VET BIZ NOW! is an initiative to make veterans and organizations that help veterans become more aware of the numerous resources available in the Greater New Haven Area in Connecticut to plan, start, grow and restart small businesses.  VET BIZ NOW! will be providing you with local personal contacts to help guide you through numerous resources as well as provide additional help.   

VET BIZ NOW! was initiated as a pilot program by Gateway Community College/SCORE/SIFE in partnership with SBA, CTCIC, General Dynamics, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, Congresswoman Rosa Delauro's Office, Connecticut Secretary of the State's Office, and the Connecticut Department of Veteran's Affairs.  This was just an initial small group and others are welcome to join this initiative. The listings are not inclusive and we welcome additions.  If you have resources that veterans and organizations should be aware of to help plan, start, grown and restart small businesses, please complete the form at the end of the website. 

STAGE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Determining your stage of business development will help identify the resources that will help your business succeed. Resources will be categorized by stage of business development.  

Level 1 -  Pre-Start and Year 1       Pre-business and Year 1 in business.

Level 2 - Years 2-4      Growth and development ; might also be restarting a business if the business was interrupted by the deployment of the owner.

Level 3 - Year 5 and more   Mature growth and development; possible restarting a business if the business was interrupted by the deployment of the owner.

COUNSELING, COURSES, WORKSHOPS, and PROGRAMS 

Gateway Community College Small Business Center

The Center is comprised of the academic office for the Gateway's Entrepreneurial Studies A.S. Degree and Certificate Programs, the administrative and counseling office for New Haven SCORE, other federal and state small business assistance resources and SIFE Students in Free Enterprise.  A Small Business Resource Center is located in the college's main library at Long Wharf.  

Entrepreneurial Studies Academic Programs
Veterans can earn college credits towards an Associate's Degree or Certificate Program including     an internship. Courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, business law, management, accounting,    retailing, fashion, culinary and liberal arts courses are just some of the courses that are offered. Many of the courses can be taken online.

VA Educational Benefits at Gateway Community College
As a service member or veteran you now have an opportunity to use your education benefits to       learn how to start or enhance a small business. You can take courses at no charge if you are     eligible.

SIFE

Gateway SIFE Students in Free Enterprise can help veteran entrepreneurs get plans off the ground.  SIFE students can work with small businesses to help them with their planning, marketing, and financial controls.  SIFE is an international student organization enabling students to develop community outreach projects to create economic opportunity for others.        
       

SCORE

The SCORE Association salutes America's service men and women. New Haven SCORE provides free and confidential business counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and personal objectives.  Monthly pre-business workshops, procurement seminars and roundtable discussions are held. SCORE counselors are committed to assisting soldiers with restarting their firms, business readiness plans, emergency loan applications and business recovery.

Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce - Business Assistance Center

The BAC Business Assistance Center assists Veterans and Veteran business owners wishing to start, strengthen, or expand a small business in the New Haven area and surrounding region.       Assistance is available for all aspects of the business process, including access to financing, business plan and marketing development, legal, accounting, credit counseling, and technology services.

STATE, FEDERAL and LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT 

CTPTAP Connecticut Procurement Technical Assistance Program

Provides free marketing and procurement assistance to Connecticut businesses interested in selling their goods or services to federal, state or local governments.     

Small Business Liaison

Provides counseling to existing and potential veterans' entities on large business procurement practices and potential subcontracting opportunities with special attention to large government prime contracts.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

CTCIC Connecticut Community Investment Corporation

Aids and assists the expansion of existing industry, commerce, and local entrepreneurship through the rendering of consulting, technical, educational, and financial assistance.

SBA United States Small Business Administration

SBA's SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is dedicated to serving the veteran entrepreneur by formulating, executing and promoting policies and programs of the agency that provide assistance to veterans seeking to start and develop small businesses.  SBA offers programs and services that can help veterans start, manage, and grow a successful small business. In addition, the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development offers programs and services specifically for veterans, service-disabled veterans, and Reserve and National Guard small business owners. The SBA supports Small Business Development Centers and Women Business Centers.  SBA provides financial assistance to small businesses through loan guaranty programs. 

NETWORKING 

The Northeast Veteran-Owned Business Network

The Northeast Veteran-Owned Business Network, Inc. (NVOBN) was created for veterans. Veterans share common experiences with other men and women who've served our country proudly and ably. The NVOBN brings veterans who are business owners together to help one another make their businesses more successful.

CT SHOWCASE

The Connecticut Small & Minority Business Showcase is the premier event in Connecticut for small, micro, and women-owned businesses to display their products and services. It is hosted by the The Connecticut Secretary of the State's Office and assists the small, micro, minority and women owned businesses in the state.

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