Small Business Concierge Proposal Under Review

Lawmakers are considering legislation to improve how small businesses access Connecticut’s economic development programs by creating a designated point of contact within the state government. 

HB 5467, introduced by the Commerce Committee, requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to designate an employee within the Office of Small Business Affairs as a single point of contact for businesses seeking assistance from the state. 

The proposal is intended to streamline how businesses access available grants, financing programs, and technical assistance opportunities offered through state agencies and quasi-public entities. 

This staff member would serve as a centralized point of contact to improve coordination between businesses and state programs. 

Supporters say the change would address a common challenge employers face—difficulty navigating the state’s economic development landscape and determining which programs best fit their needs. 

Support

In testimony submitted to the committee, CBIA’s Pete Myers expressed support for the bill, noting that many employers struggle to determine eligibility or entry points for state programs. 

“The state offers a variety of valuable resources, but businesses often encounter confusion when trying to determine which programs apply to them,” he said.

The concierge approach is similar to a model already used by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“While many valuable programs exist, businesses—particularly small and mid-sized employers—often struggle to identify which programs apply to them, where to start, and how to move forward efficiently.”  

Myers noted the concierge approach is similar to a model already used by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Under the agency’s 20BY20 permitting initiative, a concierge-style service helps applicants understand regulatory requirements and coordinates communication across agency divisions. 

Program Impact

Myers told lawmakers that applying a similar system to economic development programs could help improve transparency and predictability for businesses considering investments or expansion in the state.  

“This proposal could maximize the impact of existing programs by ensuring businesses are informed about resources and directed efficiently to suitable programs,” he said.

“This proposal could maximize the impact of existing programs.”

CBIA’s Pete Myers

The Office of Small Business Affairs already coordinates technical assistance, loan programs, and training initiatives.

The bill formally adds a staff member to help businesses navigate these resources and coordinate communication with state agencies. 

The change could be particularly helpful for small and mid-sized businesses that may lack the internal resources to track and evaluate multiple state programs. 

---

For more information, contact CBIA’s Pete Myers (860.244.1921).