State Plans New Resources for Minority, Veteran-Owned Businesses

Connecticut business owners who submit an annual business form or filing for their company through the secretary of state’s website will be asked to take an optional survey.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said the survey results will help provide better resources to business owners who are women, veterans, minorities, or those with disabilities.

Merrill said she hopes the results will identify businesses eligible for development resources.

“This initiative is focused on thoughtful and meaningful data collection that will allow our economic development experts to better target their efforts,” Merrill said.

“I see this as an important tool to keep Main Street businesses thriving, and hope business owners will complete the survey so they can be made aware of these readily available opportunities.”

Owners who file through the business portal on the Secretary of State website will be asked to complete the survey.

The results will be shared among state agencies.

Department of Economic and Community Development deputy commissioner Glendowlyn Thames said the data would give the state a fuller picture of Connecticut’s diverse business community and inform business owners of available programs.

State Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas Saadi encouraged business owners to participate in the survey so they can be connected with “state and federal resources they earned in service to our nation.”