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 trade 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.

DYNAMIC, HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE
The best and the brightest is an apt way to describe Connecticut’s workers. Connecticut boasts over 45 colleges and universities. Our world-class research institutions turn out highly educated workers and entrepreneurs. Connecticut’s
workers are among the most productive in the world, ranking 4th among the states. The state has a highly educated
workforce, ranking 3rd with an adult population with advanced degrees. Connecticut ranks 5th in the number of scientists and engineers in the workforce, 8th as a leader in patents, and 4th as the most innovative state. Superior education and training will guarantee that you will get work done here and get it done right.

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 highways make the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Massport less than a two-hour drive from most Connecticut points.

CONCIERGE SERVICE
Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) acts as the one 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 fi nancial 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. These include 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 state level, while municipalities may offer property tax incentives.

MAJOR INDUSTRY SECTORS
Research and development and technology output are areas that the state is consistently ranked above others.

Connecticut is home to vibrant industries such as:

• Biotechnology and Life Sciences
• Aerospace & Defence
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Renewable and Alternative Energy
• Insurance and Financial Services
• Film and Digital Media