EDC to offer seminars on how to launch, maintain businesses

By Colleen Gundlach

To start a new business in Connecticut, which state agency should a potential new owner approach first, the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue Services, or the Department of Labor?  This question and many others will be addressed at an upcoming series of seminars sponsored by the Norfolk Economic Development Commission (EDC.) 

Acknowledging that Norfolk is a town of small businesses and entrepreneurs, with many home-based endeavors, the EDC wanted a way to encourage and promote the development of such commerce.  “People in Norfolk love to live here,” says EDC Chairman Libby Borden, “they want to work here in town, yet don’t want to change the rural character.” 

To that end, the EDC has enlisted the services of the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a group which, in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents for Higher Education and public and private partners throughout the state, provides technical and management assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The result is a series of four small business development workshops to be offered free of charge to Norfolk residents who either own a small business or want to start one. 

According to Ginne-Rae Clay, State Director of SBDC, the classes will be divided into three topics.  The first, called self-assessment, will dispel the myths associated with being a business owner, discovering why participants want to be in business, and if they have the skill set and personal characteristics necessary for their chosen field.  “People who own their own company need to have the passion,” says Clay.  “They need to want to eat, sleep and drink the business.”

The second topic, starting a business in Connecticut , will help participants navigate the sea of various business structures and legalities.  The answer to the question of which state agency to approach first will also be addressed. (Here’s a clue…all of them.)  

The final two sessions will be interactive training, focusing on developing a business plan.  Business advisors and counselors from varied backgrounds will be available, and participants can discuss their plans with the whole group to gain insight in developing the road map of their company.  Clay says that this type of interactivity opens the door for networking. “Participants may even meet their first vendor or first customer right in the room.”

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and the University of Hartford with a Master’s in Public Administration, Clay was employed for 20 years by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development before joining SBDC five years ago.  She will introduce and facilitate the first session.  Borden says, “Ginne is an enthusiastic and skilled educator.  She makes the subject come alive.” 

Classes will be held on March 28, March 29, April 4 and April 5, in Norfolk Town Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  For more information or to register, contact Libby Borden at libbygp@aol.com.