BFDH Small Business Resource Guide
This handy guide will give you the 411 on starting a business in Hartford, including info on permitting, business plans and pertinent community services.
MetroHartford Alliance
31 Pratt Street, 5th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
860-525-4451
The MetroHartford Alliance is Hartford’s Chamber of Commerce and the Hartford region’s economic development leader. The Alliance is fully invested in the Hartford region’s future economic growth and its viability for robust business development.
City of Hartford Economic Development Division
250 Constitution Plaza, 4th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 757-9070
The Economic Development Division works to create an environment in Hartford conducive to growing and attracting businesses throughout the City and its neighborhoods; focusing on small business, corporate and neighborhood development as well as managing the Hartford Redevelopment Agency.
Capital Region Development Authority
100 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 500, Hartford, CT 06103
CRDA was formed to direct and manage state-supported economic development in and around Hartford. CRDA’s goal is stimulating Hartford’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for the city residents through business development, training for skilled job opportunities and neighborhood revitalization.
Business for Downtown Hartford
31 Pratt St, Fl 5, Hartford, CT 06103
Business for Downtown Hartford (BFDH) is a non-profit merchant and business group dedicated to the success of Hartford’s central business district. BFDH’s primary initiative is to create and maintain a vibrant business environment for downtown Hartford.
reSET – Social Enterprise Trust
1429 Park Street, #114, Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 560-9120
reSET – Social Enterprise Trust is an organization that supports entrepreneurship by providing access to educational opportunities, resources, and networking opportunities to start-up businesses located in and around Hartford. reSET operates a co-working space at 99 Pratt Street and has specific expertise in supporting social entrepreneurship.
Hartford Economic Development Corporation
15 Lewis Street, Hartford, CT 06103
HEDCo works to stimulate economic development in the Hartford metro area by collaborating with public and private organizations to help start, finance, retain, and recruit small businesses within the region’s core city, Hartford, and its fifty-seven surrounding cities and towns.
Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
860-249-6000
The Connecticut Convention Center is the largest conference center Between NY and Boston; an ideal location for trade shows, conventions and business meetings – or any occasion that demands a dramatic riverfront setting. Over 140,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, a 40,000 square foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
CT Department of Economic & Community Development
505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106
860-270-8000
The Department of Economic and Community Development is the state’s lead agency for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programs all of which are designed to enhance Connecticut’s communities and business and housing environments.
Greater Hartford Business Development Center
15 Lewis Street, Hartford, CT 06103
As the sister organization of the Hartford Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Hartford Business Development Corporation is an alternative lender to the small business community within the Hartford metro area. GHBDC seeks out under-served or niche markets and effectively assists a diverse customer base. GHBDC provides pre-business assistance, planning and development, training, workshops, loan products and government contracting.
TempsNow!
316 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
860-525-1109
Temps Now provides light industrial temporary workers to companies at a competitive hourly rate. This includes all payroll cost, unemployment insurance and workers compensation coverage for each worker. They have the very latest in computer technology and software, giving them the ability to quickly find you the right candidate.
The Entrepreneurial Center, University of Hartford
1265 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
860-768-5681
The Entrepreneurial Center (EC) provides hands-on coaching and business training for new and expanding small businesses, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. Through business advising, technical assistance, trainings, mentoring programs, and networking events, the EC helps small business owners and employees to gain the business skills needed to succeed in the marketplace.