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Business Resource Guide
Part 1
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Business New Haven
10/13/2003
By: BNH
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REGIONAL & STATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created by an act of Congress to help entrepreneurs start and run successful small businesses. With offices in every state, it offers training, financing and advocacy for small firms. It also offers several loan programs for businesses that are independently owned and operated and meet the size requirements established by the SBA. The entire state of Connecticut is served by the SBA Hartford District, 330 Main Street, Hartford 06106. Call 860-240-4700 or visit www.sba.gov/regions/states/ct/.
The SBA’s MicroLoan Program provides loans from $500 to $35,000 to start-up, recently established or growing small businesses through two intermediaries: Connecticut Community Investment Corp., 100 Crown Street, New Haven 06510, call 203-776-6172 ext. 24 or visit www.ctcic.org/Available_loans.htm; or Community Economic Development Fund, 50-G Weston Street, Hartford 06120, call 800-656-4613
The Connectcut Community Investment Corp. (CTCIC) is a private non-profit corporation providing economic development financing to qualified small businesses throughout Connecticut. CTCIC was established as a local development corporation under Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations. CTCIC offers an array of loan products and business consulting services to Connecticut small businesses, including the SBA 504 Loan Program, the Defense Loan, the MicroLoan and the Child Care MicroLoan. 100 Crown Street, New Haven, 06510. Call 203-776-6172 or visit www.ctcic.org.
The SBA 504 Program offers long-term, fixed-asset financing to small businesses for the acquisition, construction, expansion or renovation of land and buildings, machinery and equipment. To be eligible a company must be a for-profit corporation with a net worth not exceeding $6 million. Loans cannot be made to businesses engaged in speculation or investment in rental real estate. Financing available up to 90 percent. Program operative in every Connecticut county except Fairfield and Litchfield. Call 203-776-6172, ext. 24 or visit www.ctcic.org.
The Defense Loan Fund provides financing to businesses in eligible communities convert from defense related work into other lines of business or create jobs by expanding current operations. Financing is typically gap-funding in conjunction with a financing partner. The average loan is $100,000 with the minimum loan being $25,001. Eligible businesses must be located in Bethany, Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, New Haven, North Haven, North Branford, Orange, West Haven or Woodbridge. Call 203-776-6172, ext. 24 or visit www.ctcic.org.
Child Care Facilities MicroLoan Fund helps increase the availability of child care to working families with loans to child-care facilities of up to $25,000 at 9.0 percent fixed rate of financing. Program is available statewide with free technical assistance provided to buyers. Call 203-776-6172, ext. 29 or visit www.ctcic.org.
The Bridgeport Regional Business Council/Bridgeport Economic Development Corp. (BEDCO) is a non-profit development corporation that develops and manages programs and projects that foster business development, community reinvestment and neighborhood revitalization. 10 Middle Street, Bridgeport, 06604. Call 203-335-3800 or visit www.brbc.org.
The Bridgeport Economic Resource Center (BERC) assists private sector businesses to remain in, expand within and relocate to the Bridgeport area. Services include site selection, accessing government incentives and private sector financing. 10 Middle Street, Bridgeport, 06604. Call 203-335-1108 or visit www.bridgeport-econ.org.
The state’s Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) offers programs to help improve businesses and strengthen communities through investment, job opportunities and affordable housing. 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, 06106. Call 860-270-8000 or visit www.ct.gov/edu.
The Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) provides financing by way of direct loans, revenue bonding and loan guarantees to businesses in Connecticut in order to create and maintain jobs. Manufacturing, research and product warehousing have priority. Serves businesses in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, Middletown, New Haven, Seymour, Stratford, Waterbury and West Haven. 999 West Street, Rocky Hill, 06067. Call 860-258-7800 or visit www.cda.state.ct.us.
Connecticut Works Loan Guarantee Program encourages lenders to extend credit to businesses to promote economic growth. Statewide program has a maximum loan size of $10 million. Many small and mid-sized businesses that are able to repay the debt but cannot obtain conventional financing may be eligible for this program. 999 West Street, Rocky Hill, 06067. Call 860-258-7800 or visit www.cda.state.ct.us.
Connecticut Business Training Networks will help small companies organize themselves to more effectively take advantage of training and education programs offered by the state. Grants are offered over the three phases of the program. 350 Church Street, Hartford, 06103. Call 860-244-1900 or visit www.cbia.com.
The Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) underwrites loans of $5,000 to $250,000 to small businesses and mixed-use property owners. Eligibility depends on business location, prospects of success and community impact. Eligible communities are Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, Milford, Naugatuck, New Haven, Seymour, Stratford, Waterbury, and West Haven. The following banks have committed to CEDF program: JP MorganChase, Wachovia, Fleet Bank, People’s Bank, New Haven Savings Bank, Webster Bank, Citizens Bank, Sovereign Bank. Bridgeport office: 10 Middle Street, 06604, 203-335-1562. Hartford office: 430 New Park Avenue, West Hartford, 06110, 860-249-3800. New Haven office: 900 Chapel Street, 06510, 203-782-4377. Visit www.cedf.com/loans.html.
The Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) issues tax-exempt bonds to qualified non-profits, including but not limited to colleges, universities, hospitals and nursing homes. CHEFA also manages three child care loan funds for projects ranging from less than $10,000 to $1 million. 10 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, 06106. Call 800-750-1862 or visit www.chefa.com.
The Naugatuck Valley Loan Fund provides manufacturers and eligible wholesale distributors in certain Connecticut communities with matching funds for the purchase of land or buildings, construction, renovation, rehabilitation and/or the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment. Maximum loan amount is $200,000, with a 2:1 match of funds to a bank loan. Program region includes Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Derby, Fairfield, Hamden, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Naugatuck, New Haven, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury, Stratford, Waterbury, West Haven. 55 West Main Street, Waterbury, 06702. Call 203-805-6378 or visit www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?A=1097&Q=253416.
The city’s Technology Investment Fund (TIF) provides seed financing with other venture capital groups to technology-based businesses (including information technology, software and Web-based businesses) as well as manufacturers located in or willing to locate to city of New Haven. 100 Crown Street, New Haven, 06510. Call 203-776-6172 or visit www.ctcic.org.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Connecticut Association of Not-for-Profit Providers for the Aging (CANPFA) — Founded in 1961 to represent and promote the interests of non-profit long-term care providers in Connecticut, the group’s 150 members include non-profit nursing homes, residential-care facilities, subsidized senior housing, continued-care retirement communities, assisted living, home health-care agencies and adult day centers. Contact 203-237-4556 or visit www.canpfa.org.
Connecticut Healthcare Financial Management Association — Provides professional development through education, information, certification, peer interaction and leadership training. Visit www.cthfma.org.
American Society for Materials (ASM) — Society for materials engineers and scientists, a worldwide network dedicated to advancing industry, technology and applications of metals and materials. Southern Connecticut chapter was founded in 1920 and has 300 members who pay annual dues of $90. Contact 860-633-5849 or visit www.asm-hartford.org and www.asm-soct.org.
New Haven County Medical Association (NHCMA) — Association of physicians who live in and/or practice in New Haven County. Founded in 1784 to serve physicians, offer insurance plans and education to members of and about the medical profession. Has a peer-review committee that handles complaints against member physicians. NHCMA has 1,700 members who pay annual dues of $450. Contact 203-699-2400 or visit www.nhcma.org.
Fairfield County Medical Association (FCMA) — Coalition of five Connecticut City Medical Societies (Greenwich, Stamford, Danbury, Norwalk, Bridgeport) representing more than 2,000 physicians in all specialties. Founded in 1792 to advance the scientific, social and political interests of the profession. Contact 203-372-4543 or visit www.fcma.org.
Greater New Haven Association for Realtors (GNHAR) — Founded in 1915, GNHAR is a trade association offering continuing education for area Realtors. GNHAR has 1,400 members who pay annual dues of $150 for Realtors, $200 for heads of offices. Meets quarterly. Contact 203-234-7700.
American Institute of Architects, Connecticut chapter (AIA/CT) — Trade association for architects founded in 1902, provides continuing education and information research on architectural issues. AIA/CT has 1,200 members who pay annual dues up to $500. Meetings time, places vary. Contact 203-865-2195 or visit www.aiact.org.
New Haven County Bar Association (NHCBA) — Founded in 1907 to advance intellectual pursuits, reinforce legal standards and sponsor continuing education for legal professionals. NHCBA has 1,300 members who pay dues of $130 and committees meet continuously. Contact 203-562-9652.
Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers — Founded in 1934 to promote the licensing and ethical practice of engineering. Group has 500 members who meet semi-monthly and pay dues of $200. Contact 203-281-4322 or visit www.nspe.org/sc2-ct.htm.
American Association of Industrial Management (AAIM) — Founded in 1898 to offer training, research, survey data, management development and human-resources assistance. AAIM has 200 local members. Contact 203-234-2246 or visit www.aaimmgmtassoc.org.
Financial Planning Association, Connecticut chapter (FPA) — Formed in 2000 by the merger of the Institute of Certified Planners and the International Association Planning. Rocky Hill-based state chapter has 650 members and meets monthly at times and locations TBA. Annual membership dues $275. Contact 860-721-1060 or visit www.fpanet.org.
Association of Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM) — Founded in 1920, group offers educational programs and networking for professionals involved in commercial real estate. CCIM has 73 members who pay dues ranging from $150 for designees to $125 for candidates and affiliate members. Contact 203-239-5000 or visit www.ccimct.com.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) — Founded in 1948 to advance public relations, improve skills of public relations consultants and exchange information. Southern Connecticut PRSA chapter has 60 members who pay dues of $225 for national members and $35 for chapter members and meet monthly at various locations. Contact 203-582-3210 or visit www.prsa.org.
Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants — A professional membership association for certified public accountants in Connecticut. Membership is 6,200 and meeting times and locations vary. Dues $57-$260. Contact 860-258-4800 or visit www.cs-cpa.org.
Connecticut Psychological Association — Founded in 1963 to promote psychology and protect the public interest, group has 850 members who pay annual dues of $275 and hold frequent committee and convention meetings. Contact 860-586-7522 or visit www.ConnPsych.org.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) — Founded in 1926, IMA offers continuing education and certification for member accountants. Has 400 members who pay annual dues of $145 and meet fourth Tuesdays. Contact 203-281-6199 or visit www.imanet.org.
New Haven Dental Association — Cultivates the science and art of dentistry. Group has 250 members and meets first Thursdays October through May. Membership dues $100 annually. Contact 203-787-0036.
American Marketing Association — Promotes professionalism in marketing industry. Group has 230 members and meets second Tuesdays September through June. Membership dues $195. Contact 860-721-7470 or visit www.marketingpower.com.
Association for Long-Term Care Financial Managers — Enhances financial and other management expertise of individuals in long-term care continuum. 350 members meet throughout the greater Hartford area. Annual dues $65. Contact 860-721-7400 or visit www.altcfm.org.
NETWORKING ORGANIZATIONS
Made in Connecticut Guild — Members promote products made in Connecticut providing networking and marketing opportunities for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, service providers and individuals. Visit www.madeinct.com.
American Society for Quality (ASQ), New Haven chapter — With 250 local members, ASQ is a professional resource for information and learning related to quality principles, concepts and technologies. Meets third Wednesdays with dues of $89. Contact 203-484-6235 or visit www.groups.asq.org/305.
National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Connecticut chapter — Founded in 1999, NACD is an educational, publishing and consulting organization in board leadership and the only membership association for boards, directors, director candidates and board advisors. Dues $475. Local chapter meets in Hartford or Greenwich and times vary. Contact 860-257-1363 or visit www.nacdct.org for more detailed meeting information.
Association for Corporate Growth — Founded in 1954, ACG is a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members and 35 chapters throughout North America and Europe. Members are professionals involved in corporate development, mergers & acquisitions and finance. Meets first Fridays. Contact 203-255-9955 or visit www.acg.org.connecticut.
Advertising Club of Connecticut — Founded in 1935, the Ad Club offers continuing education and promotes networking. Group has 450 members who pay annual dues from $80-$435. Meetings at TBA locations. Contact 860-721-7400 or visit www.adclub-ct.com.
Business Network International (BNI) — Branford chapter has 20 members and offers members the opportunity to exchange business referrals and leads. Weekly meetings are Thursdays at 7 a.m. at Gardenside Terrace, 173 Alps Rd. Annual dues are $250. Contact 203-481-1120 or visit www.bni.com.
Business Network International (BNI) — Hamden chapter has 25 active members. BNI offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and referrals. Members meet from 7-8:30 a.m. at Larson Place, Whitney Ave., Hamden. Annual dues are $275. Contact 203-565-6578 or visit www.bni.com
Business Network International (BNI) — New Haven chapter has 20 members and serves to generate leads and networking. Founded in 1996, members meet Fridays at the Graduate Club in New Haven and pay dues of $275. Contact 203-985-1510 or visit www.bni.com.
Business Network International (BNI) — Stratford chapter has 15 members and provides a structured system for the development and exchange of business through word-of-mouth marketing. Founded in 1998, members meet Wednesdays at Christ Episcopal Church in Stratford. Contact 203-333-2452 or visit www.bni.com.
Connecticut Property Owners — Has 1,000 members who are property-owners in all area of building management. Founded in 1986, group members meet monthly in Hartford and pay dues of $75. Contact 860-313-1133 or visit www.ctlandlord.com.
Association of Computer Support Specialists — Has 800 members and promotes computer support as a profession. Founded in 1993, members meet last Tuesdays in Fairfield and pay dues of $100. Contact 203-332-1524 or visit www.acss.org.
Connecticut Technology Council — With 350 members, CTC seeks to stimulate and facilitate growth of technology-based businesses in the state. CTC initiatives include a yearly public-affairs agenda, workforce-development activities and a managerial-training program aimed at providing managerial training. CTC’s eBizCT affiliate supports the state’s software/IT and technology sector. Members meet at various networking events, seminars and conferences. Dues based on the number of Connecticut employees. Contact 860-289-8078 or visit www.ct.org.
Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE) — With 110 members CURE seeks to advance the environment for biomedical research. Founded in 1990, members meet quarterly in various locations and pay dues of varying amounts. Contact 203-777-8747 or visit www.curenet.org.
Connecticut Venture Group — Promotes development of high-growth enterprises. Meeting times and locations vary and 200 members pay dues of $375. Contact 203-256-5955 or visit www.ct-venture.org.
Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut — With 300 members, MAC serves as a voice for manufacturers. Its purpose is to preserve, promote and protect manufacturing in Connecticut. Meeting times, locations vary. Dues $240-$10,000. Contact 203-596-1900 or visit www.mact.org.
Connecticut Building Congress Inc. — Founded in 1952, networking organization encompasses all aspects of commercial construction. Members meet the third Thursdays at various locations and pay dues of $400. Contact 203-281-3183 or visit www.constructioncorner.com/cbc.
Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association — Has 103 members who are advocates for women- and minority-owned businesses and offer technical assistance. Members meet Wednesdays, 10 a.m. at 192 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden and pay annual dues of $100. Contact 203-562-0387.
The Health Care Council of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce — Provides a forum for health-care providers and employers to track legislation and lobby on specific issues. Its 75 members pay dues of $25 and meet Fridays at noon at various locations. Contact 203-787-6735 or visit www.newhavenchamber.com.
New Haven Manufacturers Association — Formed in 1913 to promote industrial and commercial growth within the community and maintain an educated industrial force. Members hold luncheon meetings second and third Thursdays at the Graduate Club in New Haven. Contact 203-387-5121 or visit www.newhavenmanufacturers.com.
The Valley Business Network — Develops business relationships through member networking. Members meet at 8:15 a.m. twice monthly at 900 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Dues $100. Contact 203-799-7256 or visit www.valleybusinessnetwork.com.
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