Useful Websites
Business Resources
Resources for growth, marketing, and more.
State and Federal Services
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Programs and services for Connecticut business, tourism, arts, and history.
Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
- Licensing, Certification, Permitting, and Codes
- Small or Minority Business Enterprise Program Certification Application
- Small or Minority Business Enterprise Municipal Certification Outreach Program
USA.gov Small Business
Learn the steps to start a small business, get financing help from the government, and more.
IRS Small Business Portal
Answers to small business tax questions, plus access to forms and publications, a video library, an event calendar and other online tools and products.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Supports businesses in minority communities by providing grant and loan information, business opportunities and business certification resources.
Government Databases
Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) Site Finder
A database of available commercial and industrial properties in Connecticut.
Labor Market Information
Statistics on employment, unemployment, wages, and economic conditions. Includes data by industry and by occupation, employment projections, and information on specific employers. From the state Dept. of Labor.
License Lookup
Individual and business license, permit, certification, and registration information. The site states: “All data within License Lookup is maintained by the State of Connecticut, updated instantly, and considered a primary source of verification.”
Secretary of the State: Business Services Division filings
Offers records on businesses registered in Connecticut, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) debtor filings, and trademark records.
Unclaimed Property Owners List
Searchable by last name, business name, or property ID. Also called the “Big List.” From the Office of the Treasurer.
Government Contracts
Contract Opportunities
Search thousands of business opportunities with the U.S. Federal Government.
Biz.net from the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services
Do business with the State of Connecticut.
Associations
National Business Association
Group buying association provides its members with support programs, useful products and services and business-building resource materials.
National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
Nonprofit association representing small and independent businesses.
National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)
Provides independent advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the US Small Business Administration on economic issues important to female business owners.
Finance
Business Finance Courses from MIT Open Courseware
Free MIT course materials on business finance.
Advertising
Canva (free and paid options)
Design presentations, social media graphics, and more with thousands of beautiful layouts. Free and paid options. The library uses Canva for many social media posts!
Google Business
Google My Business is a free tool that allows you to promote your Business Profile and business website on Google Search and Maps. With your Google My Business account, you can see and connect with your customers, post updates to your Business Profile, and see how customers are interacting with your business on Google.
Search the Library Catalog
Branding: all resources / just books
Entrepreneurship: all resources / just books
Internet marketing: all resources / just books
New business enterprises: all resources / just books
Success in business: all resources / just books