Small Business Is Big Business in Connecticut

Forum highlights the critical economic role of entrpreneurs and small businesses

What does it take to start and grow a small business? As the audience at a recent small business forum in Hartford learned, it takes an idea, courage, angels, timely injections of luck: and right-minded government policies.

Ideas, Inspiration & Solutions for Entrepreneurs and Small Business was held earlier this summer at the Marriott Hartford Downtown. Presented by The Hartford in association with CBIA and the MetroHartford Alliance, the program featured speakers from business, academia, and government. Gov. Dannel Malloy and Liam McGee, chairman, president, and CEO of The Hartford, were among those who spoke.

“At this fragile time in the nation’s recovery, we must do everything possible to help small businesses and those who start them,” said McGee, who opened the event. “Government can best help the economic recovery by getting out of the way and letting the private sector do what it does best.”

Gov. Malloy, who closed the program, noted a number of recent policy initiatives, including passage in June of legislation expanding access to state financing programs.

“For the first time in a long time, the state is thinking about you and the major role you play in creating jobs,” he said. “Things are going to get better. Entrepreneurs will lead the way; small businesses will lead the way.”