The business services division is an office under the office of the secretary of the state. The section is tasked with handling all business-related activities within the city as well as providing commercial support services to corporations and individuals starting or already running businesses here. One of the functions of the office is to provide current and comprehensive information to business owners and employers. It also offers start-up guides on how to set up and operate a business in any of its cities. 

Functions of the Business Division

There are several roles the division plays in maintaining commercial activities in the county. They include:

• Business services support
• All business filings
• Filing of annual reports
• Registration of business
• Verification or issuance of a Certificate
• Filing a UCC Lien
• Update of Details
• Updating NAICS Code
• Managing licenses and permits
• Business Assistance
• Small business support
• Permit and environmental support
• Agricultural business assistance
• Fraud alerts

Services provided

The office provides the following services depending on the nature of the entity and the type of service. Most of the services can be accessed online via their website, or through phone calls. 

Filings

Owners of business entities legally registered can apply to file their businesses. 

Search

Individuals or corporations can search the database for information on any business entity legally operating here. All such a person require is an entity name or number. 

Start-up and Running

This includes all activities from setting up a business, managing employees, and maintaining tax obligations, to the filing of financial and annual reports. 

• Start your business

For new individuals setting up a company for the first time, they offer concrete information on how to start. This covers how to create a business plan, decide on the legal structure to use, and information on potential customers and competitors here in Connecticut. As a bonus, you may check out their new digital business assistant. This is a step-by-step process that guarantees a successful desirable start-up in no time. So much information is made available on the site for users to study and apply to their knowledge. 

• Running my business
• Managing my employees’ and employer obligations
• Administering all tax obligations
• Maintaining all registrations, permits, and credentials
• Secure a loan or grant

Employers

The following services apply to employers and business owners only. 

Licenses and Permits

Licenses are required to keep the business running. To manage them, all business owners have to go to licensing and permits, click on the arrow forward in dark blue and fill out the details required. 

Registering new employees

When an employer makes a new hire, he or she has to register the employee with the division. Corporations can register their workers on the site but simply clicking on the Get employee registration. 

Updating a business info

Whenever there is an update in a business such as a change of business name, address, or maybe owner, this has to be updated with the office. This can easily be carried out online without having to visit the office in person. 

Taxes and forms

It is important to stay current on all business tax needs. Filing for tax returns at the right time and information on changes to the tax policy can be obtained here. 

Business Resources

• Business tax support
• Tax guides
• IRS small business tax center
• Small business administration, etc.

Tools Available for use

The following business tools are available for use

Business records search

This can be easily accessed on the site without stress, provided one has the entity number or name. 

Business Assistance

You may contact any of the following for assistance or specific services.

Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS): for construction, crane operators, fire codes, small businesses, etc.

Department of Agriculture (DoAG): for Dairy, livestock and poultry, agricultural, and pet licenses, etc.

Dept. of Consumer Protection (DCP)

Contact information

Address: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5, Hartford, CT 06103               

Phone: (860) 500-2415

Phone: (860) 500-2405

Website: https://business.ct.gov/)