Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
- Ecosystem Overview
  CT’s entrepreneurs and the organizations supporting them.
- CT Facts and Figures
  Data and ratings supporting CT’s dynamic growth in tech, entrepreneurism and innovation.
- Entrepreneur Success Stories
  Startups and early-stage businesses thriving in CT.
- Key Industry Profiles
  Background on CT’s hottest technology, business and innovation sectors.
- Entrepreneur Support Organizations
  The dynamic network of government, educational and non-profit organizations supporting entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Innovation Places
  CTNext’s ambitious program promotes growth and ecosystem expansion in four CT cities.
- Mentoring
  CT’s entrepreneurs now have access to expert and experienced counsel, thanks to a growing number of mentoring sources.
- Higher Education
  How CT’s colleges and universities are driving CT’s new business development and entrepreneurial culture.
- Capital
  CT is home to many public and private sources for capital investment in evolving innovation-based businesses.
- CTStartup – Podcast
  A podcast for and about Connecticut’s entrepreneurs
Find Programs + Resources
- Starting Your Company
  Are you just beginning to transform your ideas into a business? Find programs and services that can help here.
- Building Your Company
  Your company is launched – do you need expert advice mapping out the road ahead? Find help here.
- Scaling Your Company
  It’s time to attract investors, employees, and customers – find more info about capital, guidance, and workforce assistance here.
- CTNext Programs
  Programs and resources to help entrepreneurs, startups, and early-stage companies find the assistance they need to move forward.
- Innovation Places
  CTNext’s ambitious program promotes growth and ecosystem expansion in four CT cities.
- Mentor Network
  CTNext’s network of experienced mentors includes serial entrepreneurs, angel investors, experts in corporate finance, marketing, operations and more.
- Higher Education Initiative
  An ongoing program to fund and assist initiatives supporting research and tech transfer, workforce development and entrepreneurial education.
- Proof-of-Concept Initiative
  A joint CI/CTNext program offering select companies investment financing for proof-of-concept initiatives
- CTNext Partners
  Ecosystem organizations working closely with CTNext to provide programs and resources such as mentoring, accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces and more.
- Member Directory
  A searchable database with contact and profile info for 3000+ CT companies – member access only.
- Member Registration
  A free, quick sign-up process will give your company access to all CTNext programs and resources.
- Resource Wizard
  A searchable database of CT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, available to CTNext members.
- COVID-19 Support
  Content and links that can help you find ideas and support during the ongoing crisis.
- Governor’s Innovation Fellowship
  The GIF helps top graduating students find positions in innovative CT companies, develop business skills, and engage with the community.
About Us
- What is CTNext?
  Our mission, and how we can help your company or organization succeed.
- Our Team
  Meet our leadership and staff.
- Governance
  Our Board of Directors, agendas and minutes of all board and Higher Ed committee meetings.
- News
  Releases and announcements.
- Jobs and RFP Postings
  Employment opportunities at CTNext, and any open Requests for Proposals/Information.
- Events Calendar
  Events of interest to CTNext members and ecosystem participants, including CTNext, Partner, and Higher Ed partner events.
- Contact Us
  Email, phone, social media links.

CTNext Programs

Programs and resources to help entrepreneurs, startups, and early-stage companies find the assistance they need to move forward.

Innovation Places

CTNext’s Innovation Places program is the state’s most ambitious effort to catalyze technological innovation that leads to economic growth.

Higher Education Initiative

Entrepreneurship, tech transfer, workforce development and retention - the driving force behind much of Connecticut's tech growth is higher education.

CTNext Partners

CTNext Partners provides funding for programs designed to help entrepreneurs grow businesses, jobs, and revenues in Connecticut. Find out how your organization can qualify for a grant up to $100,000.

Proof-of-Concept Initiative

A CI/CTNext initiative offering financing for companies looking for proof-of-concept funding.

Entrepreneur Innovation Awards

The Entrepreneur Innovation Awards (EIA) help find promising and innovative startups and provide cash to help them move their ideas to the next level.

Mentor Network

CTNext’s network of experienced mentors includes serial entrepreneurs, angel investors, experts in corporate finance, marketing, operations and more.

Small Business Innovation Research Training

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Acceleration and Commercialization program is to increase the participation of Connecticut-based firms in federal SBIR and STTR grant programs.

The Technology Talent Bridge (TTB) internship program is a grant opportunity for Connecticut small businesses to provide funding for the hire of student interns. The program aims to develop a talent “bridge” between the small business and the student, to ultimately create jobs.

Growth Company Grants

The Growth Company Grants program provides funding for Connecticut early-stage companies that have achieved some success to help them move to the next level, specifically offering support for strategic projects and customer acquisition.

Crowdfunding

Did you know that entrepreneurs and companies have raised more than $34 billion and created 270,000 jobs around the world because of crowdfunding?

Angel Tax Credit

Connecticut Innovations administers the Angel Investor Tax Credit Program, which allows angels an opportunity to receive a tax credit by investing in a qualified Connecticut business.

Governor’s Innovation Fellowship

The GIF helps top graduating students find positions in innovative CT companies, develop business skills, and engage with the community.

Explore the Entrepeneurial Ecosystem

Connecticut is home to a network of resources and supports for entrepreneurs—the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Ecosystem Overview

Entrepeneurial Ecosystem