Connecticut economic development authorities are pressing registration for their four final workshops for updating businesses about various state financial and information resources aimed at promoting job development.
Operating under the “Reinvent Connecticut” banner, state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) officials will be at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport on Thursday; the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden on Monday; the Matrix Corporate Center in Danbury on Jan. 12; and the Branford Community House on Jan. 19.
DECD has scheduled two webinars for those that cannot attend the final workshops. Those will be held Jan. 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. and Jan. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. Those interested in attending the remaining sessions should register in advance or call 800-392-2122 for more information.
Participants will learn about the recent jobs legislation, as well as existing programs to assist Connecticut businesses. Key provisions of the recently passed Jobs Bill include:
• Small Business Express Program provides $100 million to help Connecticut’s small businesses access much-needed capital.
• Job Expansion Tax Credit program provides a tax credit $500 per month for each new employee or $900 per month for certain employees if they are disabled, unemployed or a veteran.
• First Five program was expanded so DECD can provide state assistance to five additional business development projects, for a total of 10, in 2012.
• The Connecticut Airport Authority can establish additional airport development zones, similar to the zone near Bradley International Airport, around the state’s smaller airports. Businesses within these zones can be eligible for property tax exemptions and corporation business tax credits.
• Manufacturing Reinvestment Account program was expanded to help even more small manufacturers in Connecticut invest more in their businesses.
• Subsidized Training & Employment Program will provide funding to small businesses and small manufacturers for a portion of a worker’s employment costs, including training.
• Increases by a total of up to $340 million in bonding for the state’s Manufacturing Assistance Act.
• Business entity tax now is collected every other year, rather than annually. This lowers the cost of doing business in Connecticut.
