DECD Program Helps Bridge Small Business Talent Gap

Finding and retaining talent is a challenge for businesses across Connecticut.

That challenge can be even more acute for small businesses, which often struggle to compete in the race for talent.

A state program is aiming to help—connecting companies with workers more likely to stay in Connecticut long-term.

The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Talent Bridge program provides reimbursement funding to help small businesses offset hiring and onboarding costs for recent graduates and interns.

Small Business Relief

Under the program, eligible companies can receive up to $20,000 per year in reimbursement support while providing at least a one-to-one match.

“If you’ve got a little bit of relief on what it takes to onboard somebody financially, you’re a little bit more competitive against other organizations,” said DECD director of innovation and entrepreneurship Jessica Dodge.

While it has existed in different forms, Dodge said DECD updated the program to match current workforce needs.

“We want to make sure that individuals can look at Connecticut companies in a way in which they find a home there.”

DECD’s Jessica Dodge

Originally centered on internships, the program now also offers support for companies that hire recent graduates.

Dodge said program not only supports business growth, but also helps young people build a career in Connecticut.

“We want to make sure that individuals can look at Connecticut companies in a way in which they find a home there and hopefully stay,” Dodge said.

Retaining Talent

She said companies that use the program to bring on interns often retain them in permanent roles.

“In all likelihood, they convert to a full-time job that is sustained over time,” she said.

Companies with Connecticut headquarters and fewer than 100 employees qualify for the program.

“The more that we can do to destigmatize opportunities in manufacturing, that’s where I get excited about the growth potential.”

Dodge

They must also operate in advanced or innovation-driven sectors, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, insurance and financial services, as well as emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence.

Dodge said they’re particularly working to increase awareness of the program among manufacturers.

“The more that we can do to destigmatize opportunities in manufacturing, that’s where I get excited about the growth potential of this program,” she said.

Application Process

Companies can submit through the Talent Bridge page at CTNext’s website, which administers the program in partnership with DECD.

Businesses can only apply after they’ve identified a candidate for a particular position.

“We’re not going to tell you who to hire,” Dodge said. “We ask them to come and tell us who they’ve already decided is a right fit for their company.”

DECD asks companies to provide business information, proof of good standing, details about the hire and role, and a budget outlining the requested support.

“It’s meant to alleviate the expense so that the company can ultimately find the right fit for them.”

Dodge

They review applications for eligibility and reimburses approved employers.

If approved, companies can use the freed-up resources to improve onboarding, provide training, and support upskilling for their workforce.

“It’s meant to alleviate the expense so that the company can ultimately find the right fit for them,” Dodge said.

With its expanded focus and adaptable structure, Dodge said Talent Bridge will evolve with Connecticut’s workforce needs—supporting both businesses and the next generation of talent.

“Just because we did it a certain way 10 years ago doesn’t mean we should do it the same now, and so we continue to iterate,” she said.