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Business Resource Guide
Part 3
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Business New Haven
10/13/2003
By: BNH
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o Webster Bank provides services to overcome those obstacles that may arise when doing business outside of the U.S. Services include direct loans to foreign companies through the US Export-Import Bank to accelerate export cash flow needs; documentary collection facilitates your overseas financial transactions; wire transfers and foreign drafts to execute overseas business transactions; export, import and standby letters speed up business transactions and ensure payments or delivery of goods; and a short-term line of credit to help manage costs related to foreign markets. Webster Bank 800-482-2220, www.websterbank.com.
Women’s Resources
American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) — Brings together a diverse group of businesswomen, helping them to grow personally and professionally through education and networking support. ABWA sponsors scholarships, grants, loans, and training for its members. P.O. Box 11313, Waterbury 06703. Call 203-756-5739 or visit www.abwahq.org.
Business & Professional Women’s Clubs (BPW)— Connecticut Federation BPW’s mission is to elevate the standards of women in business and in the professions; to extend opportunities to business and professional women through education along the lines of industrial, scientific and vocational activities. P.O. Box 72, Plainfield 06374. Call 860-486-3127 or visit www.ctbpw.org.
Business Women’s Network (BWN) — National organization with directories of women-run businesses and extensive mentoring services. BWN also sponsors specialized councils focusing on the experience of certain female minorities in the business world or on specific necessary skills. Contact 800-48-WOMEN, e-mail inquire@tpag.com or visit www.bwni.com.
The Child Care Facilities Microloan Program — Made possible through a partnership of the New Haven Community Investment Corp., the Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Loan amounts up to $10,000 are available to profit and not-for-profit child-care providers statewide. Loan proceeds may be used to purchase equipment and machinery, furniture, fixtures and improvements to the childcare facility to meet childcare licensing standards. Available to existing and start-up childcare businesses. 100 Crown St., New Haven. Loan applications may be obtained by calling 866-776-6172, e-mail loans@ctcic.org or visit www.ctcic.org.
Connecticut Business Development Corp. — Provides low-down-payment, long-term, fixed-rate financing to businesses for fixed assets. No loan maximum. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible. 999 West St., Rocky Hill 06067. Contact 860-258-7855.
Connecticut Business Training Networks — Help small companies organize themselves more effectively to take advantage of training and education programs offered by the state. Grants are offered over the three phases of the program. 350 Church St., Hartford 06103. Contact 860-244-1900.
Connecticut Small Business Development Center — Statewide organization funded by University of Connecticut, SBA and private sector. Provides free professional business counseling to small to mid-sized businesses. Will assist with business planning/financial analysis, loan packaging, marketing, etc. Mission is to advise and nurture small businesses at grass-roots level. 900 Chapel St., 10th Floor, New Haven, 06510. Contact 203-782-4390, e-mail newhavenCSBDC@business.uconn.edu or visit www.business.uconn.edu/csbdc.
Entrepreneurial Woman’s Network (EWN) — Professional organization established to provide self-employed women with access to a support system, networking and training resources. EWN sponsors programs and workshops designed to provide members with the tools and techniques they need to grow as entrepreneurs. P.O. Box 683, Westport, 06881. Contact 203-222-3404 or visit www.ewn-ct.org.
Entrepreneurial Center at Hartford College for Women — Will train individuals to start and grow their own businesses. Aspiring entrepreneurs of all income levels are encouraged to participate. Services are available to income-eligible individuals on a sliding scale. A variety of loan programs are available for program graduates. 50 Elizabeth St., Hartford 06105. Contact 860-768-5681 or e-mail Entrectr@mail.hartford.edu.
Hartford Economic Development Corp. — Awards loans to individuals wishing to start-up or expand businesses in Hartford. Also for existing businesses that would like to relocate to Hartford. 15 Lewis St., Suite 204, Hartford 06103. Contact 860-527-1301, e-mail hedco@snet.net or visit www.hedco-ghbdc.com.
Her Home Office — Online company offering free training and advice to women starting home-based businesses. Visit www.herhomeoffice.com.
Micro Investment Lending Enterprise (MILE) Program — An opportunity for would-be entrepreneurs, will provide assistance to begin cottage industries as a means towards self-sufficiency. MILE lends money to individuals without access to credit so they may start their own small businesses. 325 Bic Dr., Milford, 06460. Contact 203-877-4281, e-mail mile@mileloans.org or visit www.mileloans.org.
National Assoc. of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Connecticut chapter — State chapter of national organization dedicated to advancing the education, mentoring and empowerment of female business owners by: strengthening the wealth, creating capacity of members, building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations, transforming public policy, influencing opinion and affecting changes in business culture, and providing a positive support network. Contact 203-776-2273, e-mail membership@nawct.org or visit www.nawboct.org.
Network of Executive Women Inc. — Organization for the promotion and support of women in business who are executives, professionals and entrepreneurs in a variety of business fields. Contact 203-876
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) — Nation’s largest financial backer of small businesses. For more information of their loan programs contact the Connecticut District Office at 330 Main St., 2nd Floor, Hartford 06106, call 860-240-4700 or visit www.sbaonline.sba.gov.
Online Women’s Business Center — SBA resource provides training in finance, management, marketing, procurement and individual business counseling. President and CEO of New Haven branch is Fran Pastore. 400 Main St., Stamford, 06901. To contact the Women’s Business Development Center in New Haven call 1-877-999-WBDC, 203-353-1750 or visit www.cwbdc.org.
Smart Start — State program works to bring nascent companies into compliance with Connecticut law. For appointment with offices in Bridgeport, Waterbury and Rocky Hill contact 1-800-392-2122, e-mail smartstart@cerc.com or visit www.ct-clic.com.
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SECTER) — Loan program targeted to businesses in southeastern Connecticut. Contact 1-888-6-SECTER, 860-437-4659, e-mail pbrindamour@secter.org or visit www.secter.org.
Springboard Enterprises — Non-profit organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the equity capital markets both as entrepreneurs and investors through making connections and educating in their nationwide conferences. Contact 202-242-6282 or visit www.springboardenterprises.org.
www.womenbiz.gov — Online resource for female-owned businesses selling to the U.S government with a five-step plan to making the government your client.
Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) — State commission charged with reducing gender discrimination in state. 18-20 Trinity St., Hartford 06106. Contact 860-240-8300 or visit www.cga.state.ct.us/pcsw.
Women-Owned Business Project — Outgrowth of the PCSW, sponsoring regional discussions and networking groups. 18-20 Trinity St., Hartford, 06106. Contact 860-240-8314, e-mail pcsw@pc.state.ct.us or visit www.cga.state.ct.us.
Women Unlimited — Helps women achieve parity in the workplace through networking, mentoring, ongoing educational opportunities, and scholarships for women working in non-profit organizations that promote women’s opportunity. Contact 908-359-7259, e-mail eastcoast@women-unlimited.com or visit www.women-unlimited.com.
Network Inc. of Connecticut — Women’s networking group that supports the interests of business and professional women in the greater New Haven area with monthly breakfast meetings, special events and a book club. P.O. Box 9138, New Haven 06511. Contact 203-387-1973, e-mail JaneDRudner@att.net or visit www.network-inc.org.
National Organization for Women, Connecticut chapter — Works through feminist activism to expand and protect rights and opportunities for women and girls and eliminate gender-based discrimination. 135 Broad St., Hartford, 06105. Contact 860-524-5978 or visit www.ct-now.org.
League of Women Voters of Connecticut — Non-partisan, non-profit political organization that encourages informed and active participants of citizens in government. 1890 Dixwell Ave., Suite 113, Hamden 06514. Contact 203-288-7996, e-mail lwvct@lwvct.org or visit www.lwvct.org.
Connecticut Women’s Education & Legal Fund — Statewide non-profit organization promoting the empowerment of women, girls and their families to achieve equal opportunities. 135 Broad St., Hartford, 06105. Contact 860-247-6090 or visit www.cwealf.org.
Connecticut Women in Health Care Management — Dues-supported organization of women from the healthcare industry that promotes education, networking, support and guidance in career development. 7 Meadow Rd., Enfield 06082. Contact 888-221-8871 or visit www.cwhcm.org.
Fairfield Network of Executive Women (FNEW) — Shares knowledge, exchanges ideas and provides support to women in business. Members live or work in Fairfield County. P.O. Box 262, Westport 06881. Contact 203-629-2905 or visit www.fnew.org.
Southeastern Connecticut Women’s Network — Provides members opportunities to meet other professional women and men to exchange general and career information. 567 Vauxhall St. Ext., Waterford 06358. Contact 860-446-9900 or visit www.sectwomensnetwork.org.
Connecticut Women’s Council (CWC) — Promotes success of business and professional women in Hartford. CWC mentors, educates and promotes members’ professional pursuits. 425 Shuttle Meadow Ave., New Britain 06052. Contact 860-223-0647, e-mail kwest@cwcouncil.org or visit www.cwcouncil.org.
Latina Roundtable — Provides education, opportunities and networking for Latina women. c/o Veeder Place, 20-28 Sargent St., Hartford 06105. Contact 860-548-1136.
National Association of Women in Construction, Hartford chapter — International association promoting and supporting the advancement and employment of women in the construction industry. P.O. Box 280593, East Hartford 06128. Contact 860-861-0833 or visit www.nawic165.org.
Financial Women International, Fairfield County chapter — Professional association of women working together to achieve success in the financial services industry. 5660 Main St., Trumbull 06611. Contact 866-236-2007 or visit www.fwi.org.
American Society of Women Accountants — Enables women in all accounting and related fields to achieve personal, professional and economic potential and contribute to development of their profession. 177 Oak St., Southington 06489. Contact 860-368-6045 or visit www.aswa.org.
Society of Women Engineers — Provides education, networking, support and plant tours. 15 Wood Creek Rd., New Fairfield 06812. Contact 203-746-4981 or visit www.swe.org.
Society of Women Engineers, Hartford chapter — Stimulates women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders. P.O. Box 110, Manchester 06040. Contact 860-843-2093 or visit www.swe.org.
Central Connecticut Women’s Forum — Nonprofit organization of professional women serves as a support and resources system. 5 Lilac La., Farmington 06032. Contact 860-678-8622 or visit www.centralctwomen.com.
Small & Home Office Association of Southern Connecticut — Tax-exempt association of small and home office business owners in the southeastern Conn. area. It provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and concerns and encouragement of the growth of area businesses. P.O. Box 1220, Norwich 06360. Contact 860-889-2893 or visit www.sahoa.org.
Association of Women in Metal Industries, New England chapter — Founded to enhance members’ knowledge, skills and experience in the metal industries. Membership is open to both women and men. P.O. Box 694, South Windsor 06074. Contact 703-739-8335 or visit www.awmi.org.
Women in Management (WIM) — Promotes professional advancement of women in business. Welcomes women from diverse businesses and industries who seek developing their networking contacts and give back to women through community service and public recognition. P.O. Box 894, Darien 06820. Contact 203-662-0263 or visit www.wimweb.org.
International Assoc. of Administrative Professionals, Quinnipiack Chapter — Promotes professional standards and enhances the image of the profession. 98 Sebac St., Hamden 06517. Contact 203-468-0982.
Women’s Leadership Council — Affiliate of Bridgeport Regional Business Council created to utilize and develop women’s abilities to enhance the economic vitality and management of businesses and other organizations in the greater Bridgeport area. Contact 203-821-2000 or visit www.brbc.org.
Emerging companies
The Angel Capital Electronic Network (ACE-Net) was created to conduct networking, educational, training and research activities to provide assistance to investors and entrepreneurs. It helps individual accredited investors, SBICs and institutional venture capitalists to find small, growing companies through a secure Internet database, and it provides ongoing training and research to enhance the business skills of entrepreneurs and small investors. Visit //acenet.csusb.edu.
American Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth (AEEG) unites innovative, emerging growth businesses across industry lines to promote positive national government action that benefits the investment and entrepreneurial communities and stimulates economic growth. It also provides opportunities for education and networking. Call 703-524-3743, visit www.aeeg.org, or e-mail achappell@aeeg.org.
Business New Haven is a biweekly business journal publishing resources for emerging businesses in and around southern Connecticut. See online version at www.conntact.com.
The Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) provides low-down-payment, long-term, fixed-rate financing to businesses for fixed assets. No loan maximum. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible. 999 West Street, Rocky Hill, 06067. Call 860-258-7800 or visit www.cda.state.ct.us.
The state’s Department of Labor site has an array of information on state and independent programs and resources for small businesses. For more information call 860-263-6000 or visit www.ctdol.state.ct.us.
The Connecticut Business Response Center (CBRC) is a free service for people looking for information about doing business in Connecticut. CBRC provides explanations and referrals for federal, state, regional, municipal and private programs, resources and incentives covering the following issues and more: licensing, financing, manufacturing programs, recruiting, job training, exporting, real estate, business and counseling services, film video and media resources, and Connecticut Demographics. c/o CERC, 805 Brook Street, Rocky Hill. Call 800-392-2122, visit www.YouBelongInCT.com or e-mail info@YouBelongInCT.com.
The Connecticut Technology Council sponsors events and advocacy to stimulate and facilitate growth in tech-based business firms. Also compiles and maintains extensive listing of Connecticut venture capital firms and business assistance companies. 111 Founders Plaza, East Hartford 06108. Call 860-289-0878, visit www.ct.org or e-mail info@ct.org.
Connecticut Venture Group works to unite venture investment professionals with high-growth emerging companies. Also sponsors venture capital fairs (see www.crossroads-cvg.org). 1895 Boston Post Road, Fairfield 06430. Call 203-256-5955 or visit www.cvg.org.
The Entrepreneurial Loan Program provides start-up loans to entrepreneurs otherwise lacking access to capital. Eligible applicants must be Entrepreneurial Center clients in good standing and meet requirements of training program with complete written business plan. Statewide availability through Urbank; maximum loan amount $500,000. Contact the Entrepreneurial Center at Hartford College for Women, 50 Elizabeth Street, Hartford 06105. Call 860-768-5681 or visit www.entrepreneurialctr.org.
EntreWorld.org is an award-winning Web site, a one-stop resource for entrepreneurs trying to start and grow their businesses. Visit www.entreworld.org.
Executive Sounding Board Associates Inc. (ESBA) offers crisis management, financial restructuring and other emergency services to under-performing or financially troubled businesses. Information can be found by visiting www.esba.com or contacting the New York branch by phone at 212-944-0750 or by e-mail esbany@esba.com.
FastTrac is a comprehensive entrepreneurship-educational program that provides entrepreneurs with business insights, leadership skills and professional networking connections so they are prepared to create a new business or expand an existing enterprise. Program includes practical, hands-on business development programs and workshops for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as entrepreneurship curriculum for college students. Call 800-689-1740 or visit www.fasttrac.org.
Kauffman Business EKG is a free Web-based financial benchmarking service designed to help entrepreneurs assess their company’s financial vital signs. Visit www.businessekg.org or e-mail specific questions to businessekg@emkf.org.
Inc. magazine has advice and information for emerging businesses. Read it online at www.inc.com.
The MIT Enterprise Forum is a non-profit organization that promotes the formation and growth of innovative and technologically oriented companies through a series of specialized executive education programs. The MIT Enterprise Forum of Connecticut c/o The Office of Science & Technology Business Development, Dowling North, University of Connecticut, Farmington, 06030. Call 860-679-1115, e-mail conforum@mit.edu or visit web.mit.edu/entforum.
National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) provides information, education, advocacy and networking to assist in early-stage businesses. For more information on business incubators e-mail info@nbia.org or visit www.nbia.org.
The state’s Smart Start program is designed to bring businesses into full compliance with Connecticut law quickly and easily. From one location, Smart Start helps business owners identify registration and licensing requirements with appropriate state agencies, and registers the business with those agencies. For appointment at the main office in Rocky Hill or satellite office in Bridgeport or Waterbury call 800-392-2122.
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SECTER) is a loan program for businesses located in southeastern Connecticut. 190 Governor Winthrop Boulevard, New London 06320. Call 860-437-4659 ext. 204, e-mail secter@secter.org or visit www.secter.org.
Young Entrepreneur’s Organization (YEO) is a non-profit educational organization for business owners under age 40. It aims to bring people behind emerging businesses together for networking and learning opportunities. Call 705-519-6700 or visit www.yeo.org.
The National Venture Capital Organization is a member-based organization that seeks to stimulate equity flow to emerging businesses through providing networking opportunities and data to its members. Call 703-524-2549 or visit www.nvca.org.
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