If you are looking to start or expand a business in Connecticut or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
3. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
4. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.

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

See who's waiting in line to help you

Help for everything you need to start and grow a business in Connecticut, or do business in the state, is readily available online.

I recommend: You Belong in Connecticut will connect you to assistance in these areas: Technical assistance, financing, procurement, tax incentives, startup, real estate, workforce, infrastructure and city profiles.

Find business registration forms at the CT Secretary of State's office

The Secretary of the State of Connecticut's office handles a wide range of business matters, including business filings and corporate or LLC registrations.

I recommend: Download the applications you need from the CT Forms Menu. There's also a handy search function to look up existing registrations. The CT Showcase profiles small and minority businesses.

Look to CT Innovations for help and financing for a high-tech business

The Connecticut Legislature created Connecticut Innovations in 1989 to help grow Connecticut's entrepreneurial, technology economy by making venture and other investments.

I recommend: Discover all that CT Innovations offers at the Web site. Find out in a flash how to work with CI.

Discover who's promoting Connecticut as a business location

Connecticut Economic Resource Center is a non-profit that promotes CT as a business location.

I recommend: Visit the CERC site for details.

Connect to a Connecticut small business resource portal

Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.

I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for Connecticut can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.

Get free help at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

SBDC's mission is to help small business start and grow in Connecticut. Based at the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural resources, the CSBDC provides one-on-one counseling and group training at locations around the state.

I recommend: The Connecticut Small Business Development Center site has everything you need.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, 'Counselors to America's small business' is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.

I recommend: These are SCORE Connecticut offices: Bridgeport - Greater Bridgeport SCORE; Danbury - Western Connecticut SCORE; Hartford - Grtr Hartford Cty SCORE; New Haven - New Haven SCORE; Norwalk - Fairfield Cty SCORE; Old Saybrook - Old Saybrook SCORE.

Snag state-level help from the SBA

District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.

I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
• •  Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.