Supplier Diversity Resources

The State of Connecticut does not endorse or underwrite the following resources.  We post the information for the convenience of our customers, in this case, Connecticut’s small and minority business enterprises.
 “*”  Indicates organizations have applications available.

•  African-American Affairs Commission  (AAAC) mission is to improve and promote the economic development, education, health and political well-being of the African American community in the state of Connecticut.
• *The City of Hartford  To ensure and improve the social and economic quality of life of City employees, residents, and businesses by promoting equal opportunity, diversity and elimination of discrimination within the City of Hartford through education, enforcement, community partnership and customer service. 
• *City of New Haven Small Business Initiative  (SBI) has a mission to provide resources to encourage small business growth in New Haven.
• Connecticut Community Investment Corporation   Promotes the industrial and commercial development of the State of Connecticut by aiding and assisting the expansion of existing industry, commerce, and local entrepreneurship.
• Connecticut Development Authority  offers business assistance including direct & guaranteed loans that enable and encourage companies to expand and succeed.
• The Connecticut Economic Resource Center  (CERC), a non-profit corporation specializing in economic development and marketing for local, regional, state, and utility economic development entities.
• *The Connecticut Minority Supplier Development Council  (CMSDC), mission is to significantly increase the procurement opportunities between corporate members and certified minority owned businesses.
• Connecticut Venture Group (CVG), mission is to stimulate economic growth by encouraging investment in high-growth companies. Through chapters in Hartford, New Haven and Stamford, the organization produces technology-focused seminars and expositions, updates on financing and market trends, university tech transfer conferences, and the annual Crossroads Venture Fair.
• Department of Economic and Community Development Develops and implements strategies to attract and retain businesses and jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and communities, ensures quality housing and fosters appropriate development in Connecticut's towns and cities.
• *Department of Transportation-DBE Program Certification as a DBE will enable your firm to participate in federally funded contracts which are set-aside for DBE's or have a DBE set-aside goal.
• *DiversityBusiness.com  A national resource portal for small businesses and large organizational buyers.
• The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women  (PCSW) was established by the State Legislature in 1973 to eliminate sex discrimination in Connecticut.
• The Procurement Technical Assistance Program  CT PTAP’s mission is to provide marketing and procurement assistance to Connecticut businesses interested in selling their goods or services to federal, state, or local governments.
• The Small Business Administration (federal) (SBA) has numerous programs and services designed to help small businesses succeed.
• Small Business Find Law.com This site will help you find solutions to your legal issues by providing you with easy and comprehensive access to small business lawyers and legal information. You will also find valuable information on starting a business, business structure types, and assorted business documents.
• UCONN Capital Projects  The Office of Capital Project & Contract Administration.

• The Department of Consumer Protection  - For information on licenses, or call 1-800-842-2649
• The Office of the Secretary of The State of Connecticut – For information on Annual Report, Certificate of Incorporation, Organization & First Annual Report, Articles of Organization, and Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership, or call (860) 509-6003.
• The Department of Revenue Services – Apply for a Sales Tax Permit
• The Internal Revenue Service – For Federal Tax Information and to obtain an FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) -  It is the statutory responsibility of the Commission to enforce human rights laws that ban illegal discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit transactions. Monitor compliance with state contract compliance laws and with laws requiring affirmative action in state agency personnel practices and to establish equal opportunity and justice for all persons in Connecticut through education and outreach activities.
• State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA)Massachusetts' supplier diversity program; Connecticut companies can be certified in Massachusetts.
• Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise – (MWBE) New York state’s supplier diversity program; out of state companies are eligible to apply