The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) provides business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs to start, grow and thrive in Connecticut. Our Business Advisors offer professional, confidential, and expert business advice for owners to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
Providing comprehensive business assistance is our mission, and we have the free resources, tools, and online trainings to offer business help along the way. Our Business Advisors provide geographic-based demographics, consumer spending data, market research, financial projections, industry reports and so much more! We are committed to enhance Connecticut’s economic wellbeing and build thriving communities. Contact us today!
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and UConn. The CTSBDC program remains one of the nation's largest small business assistance programs in the federal government with a proven track record of providing 35+ years of service to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Our local CTSBDC contact, Nelson Merchan, is an energetic, thoughtful and well-informed resource for our business. He is always enthusiastic, with a constant supply of information that seems to show up at just the right time. Nelson knows what it takes to start a successful business, and is there every step of the way.”
Jim Barber
Luke’s Toy Factory, Danbury, CT
“Nelson is a mind expander. He opens up a lot of possibilities for my business because of his experience with a variety of companies. He can apply those success stories to my business. Nelson has a wide number of contacts and he knows state and other resources available for my business.“
Martha Yaney
Vista Group International, Inc, Norwalk, CT
“I have worked both professionally and personally with Nelson for the past decade. Initially as the executive director of a Main Street non-profit and now as a small business owner and community entrepreneur. Nelson’s knowledge and love of the Greater Danbury community is apparent in all he does. As a volunteer, a networking resource and a business advocate, he is always there with an idea, a connection, information or words of encouragement and support. His work is primary in the Chamber’s successful outreach to small business owners.”
Andrea Gartner
Owner, Pour Me Coffee & Wine Café, Danbury, CT
“The SBDC and Nelson Merchan have been an integral factor in the success of our company, Noteworthy Chocolates. Receiving great quality advice, even before we launched, allowed us to create an intelligent and comprehensive business plan that works. As we are growing and adapting the SBDC is right there with us helping with wonderful advice, opportunities, and information. We think the SBDC rocks!”
Michael Sauvageau
CEO, Chocolate Excellence Officer, Noteworthy Chocolates, Bethel, CT
