For New & Existing Businesses
Helping Your Business Succeed & Thrive
Here to Help You Thrive!
Here in Bristol we appreciate the essential contributions small businesses make to Bristol’s economy. The Economic and Community Development team is here to help you thrive. Contact us today to get your business started or to learn more about the many resources available for existing businesses.
Click the links below to learn more about the Bristol community.
Community Data
How to Engage With Statewide Marketing
The City of Bristol has partnered with the State of Connecticut Office of Tourism to help you promote your business on the state level. By utilizing the marketing resources offered by the State of Connecticut, you will not only gain recognition for your business on a statewide level, but will also be helping to put Bristol on the map as a destination to LIVE, WORK, and PLAY here in the State of Connecticut. Click the link below to download the Marketing Guide for opportunities to share you business on CTVisit.com, social media channels, and stories on CTMakeItHere.com.
New Business?
Start Here
Let Us Lend a Helping Hand
A little bit of planning goes a long way especially when you’re thinking of starting a new business. In order to give your new business idea the best chance of succeeding, we encourage you to follow the steps below.
Step 1: Contact the Economic and Community Development Office
You can reach the office by calling 860-584-6185 or email ecd@bristolct.gov to begin a short discussion so we can get to know you and your business idea. The knowledgeable staff can then assist you with finding the right location for our business, provide information about business development incentives and services, and how to navigate the different departments within City Hall to get your business across the finish line.
Step 2: Start Your Business Plan
There are a few resources available to assist you with this:
- SCORE – For over 50 years, SCORE has served as America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education.
- Connecticut Small Business Development Center – The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers expert assistance at no cost to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Step 3: Visit the CT Business Web Portal
Visit the State of Connecticut’s Business web portal where you’ll find everything you need to start a business in Connecticut including a customized checklist that will guide you through the entire process of starting your business.
ct business web portalStep 4: Let Us Know When You’re Ready to Open
Last, but not least, be sure to let us know when your new business is ready to open – we’re also here to help you plan a ribbon cutting/grand opening celebration!
Resources for
Existing Businesses
Expanding a business, or moving to a new location has its own set of headaches. Struggling to navigate City Hall shouldn’t be one of them. The Economic and Community Development department is designed to be your resource for knowing where to go and what to do in City Hall.
Let the experienced staff quickly explain a variety of business development incentives and services for which your business may be eligible then we will ensure you reach the appropriate department in City Hall for your project. Our specialists work with key departments such as the Building Department, Land Use Department, Zoning, Engineering, the Bristol-Burlington Health District, and others you may need to meet with. Make your first call to the Economic and Community Development office so you can get back to focusing on your business.
contact us
Other Resources
Helping Your Business Succeed
SCORE
For over 50 years, SCORE has served as America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964.
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers expert assistance at no cost to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Department of Economic & Community Development
The Office of Business Development at DECD is one point of contact for financing, tax incentives, site selection assistance and workforce training support. Get a customized checklist for starting your own business by visiting the Business CT web portal.
Veteran-Owned Business Resources
Information for veterans who may be thinking about starting a small business include: grants, training resources, and mentoring.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Start and grow your business. The SBA can help with planning, launching, managing, and growing your business.
Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce
The Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce is ready to help new and old businesses of all sizes. The Chamber provides access to information and services that are innovative and tailored to the needs of your business.
Advance CT
For general information on state permitting, registering a corporation, and licensing, contact the Connecticut’s Business Response Center. Free, personal assistance during business hours: 800-571-7136.
Community Economic Development Fund
Serving Connecticut small business owners, primarily in low- to moderate-income communities, who are not able to obtain traditional bank financing. Offering loans, business advice, and more.
Community Investment Corporation
For small business entrepreneurs who have powerful ideas – and need more power to grow them – the Community Investment Corporation assists borrowers with guidance through the pivotal steps of creating, expanding and executing a business plan.
HEDCO, Inc.
The link to business success – providing both financial and technical assistance to small businesses in Connecticut. Explore the various financial assistance programs and options made available through HEDCO and learn about the host of small business support services and programs that HEDCO provides.
New Technology
Business Contacts
Connecticut Innovations (CI)
CI provides strategic capital and operational insight to companies in high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. Their mission is to be the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut’s innovative, growing companies. By offering flexible financing, strategic guidance and introductions to valuable partners, Connecticut innovations enable promising businesses to thrive.
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT)
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. creates and implements bold ideas for applied technologies, IT strategies, energy solutions, STEM education and career development. By leading state, regional, and national partnerships, CCAT helps manufacturers, academia, government and nonprofit organizations to succeed.