City of Groton Business Update | |
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Welcome to the City of Groton Business Newsletter, a companion to the Doing Business in the City of Groton webpage, where you'll find information on:
- Upcoming Webinars and Training;
- Workforce Development;
- Industry Events;
- Funding Opportunities; and
- Business Support Services.
*Please note the City of Groton Business Update has moved to a monthly distribution format. The next newsletter will be on November 1st 2023.
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On-Demand Entrepreneurial Training | |
USCIS Announces New Form I-9 and Alternative Verification Procedure | |
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new version of Form I-9 (I-9) to verify the identity and employment authorization of employees and a new alternative procedure to the in-person physical document examination method that employers have followed as part of the I-9 process.
Employers have the option of using the new I-9 can now, and must begin using it starting on November 1st. The alternative procedure does not expire but can be canceled or amended by the Department of Homeland Security. The alternative procedure is only available to employers enrolled in E-Verify. Employers may download the new I-9 (Rev. 08/01/23) from the USCIS website.
For more information please visit Employment Eligibility Verification | USCIS
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Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board - Manufacturing and Healthcare Pipelines | |
Calling All City of Groton Commercial Property Owners | |
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Looking to renovate or build a new development?
Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Planning & Economic Development team to discuss your ideas and plans for your property. Meet with Leslie Creane and Cierra Patrick to discuss concepts, planning and permitting process, incentive programs, and more. To schedule an appointment please email Patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov
There's a growing interest in commercial space in the City of Groton.
Entrepreneurs are looking to connect with property owners and/or Realtors to discuss opportunities. If you're a commercial property owner with available space in the City of Groton, please email the following to Cierra Patrick at Patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov
Commercial Space Opportunity emails shall include the following:
- Address of commercial space;
- Available square footage;
- Asking price;
- Other pertinent information; and
- Point of contact
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Lean Leadership & Strategy | |
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Lean Leadership & Strategy: Building a Future You Can Invest In
Friday October 6th
11 am - noon
Lean methodology has been a game-changer for businesses worldwide for over three decades. However, it's often misunderstood and underutilized. It's time to demystify Lean and harness its power for your organization's growth and success.
What to expect:
- Gain a deep understanding of what Continuous Improvement truly means
- Learn how to leverage Lean principles effectively
- Discover the secret to incorporating Lean into your company culture for sustainable growth
Reserve your spot today
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Minority Business Growth Program | |
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Join the Connecticut Small Business Development Center for this FREE 8-session virtual course that will provide Small and Minority Businesses with strategies and support to accelerate growth.
What to expect?
Your MBGP journey will commence with a critical review of your business, its operational capability, performance, and resource adequacy to build a snapshot of your business status.
Your journey will continue over eight engaging sessions where you will receive valuable information from subject experts, participate in practical exercises, and networking sessions, and be guided through operational and technical challenges that are common to many small businesses.
To participate in the program, businesses must meet the following requirements:
· Small Minority-Owned Businesses
· In operation for at least 1 year
· Sales greater than $150,000*
Reserve Your Spot!
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Business Luncheon Featuring U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal | |
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Business Luncheon featuring US Senator Richard Blumenthal
Thursday, October 12th
11:30 am - 1 pm
Join the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut for an illuminating business luncheon featuring US Senator Richard Blumenthal. Hear about recent successes, challenges, and his visionary priorities for the future. Engage in an audience Q&A, gaining direct insights into pressing issues. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and shape tomorrow's discourse. Book your seat now.
About
Senator Blumenthal, elected to the US Senate in 2010 and reelected in 2016 and 2022, prioritizes consumer safety, holding companies accountable for product quality. As Commerce Consumer Protection subcommittee chair, he advocates for responsible tech platform behavior. He secures federal funding for Connecticut's modernized transportation, promotes veteran support, and authored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act. He serves on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Aging Committees.
Read his full bio
Location: 10 Laura Boulevard, Norwich
Fees/Admission: "Early Bird" registration before October 7th is $30 for members and $40 for non-members (log in for member rate). Registration on or after October 7th, or at the door, is $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
Click here to register.
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SBA Cyber Summit
October 18th and 25th, November 1st and 8th at noon
Attention, small business owners!
Safeguarding your business against cyber threats is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Join SBA for their Cyber Summit, where industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs converge to empower you with the knowledge and tools to protect your business from evolving digital risks. Get ready for an immersive experience that will transform the way you approach cybersecurity!
The Cybersecurity Landscape
Did you know that small businesses are a prime target for cyberattacks? In fact, a staggering 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses (source: Verizon). This summit is your chance to take a proactive stance against these threats and secure your business for success.
Interactive Workshops and Demonstrations
Prepare to dive deep into the world of cybersecurity through engaging workshops and live demonstrations. From understanding common vulnerabilities to implementing effective security measures, you'll gain hands-on experience that can be immediately applied to your business. Walk away with a customized cybersecurity roadmap tailored to your unique needs.
Secure your spot today and become a cybersecurity champion for your small business!
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Business Luncheon: Women in Leadership | | |
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Business Luncheon: Women in Business
Tuesday, October 24th, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Holiday Inn New London
Panelists include Alexandra Daum, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; Dr. Tracy Espy, President of Mitchell College; Nicole Verdi, Head of Government Affairs & Policy at Ørsted Americas.
Moderated by Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski, President of Connecticut State Community College Three Rivers.
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Regional Innovation Center Grand Opening | |
City of Groton Small Business Funding | |
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Congratulations to Buford's Family Restaurant on their Minor Facade Improvement Award!
Margaret Ryone, the owner of Buford’s Family Restaurant at 126 Poquonnock Rd, was awarded a Minor Facade Improvement grant for the replacement of the sign over the restaurant entrance.
Since hanging the new sign, the number of first-time customers coming to her restaurant has increased noticeably with several customers pointing out that they saw the new sign; did not know there was a restaurant there; and thought they would stop and have breakfast or lunch. Margaret commented that she didn’t anticipate the impact changing the sign would have on her business and that it is truly heartening to see the positive outcome that this small change has brought about.
The availability of the Minor Facade Improvement grant program led Margaret to pursue the sign change, and with the support of Matt Longino and Margaret Hirsch she put a plan for the new sign into place and completed the application for reimbursement for the cost of the sign via the grant.
Margaret would like to thank the Economic Development Commission, the Groton City Council and the Planning and Development staff for their guidance and support through the process.
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Register for Zoom information HERE. | |
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Entrepreneurs and existing business owners now have access to free advising services paired with growth funding up to $20,000 from seCTer, the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, through its seCTerRise business retention and expansion program.
Industries of focus include childcare, cybersecurity, agriculture, and sustainable energy. Business owners will be able to work with seCTer staff in applying for the funds and determining how best they can be used to sustain and expand their business.
For eligibility criteria, eligible uses, application details, and more information, visit seCTerRise - seCTer or contact SeCTer's Business Retention & Expansion Specialist Joe Violette at 860-437-4659 or jviolette@secter.org.
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Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund | |
Community Investment Corporation - SBA 504 Loans | |
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SBA 504 loans are made available to business owners through a lending partnership between their bank and a Certified Development Company like Community Investment Corporation (CIC). Funds can be used for commercial real estate, equipment, and other fixed assets. Borrowers can take advantage of a low down payment, allowing them to keep more cash available to operate their business and enjoy low interest rates fixed for the length of the loan.
For more information, contact one of the Community Investment Corporation's loan officers:
Or visit SBA 504 Loans – Community Investment Corporation (ciclending.com).
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Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan | |
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The Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program is a good option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for:
- Short- and long-term working capital
- Refinancing current business debt
- Purchasing and installation of machinery and equipment
- Purchasing furniture, fixtures, and supplies
The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business does to receive its income, its credit history, and where the business operates. Need help in determining if a 7a loan is right for you? Register for CTSBDC free services at Request Business Advising | Connecticut Small Business Development Center (uconn.edu)
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CT DEEP Beverage Container Recycling Grant | |
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The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Beverage Container Recycling (a.k.a. Bottle Bill) grant program enables start-up and already formed small businesses to establish a bottle redemption center on-site of their business. Grants are intended for new redemption centers that must be located in urban centers and environmental justice communities.
- Amounts: There is no cap on the amount for individual grant awards.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 31st.
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For eligibility requirements, to learn more about the program, and to apply, visit: portal.ct.gov/DEEP.
The beverage container recycling grant program prioritizes funding for new beverage container redemption centers that are located in communities that lack reliable and convenient access to beverage container redemption locations.
While this grant program is dedicated to the development of new redemption centers, DEEP recognizes there is a need to ensure that existing facilities will also be able to manage an increased bottle redemption market by 2024. Therefore, DEEP will consider funding grant requests from existing redemption centers that are located in urban centers and environmental justice communities for infrastructure and new technology investments to the extent that there is available funding once the priority for new facilities is met.
Please send all correspondence and applications via email in PDF format to DEEP.RecyclingProgram@ct.gov.
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Women's Business Development Center Launch Pad Grant Program | |
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The Women’s Business Development Council's Launch Pad Grant Program offers newly established businesses the opportunity to receive a $2,500 grant to put toward start-up costs. The grant funds cannot be used towards payroll/to pay yourself, real estate improvements (e.g. construction costs), reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment.
To be eligible, you must:
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Complete one of the following WBDC courses: GPS, BCC, or Marketing Fundamentals, attend 80% of the classes, and submit the course deliverable
- Complete the Launch Pad application
Your business must:
- Have been in business for less than two years
- Be 51% or more woman owned
- Be headquartered in CT, and owned by a CT resident
- Have a business checking account or a separate account for the business
- Be a for-profit business
- Be owned by a woman at least 18 years old
Please note that, if you have more than one business, you may apply for a Launch Pad Grant for only one of your businesses.
The following businesses are not eligible:
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Childcare businesses. If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you. Visit their Child Care Business Funding page to learn more or reach out to WBDC at childcarebusiness@ctwbdc.org
- Any individual or business who has already received a Launch Pad Grant from WBDC
- Non-profit organizations
- Current vendors or contractors; former vendors are eligible to apply a year after working with WBDC
- Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale
For more information on the Launch Pad Grant Program, click here.
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CT Office of the Arts Grant ~ Artist Respond | | |
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Artists Respond Grants
Due: Wednesday, October 25th at 11:59 pm
The Artists Respond grant program awards funds to Connecticut artists for community-based art projects.
Connecticut artists may apply for a grant of $3,000 to support artist fees and project related expenses.
Learn More and Apply
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City of Groton Parks and Recreation Department Encourages Local Businesses to Participate in Trunk or Treat | |
The Day Local Eats section | |
IRS Stops New Employee Retention Credit to Protect Taxpayers From Scams | |
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Moratorium on processing of new claims through year’s end will allow the IRS to add more safeguards to prevent future abuse, and protect businesses from predatory tactics; the IRS will work with the Justice Department to pursue fraud fueled by aggressive marketing
Amid rising concerns about a flood of improper Employee Retention Credit claims, the Internal Revenue Service announced an immediate moratorium through at least the end of the year on processing new claims for the pandemic-era relief program to protect honest small business owners from scams.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel ordered the immediate moratorium, beginning September 14 to run through at least December 31 following growing concerns inside the tax agency, from tax professionals as well as media reports that a substantial share of new claims from the aging program are ineligible and increasingly putting businesses at financial risk by being pressured and scammed by aggressive promoters and marketing.
The federal agency recommends a trusted tax professional who actually understands the complex ERC rules, not a promoter or marketer. Taxpayers are encouraged to review IRS guidance and tools for helping determine ERC eligibility, including frequently asked questions and a new question-and-answer guide released to help businesses understand if they are actually eligible for the credit.
Warning flags to watch out for; help properly claiming the ERC
The IRS has a list of red flags to watch out for aggressive marketing and questionable ERC claims. In addition, the IRS is finalizing details that will be available soon for a special withdrawal option for those who have filed an ERC claim but the claim has not been processed. This option — which can be used by taxpayers whose claim hasn’t yet been paid — will allow the taxpayers, many of them small businesses who were misled by promoters, to avoid possible repayment issues and paying promoters contingency fees.
Filers of these more than 600,000 claims awaiting processing will have this option available. Those who have willfully filed fraudulent claims or conspired to do so should be aware, however, that withdrawing a fraudulent claim will not exempt them from potential criminal investigation and prosecution.
The IRS Criminal Investigation Division has detected potential pandemic-related fraud amounting to over $8 billion.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigates a variety of COVID-19 fraud allegations ranging from fraudulently obtained employee refund tax credits to falsified Paycheck Protection Program loans. To date, IRS-CI has uncovered suspected pandemic fraud totaling more than $8 billion.
To report ERC abuse, submit Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers
People should mail or fax a completed Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers PDF, and any supporting materials to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations. If you are not able to download it, please upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Reader for Windows®, Mac, or Linux® by visiting here.
Mail: Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center Stop MS5040 24000 Avila Road Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405
Fax: 877-477-9135
For more information, please visit irs.gov/ERC
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Resources for Connecticut Employers | |
American 250 | CT Commission | |
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In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. It is an opportunity for reflection on the ideals of the founders of the nation, but also a time to consider the path forward in expanding our realization of those ideals today.
In the spirit of participatory democracy, it is the vision of the America 250 | CT Commission that rather than planning one single commemorative event, we are encouraging organizations and individuals around the state to make meaning of this anniversary in their own way.
Visit ct250.org for resources, local contacts, sign up for mailing list and more!
To get started in planning in your community, the Commission has provided CT Themes and Guiding Values.
The America 250 | CT Commission is administered by CT Humanities. To learn more, visit cthumanities.org.
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Calendar of Regional Events (CORE) | |
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CORE (Calendar of Regional Events) is a free resource available to help promote upcoming events. This public-fed calendar includes all types of events, and is utilized by the regional community including the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition, SECTER, Electric Boat and Pfizer employees, and more. Create a login to upload events.
For more information please visit Regional Events - ChamberECT
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Groton Explore More ~ Doing Business in Groton
Filing a Trade Name Certificate
When conducting business under a business name in Groton CT business owners must file a Trade Name Certificate with the Town of Groton Clerk's Office located at 45 Fort Hill Road. There is a $10 fee.
Doing Business in Groton Resource Guide
Download the Doing Business in Groton Resource Guide for more information on how to start and/or expand a business in Groton.
Establishing a Home-Based Businesses in the City of Groton
When establishing a home-based business in the City of Groton, business owners must complete a Home-Based Business Registration application with the City of Groton Building & Zoning Office.
As defined in the City of Groton Zoning Regulations, Home Based Businesses are subject to the following conditions:
- The home office or home occupation shall not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area or 50% of one floor of the dwelling unit, whichever is less.
- The home office or home occupation shall not change the exterior residential character of the dwelling in any visible manner and shall not have any outside storage or parking of commercial vehicles unless specifically approved by the Commission.
- The home office or home occupation shall be clearly incidental to the residential use.
- The home office or home occupation shall not offer, display or advertise any commodity or service for sale on the premises other than a sign permitted in accordance with Section 7.2, nor shall any materials or products be stored outside of a building.
- The home office or home occupation shall not create any noise, traffic, odor, vibrations, smoke, gas, fumes, radiation, electromagnetic interference or unsightly conditions noticeable off the lot.
- A home office or minor home occupation shall be restricted to those occupations that serve clients, patients, customers or patrons by appointment only and that no more than two clients, patients, customers or patrons would be on the premises at any given time.
- The number of on-site parking spaces shall not be increased for clients, patients, customers or patrons unless specifically approved by the Commission.
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Eastern CT | SCORE mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professional start, develop, and grow businesses. SCORE offers free and confidential mentoring along with low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools. | |
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Community Economic Development Fund
Provides loans to Connecticut small business owners, primarily in low-to-moderate income communities, who are not able to obtain traditional bank financing.
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Women's Business Development Council
WBDC is dedicated to providing the tools (WBDC Webinar Library + Grants) and resources to help women thrive in business. WBDC's eLearning Library provides easy access to take a class when the timing is right for you—at your pace, on your schedule. Gain knowledge and practical skills to keep you moving forward.
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Small Business Administration
Helps small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream of owning a business. SBA provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
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Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Businesses are looking for ways to grow post-pandemic. CTSBDC Business Advisors can work with you to start, build, and expand your business - from reworking your business and marketing plan to financing strategies. If you are a registered client with CTSBDC, please reach out to your advisor today. Not a client? Get started now and receive assistance at this critical time.
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CT Business/ CT.gov
Provides checklists, tools and licenses for doing business in Connecticut with a powerful customized checklist tool will guide you through starting a new business in Connecticut.
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