Business Outreach Program
The Business Access Team leads regional outreach efforts to help businesses understand how to compete—and succeed—in state contracting

Connecting with the Business Community

The Business Access Team leads regional outreach efforts to help businesses understand how to compete—and succeed—in state contracting. Our mission is to connect companies with the tools, training, and information needed to access real opportunities in the public marketplace.

Outreach in Action

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From webinars and in-person clinics to statewide resource fairs and matchmaker events, our team helps businesses learn how to register in CTsource, identify bid opportunities, and connect with resource partners who can strengthen their competitiveness.

Bring Our Team to Your Business Community

Invite us to participate in your event or deliver a training for your organization. We regularly collaborate with chambers, municipalities, and business groups to expand awareness and engagement across the state.

Our goal is to be a partner of choice for Connecticut’s business community, and we’re always looking for opportunities to meet with businesses, share information about our programs, and answer questions. We’re available to participate in webinars, in-person trainings, workshops, and event resource tables.

Choose a Training Topic

We offer high-level or step-by-step sessions and can tailor or combine topics to fit your audience’s needs.

The State of Connecticut depends on businesses to supply the products and services that keep government operations running—from catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails. Contracting opportunities are plentiful, but how do you get started? This session will answer three key questions:

  • Why contract with the state?
  • Is your business ready?
  • What are the steps to get started?
From catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails, the State of Connecticut buys it all — and certified small businesses can compete for their share. In this session, you’ll learn how Small Business certification can help businesses grow revenue, reach new customers, and gain visibility in the state marketplace. We’ll walk through certification types, eligibility, and application steps.

Bring your required documents in electronic format into the classroom and the DAS team will help you submit your Small Business certification application. The team will answer your questions and help walk you through the application steps.  

Required documents list

Prequalification is a vital step for contractors seeking to engage in significant state or municipal construction projects. Contractors planning to bid on or perform work for projects that cost more than $1M must become prequalified. Learn how to manage the process including eligibility and required documentation. 
Ready to pursue state contracts but not sure where to begin? This session will show you how to register for CTsource, Connecticut’s official contracting portal, and use it effectively to search for bids, explore subcontracting opportunities, and stay informed about new opportunities.

We’ll train your team on DAS programs. Topics are customized to your organization’s needs. 

  • Contract-Ready: A Checklist for Doing Business with the State
  • Small Business Certification: Accessing State Contracting Opportunities
  • Construction Contracting with the State: Prequalify to Bid
  • CTsource Essentials: Finding and Bidding on State Contracting Opportunities