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Business Resource Guide: Regional & State Financial Resources, and Professional Organizations
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Business New Haven
10/18/2004
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 size requirements established by the SBA. SBA Hartford District, 330 Main St., Hartford 06106 serves the entire state of Connecticut. Call 860-240-4700 or visit www.sba.gov/regions/states/ct/.
The Connecticut 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 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations. CTCIC offers loan products and business consulting services to Connecticut small businesses, including the SBA 504 Loan Program, the Defense Loan, the MicroLoan, the Child Care MicroLoan and the Technology Investment Fund. 100 Crown St., New Haven 06510. Call 203-776-6172 or visit www.ctcic.org.
o The CTCIC's MicroLoan Program, established by the SBA, provides from $500 to $35,000 to start-up, recently established or growing small businesses through two intermediaries: Connecticut Community Investment Corp., 100 Crown St., New Haven 06510. Call 203-776-6172 ext. 24 or visit www.ctcic.org.
o 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. 31 or visit www.ctcic.org.
o 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 typically is gap-funding in conjunction with a financing partner. Average loan is $100,000 with minimum loan $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. 25 or visit www.ctcic.org.
o Child Care Facilities MicroLoan Fund helps increase the availability of child care to working families. Loans to child-care facilities of up to $25,000 at a fixed rate of financing can be combined with other financing sources up to a total of $75,000. Program is available statewide with free technical assistance provided to buyers. Call 203-776-6172, ext. 29 or visit www.ctcic.org.
o New Haven'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 in New Haven. CT Community Investment Corp., 100 Crown St., New Haven 06510. Call 203-776-6172, ext. 25 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 St., Bridgeport 06604. Call 203-335-3800 or visit www.brbc.org.
The Bridgeport Economic Resource Center (BERC) is a privately funded non-profit organization that assists private sector businesses to remain in, expand in and relocate to the Bridgeport area. Services include site selection, accessing government incentives and private sector financing, connecting with technical assistance providers and developing job-training programs. 10 Middle St., Bridgeport 06604. Call 203-335-1108 or visit www.bridgeport-econ.org.
The state Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) offers programs to help improve businesses and strengthen communities through investment, job opportunities and affordable housing. 505 Hudson St., Hartford 06106. Call 860-270-8000 or visit www.ct.gov/edu.
The Economic and Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA) provides incentive-driven direct loans for projects with strong economic development potential. Eligible uses for the funds are planning studies, acquisition of real property, construction/renovation, working capital and business support services. 505 Hudson St., Hartford 06106. Call 860-270-8000 or visit www.ct.gov/edu/ecd/cwp/view.asp?a=1097&q=253520&ecdNav=|.
The Naugatuck Valley Loan Fund (NVRLF) 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 purchase and installation of machinery and equipment. Maximum loan amount $200,000, with a 2:1 match of funds to a bank loan. Service area includes Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Derby, Fairfield, Hamden, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Naugatuck, New Haven, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury, Stratford, Waterbury, West Haven. 505 Hudson St., Hartford 06106. Call 860-270-8000 or visit www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?A=1097&Q=253416.
The Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) provides financing including direct loans, revenue bonding and loan guarantees to businesses in Connecticut for working capital, equipment and real estate. Direct Loan program supplements capital needs of borrowers with below-market interest rate loans to induce an enterprise to expand or relocate to Connecticut. The Guaranteed and Participating Loans are available through private sector commercial lenders and can cover up to 40 percent of a loan. SBA 504 Loans provide secured fixed-rate financing for acquisition of equipment and real property with long-term financing. Urbank program issues loans up to $500,000 to small businesses unable to obtain conventional financing, with special emphasis on minority and women-owned businesses. Manufacturers can take advantage of Industrial Revenue bond program. The bonds can be issued for up to $10 million and can equal 100 percent of project cost. Some programs applicable to targeted communities only. 999 West Street, Rocky Hill 06067. Call 860-258-7800 or visit www.ctcda.com.
Connecticut Brownfields Redevelopment Authority offers redevelopment grants, assessment grants, financing and the one-stop center for programs that encourage and stimulate the development of Connecticut's brownfield sites. 999 West St., Rocky Hill 06067. Call 860-258-7884 or visit www.ctcda.com.
Connecticut Business Training Networks help small companies organize themselves to more effectively take advantage of training and education programs offered by the state. Grants offered over the three phases of the program. Program is funded by DECD and administered by CBIA. 350 Church St., Hartford 06103. Call 860-244-1900 or visit www.cbia.com or www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?a=1097&Q=251052.
The Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) underwrites loans of $5,000 to $250,000 to small businesses and mixed-use property owners. There is no longer a location restriction for certain applicants seeking business loans, but if a business is operated in one of the Target Investment Communities, owners are eligible for assistance from CEDF regardless of income. A business operated in any other community in Connecticut may be eligible for a business loan based on owner's household income. The following banks have committed to CEDF program: JPMorgan Chase, Wachovia, Bank of America, People's Bank, NewAlliance Bank, Webster Bank, Citizens Bank, Sovereign Bank, First County Bank, Liberty Bank, U.S. Trust, Banknorth. 430 New Park Ave., West Hartford 06110 (860-249-3800) or 900 Chapel St., New Haven 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 Blvd., Hartford 06106. Call 800-750-1862 or visit www.chefa.com.
Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CII) was created by the General Assembly in 1989 and charged with growing Connecticut's entrepreneurial, technology economy by making risk-capital investments in high-technology companies. 999 West Street, Rocky Hill 06067. Call 860-563-5851 or visit www.ctinnovations.com.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
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.aaimnmta.com.
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 1,250 members who pay annual dues up to $500. Meetings time, places vary. Contact 203-865-2195 or visit www.aiact.org.
American Marketing Association, Connecticut chapter - Promotes professionalism in the marketing industry. Group has 230 members and meets second Tuesdays September through June. Membership dues $195. Contact 860-218-2181 or visit www.amact.marketingpower.com.
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 $92. Visit www.asm-soct.org.
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.
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 203-281-3400 or visit www.ct.ccimnet.com.
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 860-828-2903 or visit www.canpfa.org.
Connecticut Healthcare Financial Management Association - Provides professional development through education, information, certification, peer interaction and leadership training for individuals in financial management of health-care institutions and related patient organizations. Contact 860-224-2332 or visit www.cthfma.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.
Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA) - Professional membership association for certified public accountants in Connecticut. Membership is 6,200 and meeting times and locations vary. Dues $60-$265. Contact 860-258-4800 or visit www.cs-cpa.org. Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers - Founded in 1934 to promote the licensing and ethical practice of engineering. Group has 450 members who meet semi-monthly and pay dues of $200. Contact 203-281-4322 or visit www.ctspe.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.
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.
Greater New Haven Association of 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 or visit www.greaternhrealtors.com.
Home Builders Association of New Haven County - Trade organization representing the home building, remodeling and land development industry in creating a positive business environment for the housing industry. Members meet monthly at various locations, paying annual dues of $395. Contact 203-488-3398 or visit www.hbact.com.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) - Founded in 1926, IMA offers continuing education and certification for member accountants. Local members pay annual dues of $175 and meet fourth Tuesdays. Contact 203-301-9901 or visit www.imanet.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 up to $135 and committees meet continuously. Contact 203-562-9652 or visit www.newhavenbar.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.
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.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) - Founded in 1948 to advance public relations, improve skills of public relations consultants and exchange information. Connecticut Valley PRSA chapter members pay national dues of $225, $50 for the local chapter and meet monthly at various locations. Contact 860-721-7470, e-mail cfuchs@hpearce.com or visit www.prsa-cvc.org.
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