The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce partners with several business support, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement organizations to broaden the spectrum of programs and resources we encourage our members to utilize.
Town of West Hartford – Economic Development Department
The Town of West Hartford’s Economic Development department’s goal is to promote growth and retention of existing businesses and development of new business opportunities to strengthen the community’s tax base in an innovative manner, while preserving and protecting the residential character of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Economic Development staff work to facilitate growth and retention of existing businesses, and attract a variety of new businesses and development to Town. It is important to provide our current and future businesses with the resources that will assist in their stability and vitality.
For assistance with starting your business, finding suitable space to open a business in Town, understanding what permits are required for your business to open or expand, connecting with resources to help your business grow, our staff is available to help you with a wide range of support. For personal assistance, contact Town of West Hartford Economic Development Coordinator Kristen Gorski by email kristen.gorski@westhartfordct.gov or call 860-960-6136.
Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)
DECD is the state's lead agency responsible for strengthening Connecticut’s competitive position in the rapidly changing, knowledge-based global economy.
Small Business Adminstration - Connecticut
The Connecticut District Office services the entire state of Connecticut. We have offices in Hartford and Bridgeport.
Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.
Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)
CBIA is Connecticut's largest business organization. They support the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are shaping a dynamic Connecticut. Explore resources and information that help you build and train a productive workforce, maximize growth, and compete in a rapidly evolving global economy. Access tools and resources to find and engage your state and federal lawmakers, track legislation and regulations, and make sure your voice is heard.
Capital Workforce Partners
As the state’s regional Workforce Development Board in North Central Connecticut, Capital Workforce Partners helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and closes the gap between skills and business hiring needs. The organization is guided by a Consortium of the region’s chief and elected officials and by representatives from business, education, and labor serving on its Board of Directors.
Capital Workforce Partners invests in youth development, develops sustainable career paths for adult workers, and assists employers with a variety of programs and services provided through the American Job Center network.
SCORE Greater Hartford
SCORE Greater Hartford County offers FREE business mentoring and workshops from experienced advisors, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives with diverse industry experience and specialties to help small business owners start, develop and grow their business.
AdvanceCT
AdvanceCT is a nonprofit organization that works to engage, retain and recruit businesses and advance overall economic competitiveness in Connecticut.
In collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), AdvanceCT strives to build a place where business, government, higher education, and nonprofits come together to implement high impact and inclusive economic development solutions for the state.
Women’s Business Development
Council – Connecticut
Women’s Business Development Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing the tools and resources to help women thrive in business. They believe that when desire, education, and preparation come together, opportunities are created, ideas are ignited, and economies are expanded.
Black Business Alliance
The Black Business Alliance offers services to minority business owners through business training, technical assistance and online marketing services to help small businesses get access to capital, improve business acumen and strengthen online branding presence. To help your business thrive, the BBA will develop a comprehensive program including the following: Access to Capital, Events & Networking, Membership, Outreach & Training, Technical Assistance.
ReadyCT
ReadyCT works to advance academic excellence and career-connected learning for all public school students in Connecticut through collaboration with business, civic, and education leaders. We are guided by the belief that schools must prepare all students to become thriving citizens and professionals. ReadyCT strives to prepare students to pursue whatever college, career, or credentialing opportunity they choose in order to reach their highest potential.
ReadyCT is part of a strategic alliance with the CT Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and CONNSTEP.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization and network. Our members range from small businesses and chambers of commerce across the country to startups in fast-growing industries, leading industry associations, and global corporations.
For all the businesses and associations we represent, we are the only organization that optimizes the relationship between government and business at scale, across the economy, and around the world.