Best Small Business Resources in the New Haven Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Connecticut has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the New Haven area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Connecticut.
Resources Available in your Area
Hamden Economic Development Corporation
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Hamden Business Incubator is a project of HEDC, a 501(4)(c) dedicated to developing the economy of Hamden. In addition to space and support for entrepreneurs, the Hamden Business Incubator also offers resources for networking and finding funding. Coworking space, human resources help, financial planning, and more are included in the program.
Restrictions
Connecticut-based businesses only.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Collab
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
Collab offers an incubation program as well as various pitch and community networking events. The incubator includes mentoring, free coworking space, funding, six weeks of workshops, and legal services. Collab also hosts a program called Friday Fund that allows entrepreneurs to test their products and services with real customers.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CTSBDC at New Haven Chamber of Commerce
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
New Haven Free Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
The New Haven Free Public Library is a great source for free databases and books. You can make an appointment with a librarian for one-on-one assistance in accessing library resources. The NHFPL also has the Gale Small Business Resource Center.
Restrictions
A library card is necessary to access databases remotely.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
133 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-946-8130
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - THU: 10 am - 8 pm
FRI - SAT: 10 am - 5 pm
New Haven SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
The Grove
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
The Grove is a primarily a coworking space with a number of office amenities. It also helps its members find local events to attend and learn from other entrepreneurs. There is a network of Grove members who work together to support members with informal mentoring and other help.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
760 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-654-9675
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - FRIi: 8 am - 5:30 pm
WBDC at Naugatuck
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
412 Roosevelt Drive, Naugatuck Valley Community College founders 309A
Derby, CT 06418
203-751-9550