Whether you are considering starting a business in Voluntown, expanding an existing business, or looking for assistance to help your business grow, there are a wide range of regional, state, and federal resources available to help. The Voluntown Economic Development Commission is committed to connecting local entrepreneurs and business owners with organizations that can provide technical assistance, business counseling, financing, workforce resources, training, permitting and licensing guidance, and other services. From developing a business plan and finding funding to navigating regulations and identifying opportunities for expansion, these organizations are available to help businesses at every stage.
The resources below bring together some of the key business assistance organizations serving Voluntown and the surrounding region, including Southeastern Connecticut and Northeastern Connecticut, as well as statewide and federal programs. We encourage business owners and prospective entrepreneurs to explore these resources and reach out directly to the organizations that best match their needs. Whether you are opening your first business, looking for financing, seeking professional advice, or planning your next stage of growth, help is available to support your success in Voluntown and throughout the region.
- Voluntown Building Permit Process: Information on the process and steps needed for filing a Building Permit.
- UNCAS Health District: UNCAS Health District is the regional health district that covers Voluntown. UNCAS is responsible for the regulation and licensing information for bed and breakfast, day care, food service businesses, pools, tattoo facilities, salons, and for installing septic systems and wells.
- Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (SeCTr): The Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) provides no-cost advising services to both prospective and existing business owners to help them start or expand their business.
- Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce: Find listings for upcoming Chamber events, educational programs, a directory of members, community information and assistance in relocating your business and/or residence.
- AdvanceCT: Connecticut’s economic development organization focused on business recruitment and retention.
- Business.ct.gov: Providing an array of assistance to Connecticut small business owners and entrepreneurs. If you need helping starting a business, or growing your business, this is the place to turn.
- Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF): CEDF has numerous loan products to assist small business owners who have problems obtaining traditional financing, CEDF provides loans with flexible terms to ensure business success. CEDF also offers business education and workshops.
- Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA): The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) is a professional service organization, recognized as the most effective advocate for business in the state.
- Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development: The Department of Economic and Community Development develops and implements strategies to attract and retain businesses and jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and communities, ensure quality housing and foster appropriate development in Connecticut’s towns and cities.
- Connecticut Innovations: Connecticut Innovations provides strategic capital and operational insight to push the frontiers of high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics.
- Community Investment Corporation: Community Investment Corporation is a non-profit economic development lender. It offers loan programs and business resources..
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services: Taxpayer Services Center (TSC), register a new business and file returns, make payments and update information for existing businesses. Check out the New Business Resource Center.
- Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB): The Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) works with local, state, and federal Legislators, Chief Elected Officials and businesses to ensure that the constantly changing needs of the Eastern Connecticut’s employers and job-seekers are met in a manner that keeps Eastern Connecticut at the forefront of industry & technology.
- SCORE, Eastern Connecticut Chapter: Free and confidential advice about starting your own business or advice (to owners of small businesses) about growing an existing business. Mentoring and online webinars available. Check out the SCORE Small Business Hub for resources at any stage of your business.
- Small Business Administration: Connecticut District Office. SBA offers information on small business loans, grants, bonds and other financial assistance. Find out which method of financing is right for you!
- Women’s Business Development Center: Women’s Business Development Council is the Leader of Entrepreneurial and Financial Training for Women in Connecticut. They help Connecticut’s women entrepreneurs launch and grow.
