Al Paolillo

This week is National Small Business Week! Throughout this session, we have continued to support Connecticut’s small businesses by passing bills that provide them with the necessary tools and resources they need to succeed.

On Wednesday, we passed legislation that would establish a small business hotline at the Department of Economic and Community Development where businesses will be able to get the guidance they are looking for on state programs and funding opportunities – all from a live voice.

House Bill 5584 would further require the state Department of Economic and Community Development to staff the hotline Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotline will provide information on starting and fostering small companies, and other services including networking opportunities and financial assistance resources.

H.B. 5584 has received the support of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), the state’s largest business group.

I am proud to have voted for this bill and will continue to support small businesses in Connecticut.