The Economic Development Group working to create an environment in Hartford that is conducive to growing and attracting businesses.
You can count on the Economic Development Group to bring the right people together to make things happen. Entrepreneurial. Knowledgeable. Driven. The Economic Development staff has the skills, tools and relationships to provide extensive support to current and prospective businesses of all sizes. We make it smart to do business in Hartford.
We provide technical assistance to neighborhood businesses and entrepreneurs interested in starting new businesses. Services are provided by a team of Small Business Specialists who walk the commercial corridors and build productive relationships with business owners.
We also work with reSET – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that specializes in understanding the needs of start-up businesses, and helps them succeed by providing access to educational opportunities, resources, and networking opportunities.
Starting a Business Toolkit
Getting started in business is an exciting event in one's life, a transformation from consumer to supplier. It's an opportunity to create, produce and provide a service or product for the community.
Before you begin to embark on this journey, we recommend certain steps to improve your chance of success and to determine if your idea is feasible. Starting a business toolkit will guide you in thinking about whether owning your own business is right for you, and if so, will aid you in completing the necessary steps to be taken in order to ensure that informed decisions could be made.
For more assistance, please contact the Small Business Development Team to guide you with the following tasks:
Self-Assessment
A careful analysis of yourself is the first step to be considered. Do you have what it takes? Have you identified your available skills? Do you know your strength and weakness?
Have you defined your business vision?
Have you identified available skills, information and support?
Do you have what it takes?
Have you reviewed available personal financial resources?
Personal Financial Statement Download
Have you checked your credit?
Request A Free Credit Report
Is there a demand for your product or services? Who are your customers? Define your competitive advantages, determine your market niches, and evaluate potential risks and rewards. This will also help you in confirming your decision to proceed.
Have you defined the market?
Who are your customers?
Have you identified competition?
Have you defined your competitive advantages?
Have you determined your market niche?
Have you evaluated potential risks and rewards?
Have you confirmed your decision to proceed?
A well thought out and constructed plan is crucial to starting a business. A business plan precisely defines your business startup expenses and ongoing cash requirements. It is a road map that describes weakness and strength as while defining your vision and opportunity. It also determines the financing you will need and how you will get it.
Business Plan Development Resources:
Download a Business Plan Template (Adobe PDF File)
Online Business Course
SBA - Direct Local Resources
SBA -Business Plan Basics
Business Plan Samples
Business Owner's Tool Kit
Hartford Public Library -Small Business Resources
Guide to SBA's Loan Guaranty Programs
Internet Resources- Entrepreneurs Blog
Inc. Magazine, How To Guides
CT-Clic - Registering & Licensing Your Business In Connecticut
IRS- Online Application - Form SS-4, Employer Identification Number (EIN)
City of Hartford Licensing and Permits (Contact Staff)
Cómo Iniciar su Negocio - Primeros Pasos
Our team works with commercial services firms, industrial companies, real estate professionals and retailers on projects that retain and create jobs while also spurring investment in the city. We help businesses with identifying sources of private and public funding, gaining access to available tax credits and incentives, and navigating the permitting and approval process. We also offer site selection assistance to ensure that Hartford is considered for expansion, recruitment and retention opportunities.
The Hartford Redevelopment Agency (HRA) establishes and manages Redevelopment Plans. To meet the goals for each plan, the HRA may purchase targeted properties through negotiated acquisitions or through the use of eminent domain. Following acquisition, properties are sold and redeveloped in accordance with the plan. HRA currently manages over eighteen Redevelopment Plans throughout the city.
Read more: Hartford Redevelopment Agency and Neighborhood Development
City-owned properties can offer unique economic development opportunities.
For more information on City-owned properties being offered for sale through Request for Proposal (RFP) processes please click here for more information.
Development proposals are being requested for the following Hartford Redevelopment Agency property:
34-36 Leibert Rd (deadline for submission: December 13, 2013)
A Developer’s Kit is available to assist you in the preparation of a development proposal. You can download it from the following Dropbox page: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7jfc2rh2r34pvl9/jYPm-QnWti
If you have any questions related to your submission, please contact Elisa Hobbs at 860.757.9082.
