CT BUSINESSES

Connecticut Needs to Be More Friendly to Small Businesses

26 June 2024

By Marissa Peterson


Connecticut ranks among the least favorable states for small businesses, posing significant challenges for entrepreneurs. Nearly half of the state’s workforce is employed by small businesses, which are crucial to the economy and community spirit.

As a member of a family-owned ice cream business in Torrington, I’ve seen firsthand how small enterprises enhance community inclusivity. However, rising costs of ingredients and labor, alongside high taxes, make it difficult to maintain competitiveness. The burden of property and corporate income taxes further strains our finances.


The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these struggles, revealing the need for better support systems for small businesses in Connecticut. Solutions such as simplifying the tax code, creating incentives for local sourcing, and offering low-interest loans could significantly alleviate these pressures.


Connecticut must recognize and address the specific needs of small businesses to foster a more inclusive and prosperous economy. For a deeper dive into these challenges and proposed solutions, read the full article here.

Connecticut Updates Cannabis Laws: What Businesses Need to Know

3 August 2026
Connecticut has passed one of the biggest updates to its cannabis laws since legalization, bringing significant changes for cannabis operators, hemp businesses, retailers, investors, and infused beverage manufacturers. The new legislation expands opportunities in the industry while introducing stricter compliance requirements that many businesses will need to prepare for.
Rocky shoreline with a gravel path, wooden fence, and lush green trees on a cloudy day

Popular Connecticut Family Attraction Reopens After Devastating Flood

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After months of rebuilding, the owners have welcomed visitors back with restored attractions while maintaining the same experience that made it a favorite before the flood
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If you operate a tennis court, pickleball complex, school facility, municipality, or sports complex, you already know one thing: cracks do not fix themselves. And once structural cracking begins, surface coatings alone will not stop it. That is where RiteWay Crack Repair separates itself from the rest of the industry.

Popular Wine Bar, Tapas Restaurant Closes In Norwalk After Nearly A Decade

22 February 2026
NORWALK, CT — A well-known local wine bar and tapas restaurant has permanently closed its doors in Norwalk after nearly ten years of operation at The Waypointe development. Barcelona Wine Bar, located at 515 West Avenue, served Norwalk residents and visitors from its Waypointe location until this past weekend, according to a company spokesperson.

Connecticut Residents Report Nearly Double the Scams in 2025, BBB Says

11 February 2026
CONNECTICUT — Residents in Connecticut filed nearly twice as many scam reports with the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker in 2025 compared to the previous year, with reported losses totaling about $2.6 million.

Connecticut’s Bob’s Discount Furniture Becomes Public Company After NYSE IPO

6 February 2026
MANCHESTER, CT — Connecticut-based furniture retailer Bob’s Discount Furniture has officially become a publicly traded company following its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month, marking a major milestone for the brand and its continued expansion.

Will Connecticut Pass AI Legislation This Year?

1 February 2026
HARTFORD, CT — As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into business and daily life, Connecticut lawmakers are once again debating whether to enact state-level legislation to govern its use and impacts.
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