Doing Business In ... Danbury, Connecticut

Quick Stats

City Population: 79,500
Job Growth: 7.13%
Median Home Price: $335,658
Website: http://www.ci.danbury.ct.us/

Connecticut's reputation for being one of the best-educated and most productive workforces in the country makes Danbury a great location for starting or relocating a small business. The 7th largest city in Connecticut, located just an hour north of New York City, has seen a noticeable population growth in recent years.

The City of Danbury has an Office of Economic Development (OED) whose mission revolves around leading marketing efforts to those interested in relocating their business to Danbury. The OED also strives to deliver services that will encourage business and community development. The OED helps to create and retain jobs at local businesses by offering services such as business retention, workforce development, and transportation improvements.

Business Start-Up Assistance

Spending some time researching your idea, writing a business plan, and scouting a location will significantly increase your chances for success. There are a number of free and low-cost services that can help you get your business off the ground:

• You Belong in Connecticut
  Sponsored by the Department of Economic and Community Development, You Belong in Connecticut provides resources needed to start, grow or relocate a business in Connecticut.
• Connecticut Small Business Development Center
  Connecticut's training, technology assistance, conferencing services, procurement services and business incubation is provided through Central Connecticut State University's Institute of Technology and Business Development (ITBD).
• Western Connecticut SCORE
  Nonprofit organization and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partner dedicated to helping small business growth through free mentoring, business counseling, and low-cost workshops.
• Women's Business Development Center
  Provides programs and services with the goal to increase economic independence for women through small business and professional development training. Services include small business and micro-enterprise training, career assistance, networking, and access to applicable resources.

Financing Your Business

The following organizations provide help getting loans and other types of financial assistance for businesses in Danbury.

• URBANK Program
  Loan guarantees for small businesses unable to obtain bank financing.
• Connecticut Development Authority
  Offers loans and financial incentives that enable and encourage companies to expand and succeed.
• Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
  Offers financing programs designed to enhance Connecticut's communities.

For general information on small business loans and financial assistance visit the Financing Your Business page.

Obtaining Licenses and Permits

To legally operate a business in the city of Danbury, you'll need to obtain all necessary business licenses, operating permits and registrations.

• Danbury Permitting Center
  Information on required building, construction and alarm permits.
• Smart Start and Connecticut Licensing Information Center (CLIC)
  Smart Start, a component of Connecticut Licensing Information Center, is designed to bring a business into full compliance with Connecticut laws. The full service program simplifies the process and offers free, one-on-one, customized support.

In addition to city permits, you will also need to register your business with the federal government and State of Connecticut. Visit the Connecticut General Licensing page to learn about obtaining necessary federal and state licenses, permits and registrations.

Tax Credits for Small Businesses

Small business owners in Danbury can take advantage of a few of tax credits.

• Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development
  Obtain a full list of tax incentives offered in Connecticut.
• Connecticut's Department of Revenue
  Helps you find tax registration requirements, pay taxes online, file forms, and more.

Additional Resources

• Connecticut Department of Labor
  Features information about newly hired employees, education and training, laws and legislation, unemployment benefits, taxes, and appeals, and much more.
• Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC)
  Features services such as, research, marketing and economic development. It, also, provides a news section highlighting up-to-date articles and links to other CERC Board Members and Utility Funding Partners.