CTNext Launches Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit Program

CTNext has announced the launch of the Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit program, which reimburses first-time entrepreneurs for filing, licensing, and permitting fees associated with starting a business.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Connecticut Innovations, CTNext is Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, designed to build a more robust community of entrepreneurs and accelerate early-stage growth by providing access to talent, space, industry expertise, services, skill development, and capital to foster innovation and create jobs in Connecticut.
Launched in 2012, CTNext has worked with more than 1,100 companies.
The Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit program, signed into law in July 2016, allows owners and executives of businesses in the information technology, bioscience, and green technology industries to receive reimbursement up to $1,500 for state and municipal business startup fees.
“Starting and running a business in its earliest stages can be a massive undertaking,” says Glendowlyn Thames, director of CTNext.
“This program does more than cover fees; it is another step Connecticut has taken to create a more active ecosystem and assist entrepreneurs when they need it most.”
The Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit legislation sets a funding cap of $500,000 in Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018, equaling $1 million for reimbursable fees for entrepreneurs in the state.