Small & Minority Businesses

African-American woman minority-owned business

We help small businesses thrive in CT

The State of Connecticut wants to be your customer of choice! We contract everything from catering to construction and gasoline to guide rails. Learn how to do business with the state and take advantage of available resources for small and minority business enterprises (S/MBE).

We offer:

S/MBE Certification
State contract opportunities including S/MBE set-asides
On-call opportunities for S/MBE consultants
Outreach Events
Municipal Outreach Program
Introduction to federal registration system
State agency S/MBE spend tracking

CT Gateway Portal

We are excited about this new phase which features a mobile-friendly application with greater accessibility, encouraging more small businesses to get certified and participate in the program.

The Biznet S/MBE application will be permanently closed in tandem with this rollout.

How do I access my account on CT Gateway?

If your company is currently certified or has been in the past, or if you started an application in the past 6 months, your account has been moved to CT Gateway. Visit CT Gateway and click on “Reset Password.” You will receive an email with a password reset link. Set up a new password and log in. If you have not been certified, visit CT Gateway and click on “Register” to create a new account.

I’ve logged in. What now?

On your dashboard, click on SMBE Supplier Diversity Application to access your current application or create a new one. We offered a full training on how to complete your application on CT Gateway. It is available on the CT Gateway login page.

I cannot find my application documents on CT Gateway. Where are they?

The new application is being implemented in 2 stages. The application will be available on Monday, November 18. Historical application documents will be available after stage 2 is complete. You may still upload new documents to CT Gateway so this will not stop you from completing and submitting an application.

Will my current and past certifications be available on CT Gateway?

All certification history will be available on CT Gateway. If your company has ever been certified, your account will automatically be moved to the new system.

Questions?

Our Business Outreach Team is available to help you. See below to learn more about the SMBE Supplier Diversity Program. You may also contact us with questions at DAS-DLSupplierDiversity@ct.gov or 860-713-5236.

S/MBE events

Find upcoming events

Our Business Outreach Team attends online and in-person trainings, clinics, resource fairs, matchmakers, and more. Find upcoming opportunities to connect with us!

Browse all events

Get certified as a S/MBE

Certify your company as a S/MBE

The Supplier Diversity Program assists state agencies in setting aside opportunities for S/MBEs. S/MBE certification opens the potential to build your company’s revenue and find new customers through growth and marketing opportunities in public procurement.