Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Looking forward to participating in the inaugural MADE event on April 9th. If you’re looking for the opportunity to connect one-on-one with me or several of my state colleagues and private partners, Office Hours is a great opportunity to engage directly with us, be it for insights, connections, or even advice. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out. Join us at Connecticut-MADE.com and be part of the conversation. Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development #connecticut #makeithere #MADE #economicdevelopment #communitydevelopment

Connecticut’s bold approach to marketing isn’t just changing perceptions—it’s delivering measurable results. The latest Brand Perception & Health Research study found that our small and mighty state is increasingly recognized as a top destination to visit, a competitive place to work, and an attractive place to live—a direct reflection of the state’s targeted branding efforts. ✅ 37-point surge in interest to visit Connecticut ✅ State pride up 24.5% from last year, an all-time high for the state ✅ Intent to live, work, and play here skyrocketing—with Net Promoter Scores up 144%, 107%, and 177% respectively. The proof doesn’t stop there. Connecticut’s real-world economic momentum is accelerating: 📈 Economic Growth: A two-year CAGR that’s outpacing the national and regional average. 🏡 Population Boom: Four consecutive years of growth above national and regional trends. 🔥 Hottest Housing Markets: Connecticut has four of the top 20 hottest markets in the U.S.—more than any other state. 💼 Job Growth on the Rise: Three Connecticut markets rank in the top 30 for job growth momentum nationwide. This is what happens when strategic marketing meets real investment. Connecticut’s story is being told—and more importantly, felt. But momentum isn’t self-sustaining. It takes vision and everyone moving in the same direction. Connecticut’s on the move—let’s keep making it here. #Connecticut #Marketing #MakeItHere

📢 We’re excited to have Kathryn Hauser from WTNH as the official emcee of Talent MADE. She’s lived and worked in Massachusetts, New York, and now calls Connecticut home—so she knows exactly what makes this state stand out as a place where businesses, careers, and big ideas are formed and come to life. Kathryn has covered the stories of entrepreneurs, job creators, and industry leaders who are shaping our economy, so who better to guide the conversation as we bring together top business minds, state leaders, and rising talent at Talent MADE? Join Kathryn and an incredible lineup of speakers like Jeffrey Flaks, Cindi Bigelow, and Bill Shufelt as we explore what it takes to attract, retain, and grow talent in Connecticut. Join us by registering at https://lnkd.in/eqcb_2wh What’s one thing YOU think makes Connecticut a great place to live and work? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #Connecticut #MakeItHere #MADE

🍕🏆 Connecticut has already claimed the title of Pizza Capital of the U.S.—but now, we’re putting it to a vote. Now is your time to help decide which legendary pizzerias make the Pizza Capital Trail. With 1,000+ independently owned spots, it’s a battle for ultimate bragging rights. Think your go-to pizza joint deserves the crown? Make your voice (and your taste buds) count. 🔥Vote now and help shape Connecticut’s ultimate pizza pilgrimage! https://lnkd.in/ejbD2GFu #MakeItHere #Connecticut

✈️📈 Big numbers at Bradley mean big wins for Connecticut businesses. With 6.5% more passengers in 2024, local hotels, restaurants, and shops means more foot traffic—and more importantly, more revenue. More travelers mean more opportunities for small businesses, job growth, and a stronger economy. As Bradley keeps expanding, so does Connecticut’s reach. More flights. More visitors. More business. More is more. Let’s keep this momentum going. #Connecticut #MakeItHere

BIG EAST Champs 🏆

“Connecticut’s business community thrives on collaboration, and MADE is an opportunity to bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and future innovators,” Chris DiPentima says about partnering on the MADE leadership series. “By fostering these conversations, we are strengthening our state’s business environment and ensuring continued growth.”

🚨 Attention Nonprofits! Exciting Opportunity to Support Small Businesses in Hartford County 🚨   We're seeking qualified nonprofit organizations to design and implement the Small Business Accelerator Program 2025. This initiative will provide structured training, mentorship, and grant support to startups and early-stage businesses, with a focus on underserved communities.   💰 Funding Available: Up to $1,000,000 📍 Location: Hartford County 📅 Proposal Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST 📢 Informational Conference: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST (Virtual - Microsoft Teams)   💡 Why Apply? ✔️ Help small businesses access capital, training, and mentorship ✔️ Strengthen the local economy and support entrepreneurship ✔️ Collaborate with DECD to create impactful business support programs   🔗 RFP & Submission Details:   •       View the full RFP on CTSource: https://lnkd.in/e-sF7_72   •       For inquiries, contact DECD.SmallBizAcceleratorRFP@ct.gov   Nonprofits with at least 2 years of experience in small business support, technical assistance, or program administration are strongly encouraged to apply! Let’s work together to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen our business ecosystem.  

🚀 Big ideas. Bold action. Real impact. Talent MADE is here. This quarterly leadership series brings together top minds, industry leaders, and rising talent to tackle today’s biggest business challenges—starting with workplace culture, young talent, and the future of work. From exclusive Office Hours with state leaders to live podcast recordings and thought-provoking panels, this is where Connecticut’s future is MADE. Ready to be part of the movement? Join us at the epicenter of ideas and impact. 🔗 Register now at Connecticut-MADE.com

📢 Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund: Performance Update 📢 Led by Sheila Hummell and the Office of Small Business, Boost continues to support local businesses across the state. Here’s a look at recent performance: 📌 565 loans approved, totaling $72.2M 📌 January 2025: 8 new loans = $2.13M 📌 Average loan size: ~$127K 📌 Top industries funded: Professional Services (65), Manufacturing (57), Business Services (52), Retail (52) 📌 Loan distribution: Hartford (30), Bridgeport (26), New Haven (27), Norwalk (24), Waterbury & Glastonbury (20 each) 📌 34% of loans support businesses in distressed municipalities 📌 MBWE lending: 13% above our 50% goal As small businesses continue to grow, this program remains a key resource for entrepreneurs across Connecticut with its fixed low interest rate of 4.5%. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eKPj4m8U #MakeItHere #Connecticut #SmallBusiness