Connecticut has created a business-friendly environment that attracts investment, spurs job  growth and helps industries become more competitive in the ever-changing global marketplace. Europe is the leading destination for the state’s export commodities, and the UK is consistently among the state’s top 10 trading partners. Examples of UK firms operating in Connecticut include GKN, Diageo and Smiths Group. Connecticut offers foreign-owned companies a variety of advantages.

STRATEGIC LOCATION

Connecticut is a great place to start or grow a business. The state is at the centre of the north eastern seaboard with Boston to the north and New York City to the south. Connecticut is within a 500-mile radius of one-third of US customers and two-thirds of Canada’s. Here in the heart of America’s business corridor, you will have ready access to major markets, financial centres and universities, as well as hundreds of prospective suppliers and business partners. Connecticut has one of the highest percentages of corporate and divisional headquarters, with 15 Fortune 500 companies that call Connecticut home. Connecticut’s strategic location is your competitive advantage.

A MODERN TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

In Connecticut, the world is at your fingertips. Connecticut has a modern, comprehensive transportation network of airports, ports, railways and roads that make trade profitable and business and recreation travel a pleasure. Our rapidly expanding Bradley International Airport jets you to destinations across the country and around the world, and the state is advancing its investment in mass transit, rail service, high-speed busways and road building. Long Island Sound ports link with our rail lines and highways to distribute goods throughout the north eastern US and Canada, and our east coast location makes it easy to do business with Europe. Interstate motorways make the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Massport less than a two-hour drive from most Connecticut points.

DYNAMIC, HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE

The best and the brightest is an apt way to describe Connecticut’s workers. Connecticut boasts 42 colleges and universities. Our world-class research institutions turn out highly educated workers and entrepreneurs. Employee productivity is at an all-time high, with output per worker more than 33% above the national average, which ranks Connecticut 4th among the states. The state has a highly educated workforce with the number of adults holding advanced degrees ranking 3rd in the nation. Connecticut ranks 5th in the number of scientists and engineers in the workforce. Connecticut is a leader in patents, ranked 7th in the US, and Connecticut is ranked as the 4th most innovative state. Superior education and training will guarantee that you will get work done here and get it done right.

CONCIERGE SERVICE

Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) acts as the point of contact to help businesses access the wide array of technical assistance and financial resources available to help start and grow in the state. From project inception to completion, Connecticut can provide site selection assistance, streamlined registration and licensing processes, fast-track permitting, technical and job training, lean manufacturing, plant  layout, engineering assistance, business counselling services, public and private strategic partnerships, in addition to financial incentives and tax credits.

INCENTIVES FOR GROWTH

Connecticut offers customised incentive packages to help businesses strengthen their competitive edge and support growth and job creation. This includes direct financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans with flexible rates and terms, incentives for large scale projects, grants, debt and equity financing, early-stage funding, as well as access to local and regional revolving loan funds. Numerous tax credits, tax exemptions and tax abatements are available at the state level, while municipalities may offer property tax incentives.

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITY

Foreign-controlled companies employ more than 100,200 Connecticut workers. Foreign investment in Connecticut was responsible for more than 7% of the state’s total private industry employment. Connecticut ranks 4th per capita in the total number of jobs at US subsidiaries. Connecticut is also a leading export state, ranking 18th in per capita exports. Europe is the leading destination for the state’s export commodities. Aircraft, spacecraft and parts thereof lead Connecticut’s commodity exports. The state regularly showcases its aerospace assets at the Farnborough and Paris Air Shows.