The Connecticut Small Business Development Center offers free business advisory services and online resources. An organization called Southeastern SCORE CT has 9 locations throughout Southeast Connecticut and can provide business mentorship. CTNext, which supports entrepreneurs in Connecticut with capital, skill development, networking, and training, is another great resource.

Connecticut Innovations—an organization that connects entrepreneurs and established business owners with venture capitalists, angel investors, lenders, and other resources—offers a number of small business grants. If you’re a new business who is ready to grow, the Growth Company Grants Program can help you out. The funds can be used for marketing, sales, technology, organizational development, and other initiatives. Don’t forget to check out Connecticut GrantWatch, which offers an updated list of other grant opportunities for small businesses in the Constitution State.

Before you qualify for a loan in Connecticut, you’ll need to choose a business structure, like a sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC. Then, use the Connecticut Business Registry Search to find out if your preferred business name is available. If you’re forming an LLC or corporation, use the Secretary of State’s Business Startup Tool to start your business through a series of easy steps. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to appoint a registered agent. Once you go through these steps, you can apply for a small business loan. Lenders will typically review your credit score, time in business, and business finances when qualifying you for a loan.

There are countless small business loans available, making it important to do your research and explore all your options. With Lendio, you can take the time and hassle out of the process. An SBA loan may be your best bet if you have good credit and want to borrow a large sum of money. If you need fast cash and don’t have the best credit score, however, accounts receivable financing may be the way to go, especially if you have many slow-paying customers.

A business loan in Connecticut can help you cover virtually any business-related expense. Whether you need funds to purchase a commercial property or market your offerings, it’s in your best interest to take advantage of small business financing.