Minority Business Initiative
Overview
Welcome! The Minority Business Initiative was established in 2017 to support the expansion of minority-owned firms in Connecticut. We provide support services for MBEs including technical assistance, access to capital & access to state contracts. Our mission is to identify and eliminate barriers to growth in order to sustain existing minority businesses and encourage new ones to start.
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Are you certified as a Minority Business in CT? If not, register here:
We're here to help
If you need Business Planning, Financial Planning, Digital Marketing or Mentorship
Phone Numbers
- Women’s Business Development Council: ctwbdc.org or 203-353-1750
- Connecticut Small Business Development Center: ctsbdc.uconn.edu or 877-723-2828
- Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov/district/connecticut or 860-240-4700
- MBI bilingual hotline at (844) 257-9503.
If you need capital
- Community Foundation, SAMA, Boost, HEDCO, CI, Future Fund, WBDC, SBA
Access to State Contractors with Links to DAS
Business Advising
DECD, together with a collective of strategic partners, offers all kinds of training and tools for advancing your business to the next level. Explore the resources available to help you learn how to tackle everything from structuring your business and writing a business plan to identifying employees and marketing your products and services.
Access to Capital
DECD has also developed a Minority Business Revolving Loan fund to enhance access to capital for minority businesses. Learn more about this fund and other financing options dedicated to helping minority leaders launch and expand their businesses.
Contracting Opportunities
DECD has developed partnerships that can help minority businesses compete more effectively for state contracts. These partners offer certification, training workshops, assistance in obtaining bonds and access to bidding opportunities.
Contact
For additional information and support, contact our bilingual hotline at (844) 257-9503.