Best Small Business Resources in the Hartford 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 Hartford 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
Upward Hartford
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
This coworking space offers memberships that include basic office amenities, yoga and meditation, mentors, and concierge service. There are also social events that range from professional networking to game nights.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CTSBDC at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association
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
CONTACT INFORMATION:
UConn Graduate Business Learning Center, 100 Constitution Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Hartford Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
The Hartford Public Library has its own nonprofit center that provides mentorship from consultants and local nonprofit leaders so that entrepreneurs can grow their organizations. Services include virtual workshops, resources for funding, and a network of local nonprofit resource databases.
Restrictions
Workshops are free, but a library card may be required to access additional resources.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
500 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
860-695-6300
nonprofitslearn@hplct.org
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hartford 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
reSET
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
reSET offers coworking space and an accelerator program. You can find mentors and attend workshops, and many of these opportunities are free. Although reSET works with all entrepreneurs, they specialize in helping social enterprises and impact-driven businesses.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1429 Park Street
Hartford, CT 06106
860-560-9120
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Entrepreneurial Center of Hartford's College for Women at the University of Hartford
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
