Norwalk bolsters small business support with new resource office

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Economic Development Director Elizabeth Stocker have announced the creation of a new small business resource office to provide resources for prospective and current small business owners.

According to Rilling, the new resource center will offer small business owners and entrepreneurs guidance and assistance with business planning and is a supplemental part of the city”™s broader Economic Development Action Plan developed earlier this year to promote the growth of local businesses.

The new resource office was created in partnership with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, which maintains 35 offices throughout the state as well as several locations in Fairfield County including Bridgeport, Stamford and Westport.

The new office, located in room 100 at Norwalk City Hall, will be staffed  by SBDC small business advisor Anthony Peters, one of 13 advisers that provide assistance through the SBDC.

“We assist small business and entrepreneurs to help them grow and start their business,” said Jodi Coombs, SBDC marketing and communications manager. “Within the industry, we help seek access to capital for most of our clients, that is one of our largest requested services. In fiscal year 2015, we helped to  access over $40 million in capital.”

In addition the new office will provide assistance with market research, marketing plans, financing, growth strategies and exporting ”” all at no cost and confidential, Coombs said.

The office is open to residents of Norwalk and the surrounding region on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment.