Nonprofit Offers Free Support to Startups

03.01.2023
Small Business

A nonprofit organization that helps entrepreneurs grow their business is launching in Connecticut with free services.

FORGE specializes in supporting innovators from prototype to commercialization.

Founded in Massachusetts, the company connects businesses with product development assistance, experienced manufacturers, and supply chain resources.

“Connecticut’s ecosystem provides a rich assortment of suppliers and advanced manufacturing offerings,” FORGE executive director Laura Teicher said.

“This complete, end-to-end ecosystem helps ensure a successful economic future for Connecticut.”

FORGE will operate from Hartford with services available statewide.

Innovation

“Connecticut is often ranked top in the nation and the world for innovation,” CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said.

“FORGE links those innovators with local manufacturers to make it easier to make products here in Connecticut.”

FORGE has helped more than 580 startups, connected hundreds of suppliers, created more than 5,000 jobs, and contributed $34 million to the Massachusetts economy since it started operations in 2015.

The company works in a range of industries, including aerospace, chemical and advanced materials, and consumer products.

Support for FORGE’s venture in Connecticut comes from joint funding by CTNext—a nonprofit that promotes entrepreneurship—and the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

The funding allows the company to provide services free of charge to manufacturers.

The goal is to enhance communication among business owners, CBIA public policy associate Ashley Zane said.

“Connecticut has many innovative and talented companies, and this will help improve communication across sector lines,” she said.

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