Retail banks in Connecticut can help if you plan to start a business. For professionals who have already started a business, look to local CT banks for financial advisers, support, account management, loans and credit cards. Running a business requires long hours, hard work, dedication and time. You need a bank that you can trust. A bank that recognizes your time is precious and reduces fees to offer competitive rates.

Though Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the Union, Connecticut retail banks can compete with banks all around the country to offer your business the tools you're looking for. Whether you live in major cities like Hartford or Bridgeport or smaller towns in the northwest and northeast, local CT banks offer seasoned banking professionals and service. Compare banks in Connecticut by considering the following:

1. Local institutes for CT business banking place a high value on serving your needs.

2. Compare national chains such as Washington Mutual and Wachovia with local banks in Connecticut for extensive services.

3. Keep services and products designed specifically for business use in mind.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Open an account with local retail banks in Connecticut for personal services

Locally operated regional banks often allow for better customer service and faster response time for applications or loan approvals. Local bankers are dedicated to keeping your business and can understand why your business needs capital to expand.

I recommend: Make a comparison of banks in Connecticut by looking at regional institututions with a long history in the area. Consider the state's oldest financial institution since 1825, Liberty Bank. Check out People's United for the largest regional bank in the New England area.

Find national chains that offer Connecticut retail banking

Services from national bank chains are readily available in Connecticut. National Connecticut retail banks offer all the bells and whistles you want, including a network of ATM's in and out of the state and online banking.

I recommend: Capital One Small Business provides online applications, rewards and a free trial of their payroll service. For ATM locations throughout the state and extensive online tools for small businesses consider Bank of America.

Find local banks in Connecticut that give you the best tools for managing your business

CT business banking services are not generic accounts. Customized accounts for lawyers or medical professionals are just some of the options.

I recommend: Enroll in business banking from Union Savings Bank for services including online access, credit cards and remote deposit. Need banking by telephone? Business banking from The Citizens National Bank includes touch-tone banking and night deposits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider foreign-based banks for Connecticut retail banking, foreign banks make a significant amount of loans to businesses and can provide credit even when American banks are feeling the pinch of the economy.