Active Capital (formerly ACE-NET) is a national securities listing that allows investors and small businesses to find each other. This service allows entrepreneurs to gain access to equity financing that would otherwise be unavailable. http://www.ace-net.org

Connecticut Community Investment Corp.

CTCIC promotes the industrial and commercial development of the State of Connecticut by aiding and assisting the expansion of existing industry, commerce, and local entrepreneurship through the rendering of consulting, technical, educational, and financial assistance. Their website has several different loan programs including the MicroLoan Program and the Defense Loan Fund. http://www.ctcic.org

Connecticut Department of Labor Business Services

The Department of Labor offers a wide variety of tax incentive, training, apprentice, job bank and training grant services for Connecticut businesses. http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us

Connecticut Development Authority

CDA offers partial training grants up to $25,000 for manufacturers as well as below-market financing for exporting, business relocation and expansion. The CDA helps Connecticut businesses access capital necessary for job and business growth. CDA programs include finance opportunities for business relocation, expansion, employee training, equipment and international trade. http://www.ctcda.com

Connecticut Innovations, Inc.

Connecticut Innovations is the State of Connecticut's leading investor in advanced technology, making risk capital investments in high-tech companies throughout the state. They offer a wide range of support, from research assistance to financing for product development and marketing. http://www.ctinnovations.com/

Connecticut Small Business Development Centers

The CSBDC provides free confidential, one-on-one business counseling services to small business owners throughout the state. The focus is on helping small business owners and those considering starting a small business to develop the skills required to successfully run a business. The CSBDC has regional offices all across the state. http://web.ccsu.edu/sbdc/

Connecticut Venture Group

Connecticut Venture Group assists high growth start-ups through capital promotion in order to develop them into viable companies. http://www.ct-venture.org/

Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)

DECD offers businesses economic research data, tax incentives, investment programs and financing support. DECD is a good first stop to learn about what Connecticut has to offer for developing your business, beginning to export or setting up operations in Connecticut. http://www.ct.gov/ecd

Hartford Area Development Corporation

HADC offers loans to people starting businesses in Hartford and those looking to relocate to Hartford. http://www.hadc.org/

The Community Economic Development Fund

The Community Economic Development Fund provides a wide range of services to Connecticut small businesses. They can help with financing or provide expert advice to help your small business reach the goals of your business plan. http://www.cedf.com/

The Hartford Economic Development Corporation/The Greater Hartford Business Development Center, Inc.

HEDCO and GHBDC work together to promote business growth in the Greater Hartford Metropolitan Area. The group provides technical assistance, loan packaging, problem solving, location assistance and regulatory assistance to businesses in Hartford and the 57 surrounding cities and towns. http://www.hedco-ghbdc.com