Program to aid small businesses in Connecticut

Our resource fair is an exciting opportunity to increase government contracting for Connecticut small businesses.

During the past two years, our small businesses and entrepreneurs have confronted challenges unforeseen in most business plans. The federal COVID relief programs, Small Business Administration resources and state/local support assisted many with executing strategic changes of their product/services, marketing and structure. Through perseverance they pivoted, sought new opportunities, took additional risk, and supported each other and our communities.

Now, small businesses in Connecticut have potential for growth and opportunity fueled by the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure and Investment Act, which includes approximately $6 billion in infrastructure upgrades for Connecticut, and the expansion of manufacturing through President Biden's Made in America initiative. Indeed, the SBA is committed to opening the doors of procurement so more small businesses can grow and thrive by doing business with the federal government, the world's largest customer, thereby helping to build a better America for us all.

Federal contracts include set-asides for small businesses through contracting certification programs. Furthermore, recently the SBA increased the number of Women Owned Small Business Program eligible industries from 444 to 759, which represents a 70 percent increase. These changes, effective immediately, expand the program to provide a broader range for contracting officers to offer restricted competition contracting opportunities including temporary help services, home health care services, electronic computer manufacturing and air transportation support.

The SBA Connecticut District Office along with U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, the state of Connecticut and numerous partners have collaborated to showcase the forthcoming projects in the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act and encourage businesses to leverage government contracting. A joint event for Small Businesses to Leverage Government Contracting will be held, Monday at the Floyd Little Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven (10 a.m. press conference, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. resource fair)

The SBA remains committed to continuing our support of America's entrepreneurs, and our resource fair is an exciting opportunity to increase government contracting for Connecticut small businesses and network with federal and state agencies. We hope to see you there.