Governor Malloy: Gov. Malloy: Only a Short Time Left to Register for 'Reinvent Connecticut' Informational Sessions

Governor Malloy: Gov. Malloy: Only a Short Time Left to Register for 'Reinvent Connecticut' Informational Sessions:

GOV. MALLOY: ONLY A SHORT TIME LEFT TO REGISTER FOR ‘REINVENT CONNECTICUT’ INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS

DECD to Host More Sessions, Two Webinars

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that, while the state’s informational sessions for businesses are drawing to a close, there is still time to register for the last remaining workshops.

The workshops are designed to give small businesses a firsthand look at how the state can help them create jobs and expand their operations.

“Since I took office, one of my primary goals has been to reconnect state government and the business community. One of the concerns I heard most was the feeling that government wasn’t listening – that it was disengaged from those it was supposed to be serving,” said Governor Malloy. “That’s why these informational sessions are so important. It’s a way for business owners and other entrepreneurial-minded people to get the assistance they need and forge relationships with our business development team.

“These sessions provide an opportunity for citizens to sit down at a table with a professional, ask questions and have them answered immediately, and fill out applications on the spot. Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic recovery, and these types of personal gatherings are giving a face to a state agency that is critical to the growth of small businesses.”

Initiated November 9 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, these sessions are having an impact. Nearly 800 people have attended seeking advice and direction regarding the state’s economic development tools. That has translated into more than 144 applications for the state’s newest program called the Small Business Express Program (EXP).

Catherine Smith, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and deputy commissioner Ron Angelo have led 12 sessions across the state already and have at least four more planned. DECD business specialists will be at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport on January 5; the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden on January 9; the Matrix Corporate Center in Danbury on January 12; and the Branford Community House on January 19.

DECD has scheduled two webinars for those that cannot attend the final workshops. They will be held January 18 from 9-10 a.m. and January 19 from 1-2 p.m.