reach of our chambers of commerce, to bring technical and financial assistance to the sector responsible for the overwhelming majority of our jobs: small businesses.”

The announcement was made at an event during Connecticut Business Day 2013 at the Hartford Legislative Office Building.

In his October 28, 2011, Memorandum “making it Easier for America’s Small Business and America’s Exporters to Access Government Services to Help Them Grow and Hire, “President Obama laid out a vision for helping U.S. businesses compete at home and abroad by creating a virtual one-stop shop enabling them to easily access the government programs and services that will help them grow and create jobs.  This innovative new website –BusinessUSA.gov, is transforming the way small businesses and exporters navigate the multiple federal agencies and programs that would benefit them.  BusinessUSA has already made strides in helping entrepreneurs find the resources they need to grow and thrive.  The foundation for change has been built, but we need your help to realize its full potential.

BusinessUSA was launched last February and is on its way to becoming a dynamic one-stop resource for small businesses and exporters.   The site already includes hundreds of business resources, with information and services from 10 federal agencies on topics ranging from export financing, to counseling to small business loans.  It also coordinates telephone support through a single toll-free number.

“BusinessUSA is working diligently to provide improved access to these resources for business owners and entrepreneurs, particularly the small businesses that really need the resources.”