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Attracting new businesses to the area and supporting businesses already located here are key elements the Waterbury Regional Chamber continues to focus on. Cultivating economic health and growth in the Greater Waterbury area makes sense for businesses and for the people, who live, work and raise their families within the area. And, it makes sense that the Chamber should be at the fore front of economic development efforts in the region. Greater Waterbury has a lot to offer a prime location, equidistant from the major metropolises of Boston and New York City; a skilled workforce; affordable housing, access to both the beauty of rural New England and the convenience, culture, and activity of city life - the list is endless! In an effort to increase the economic vitality of the Waterbury Region, the Waterbury Regional Chamber has strived to form alliances with economic development agencies serving our area. For more information about the economics of the Greater Waterbury area or the Chamber's Economic Development Committee and its affiliated councils, contact Michael Portanova at 203-757-0701. e-mail:
 Waterbury Regional Chamber consists of a vital network of professional people, including the area's major industrialists, executives, developers, professionals and financiers. The Chamber assists the 13-town Greater Waterbury Region with economic development activities, governmental affairs and community resource programs designed to improve the region's business climate. The Chamber acts as a clearinghouse of information for anyone seeking to locate in the Waterbury area. (203) 757-0701.
The Naugatuck Valley Development Corporation (NVDC) is the economic development agency for the Naugatuck Valley Region. The NVDC is the primary vehicle for the implementation of numerous programs aimed at job creation and retention, enhancing the region's manufacturing environment, strengthening the area's tax base and improving the economic quality of life of the region. NVDC responsibilities include development of Downtown Waterbury as well as the administration of direct financial and development assistance for individual businesses. (203) 756-2719.
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center is a partnership between the federal government, the University of Connecticut School of Business Administration and the private business community charged with assisting small businesses. Assistance is available without charge for business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, marketing and management techniques. Special efforts are made for the start-up and advancement of businesses owned by women, minorities, handicapped, and veterans. Waterbury office, (203) 236-9933; Storrs office (860) 486-4135.
SCORE, a program sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA), is a volunteer group of retired executives who provide business counseling to individuals seeking to start a business or existing businesses. SCORE is housed at the Silas Bronson Library located in Downtown Waterbury. Business counseling can be provided on issues such as business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, marketing and management techniques. SCORE counseling is available on an appointment basis at the Slias Bronson Library.
Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) corporation formed through a unique partnership of utility and telecommunications companies and state government. Its mission is to increase Connecticut's economic vitality by helping its customers innovate and compete in the new economy. CERC also manages Site Finder, an online database of available commercial and industrial properties in Connecticut and provides complete profiles of each site or property. Other key services offered by CERC include access to the State business registry program, Smart Start, economic data / research services, and business data and mapping. 1-800-392-2122.
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is the state agency responsible for promoting economic growth. The agency's ambitious agenda of economic and community development initiatives aims to create long-term economic well-being for Connecticut citizens. DECD develops strategies and programs to attract and retain businesses and jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and communities, ensure quality housing, and foster appropriate development in Connecticut's cities and towns. |
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