Resources
Built for Connecticut Manufacturers
Whether you’re seeking workforce development, funding, business growth support, or regional partnerships, the resource hub connects you to the people and programs driving manufacturing forward.
Resources
Built for Connecticut Manufacturers
Whether you’re seeking workforce development, funding, business growth support, or regional partnerships, the resource hub connects you to the people and programs driving manufacturing forward.
Start Accessing Manufacturing Resources Today!
Use the curated list of CT-based organizations below that work closely with manufacturers in Southwest Connecticut.
Additionally, explore the useful resources assembled by our partners at ReadyCT where you’ll find support organizations, a directory of manufacturers, area schools with manufacturing programs, and more at MFG Skills-CT
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | WEBSITE URL | TAGS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdvanceCT | Helps companies expand, relocate, and invest in Connecticut through site-selection assistance, business connections, workforce support, incentives, and industry research. | https://www.advancect.org/ | Business Growth, Site Selection, State Incentives, Economic Development | |
| Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) | Supports business growth in the Greater Bridgeport region through advocacy, networking, economic development, workforce initiatives, and connections to regional resources. | https://www.brbc.org/ | Advocacy, Business Growth, Economic Development, Networking | |
| Budderfly | Helps manufacturers reduce energy use and costs through energy-efficient equipment, smart technology, monitoring, and ongoing facility management. | https://www.budderfly.com/ | Energy Efficiency, Cost Savings, Sustainability, Facility Upgrades | |
| CONN-OSHA Consultation Services | Provides workplace safety consultations covering industrial hygiene, ergonomics, hazard prevention, and injury and illness prevention. | https://portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/conn-osha/consultation-services | Workplace Safety, OSHA Compliance, Industrial Hygiene, Risk Reduction | |
| Connecticut Business & Industry Association | CBIA provides advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities to help manufacturers navigate regulatory environments, access training programs, and stay informed about industry developments. | https://www.cbia.com/ | Advocacy, Consulting, Human Resources Support, Networking, Training | |
| Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) | Helps manufacturers evaluate and adopt advanced technologies through applied engineering, hands-on training, technical assistance, and grant programs. | https://www.ccat.us/ | Advanced Technology, Grant Management, Internship Programs, Technical Assistance, Workforce Development | |
| Connecticut Department of Labor Rapid Response Unit | The Rapid Response Unit reaches out to employers who are experiencing large layoffs or plant closings to offer layoff transition support. Connecting dislocated workers with job openings is key to that effort. | https://portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/rapid-response | Layoffs, Plant Closing, Workforce Support | |
| Connecticut Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship Training | Helps manufacturers establish customized Registered Apprenticeship programs to recruit, train, and retain skilled workers. | https://portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/apprenticeships | Apprenticeships, Talent Development, Workforce Training, Employee Retention | |
| Connecticut Green Bank – C-PACE | Offers long-term financing for eligible energy-efficiency, renewable-energy, and resiliency improvements to manufacturing and other commercial properties. | https://www.ctgreenbank.com/community-solutions/c-pace | Energy Financing, Facility Improvements, Renewable Energy, Sustainability | |
| Connecticut Innovations | Provides financing and business support to innovative, technology-driven companies with strong growth potential. | https://ctinnovations.com/ | Innovation, Venture Capital, Technology, Business Growth, Job Listing | |
| Connecticut Office of Manufacturing | Connects manufacturers with funding, workforce initiatives, supply-chain opportunities, and resources to help them start, grow, and succeed in Connecticut. | https://manufacturing.ct.gov/ | Funding, Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF Fund), State Resources, Supply Chain, Workforce Development | |
| Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) | Coordinates Connecticut’s statewide workforce strategy and investments, connecting businesses, educators, training providers, and workforce partners to build skilled talent pipelines. | https://portal.ct.gov/ows | Workforce Strategy, Funding, Career Pathways, Industry Partnerships | |
| Connecticut Tooling & Machining Association | CTMA offers networking opportunities, industry advocacy, and access to national resources to support the precision manufacturing community. | https://ct-ntma.org/ | Advocacy, Networking, State Resources | |
| CONNEX Connecticut | Helps manufacturers find new partners and business opportunities while strengthening supply chains statewide. | https://www.connstep.org/resources/connex-connecticut | Business Opportunities, Online Platform, Supplier Connections, Supply Chain | |
| CONNSTEP | CONNSTEP offers services in business growth strategies, continuous improvement, and workforce development to enhance competitiveness and profitability. | https://connstep.org/ | CONNEX Marketplace, Consulting, Cybersecurity, Grants, Supply Chain Support, Workforce Development | |
| CT APEX Accelerator | CT APEX has a mission to provide marketing and procurement assistance to Connecticut businesses interested in selling their goods or services to federal, state, or local governments. | https://ctapex.org/ | Government Contracts, Procurement | |
| CT State Advanced Manufacturing Programs | Provides hands-on manufacturing education, customized workforce training, certificates, and degree programs at locations across Connecticut. | https://ctstate.edu/manufacturing | Manufacturing Training, Customized Training, Certificates, Workforce Development | |
| EnergizeCT – Manufacturing Resources | Helps manufacturers reduce energy costs through efficiency programs, financial incentives, technical support, and financing options. | https://www.energizect.com/resources-for/manufacturing | Energy Efficiency, Incentives, Cost Savings, Financing | |
| Fairfield University – School of Engineering and Computing | Partners with manufacturers on senior design projects, internships, recruiting, applied research, and engineering solutions to real-world business challenges. | Industry and Experiential Learning Ilhan Akbil, Director of Industry Relations | Engineering, Internships, Senior Design Projects, University Partnerships | |
| FORGE Connecticut | Connects manufacturers and suppliers with startups developing physical products, creating opportunities for product development and new business. | https://forgeimpact.org/locations/connecticut/ | Product Development, Startup Connections, Supplier Connections, Manufacturing Partnerships | |
| MATCH – Manufacturing and Technical Community Hub | Provides hands-on manufacturing training and works with employers to prepare candidates using the skills and production requirements their businesses need. | https://matchct.org/contract-manufacturing/ | Manufacturing Training, Employer Partnerships, Talent Pipeline, Contract Manufacturing | |
| ManufactureCT | ManufactureCT offers education programs, networking events, and legislative advocacy to strengthen the manufacturing sector. | https://manufacturect.org/ | Advocacy, Education, Networking | |
| MFG Skills-CT | Connects K–12 educators and manufacturers to strengthen career pathways and introduce students and families to manufacturing careers, programs, tools, research, and resources across Connecticut. | https://mfgskillsct.com/ | K-12 Education, Connecticut Manufacturers, Manufacturing Career Pathways, Industry Resources | |
| ReadyCT | Connects educators and employers to expand career-connected learning and introduce K–12 students to manufacturing and other in-demand careers. | https://readyct.org/ | K-12 Education, Career Awareness, Employer Partnerships, Robotics, Skills Training, Work-Based Learning | |
| Sacred Heart University – Jack Welch College of Business & Technology | Connects businesses with engineering, technology, and business students through strategic partnerships, experiential learning, recruiting, and applied projects. | Strategic Partnerships Bill Haug, 203-365-4836 | Engineering, Experiential Learning, Recruiting, University Partnerships | |
| SCORE Connecticut | Provides mentoring, workshops, and business guidance for small businesses and emerging manufacturers. | https://www.score.org/ct/ | Business Mentoring, Small Business, Workshops, Startup Assistance | |
| Small Business Administration (SBA) of Connecticut | Connects businesses with counseling, capital, government-contracting assistance, and resources to help them start and grow. | https://www.sba.gov/ | Consulting, Funding, Government Contracts, Loans | |
| Small Business Development Centers (CTSBDC) | Provides confidential business advising to help Connecticut businesses start, grow, access capital, and overcome challenges. | https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc | Business Advising, Access to Capital, Growth Support, Startup Assistance | |
| Small Manufacturers Association of Connecticut | SMA provides communication platforms, educational resources, collaboration opportunities, and advocacy to help small manufacturers thrive and grow. | https://sma-ct.com/ | Advocacy, Networking, Training | |
| Southwest Connecticut Manufacturing Partnership (SWCMP) | A manufacturer-led network that connects Southwest Connecticut manufacturers with each other and with workforce, education, funding, and business resources. | https://ctmakesit.org/ | Manufacturer Network, Resource Connections, Workforce Development, Industry Partnerships | |
| The WorkPlace | Connects Southwest Connecticut manufacturers with recruiting assistance, workforce training, incumbent-worker programs, and funding opportunities to develop skilled talent. | https://www.workplace.org/ | Recruiting, Training Funding, Workforce Development, Incumbent Worker Training | |
| University of Bridgeport | Connects businesses with engineering and technology students through recruiting, internships, workforce partnerships, and other career-development opportunities. | https://www.bridgeport.edu/heckman/career-development/ | Engineering Education, Internships, Recruiting, University Partnerships | |
| University of Connecticut – Advanced Manufacturing and Industry Partnerships | Connects manufacturers with advanced research, specialized facilities, faculty expertise, student talent, and industry collaborations in areas including automation, additive manufacturing, materials, cybersecurity, and precision engineering. | Michael DiDonato, Business Development Manager, UConn Tech Park, 203-671-8719 | Advanced Manufacturing, Applied Research, Technology, University Partnerships | |
| UConn Tech Park – Innovation Partnership Building | Connects companies with advanced equipment, university researchers, technical expertise, and collaborative research opportunities. | https://techpark.uconn.edu/ | Research and Development, Advanced Technology, University Partnerships, Innovation | |
| U.S. Commercial Service – Connecticut | Helps Connecticut manufacturers enter and expand into international markets through export counseling, market research, and connections to global partners. | https://www.trade.gov/connecticut-middletown | Exporting, International Markets, Market Research, Business Growth | |
RESOURCES BY CATEGORY | ||||
| Associations, Advocacy & Networking | Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC); CBIA; Connecticut Tooling & Machining Association; ManufactureCT; Small Manufacturers Association of Connecticut; Southwest CT Manufacturing Partnership | |||
| Business Growth & Funding | AdvanceCT; Connecticut Innovations; Connecticut Office of Manufacturing; SBA; SCORE Connecticut; CTSBDC | |||
| Education & Career Pathways | MFG Skills-CT; ReadyCT | |||
| Energy & Facility Improvements | Budderfly; Connecticut Green Bank – C-PACE; EnergizeCT | |||
| Supply Chain, Sales & New Markets | CONNEX Connecticut; CT APEX Accelerator; FORGE Connecticut; U.S. Commercial Service – Connecticut | |||
| Technology & Operational Improvement | CCAT; CONNSTEP; UConn Tech Park | |||
| Workforce & Training | CT Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship Training; CT Department of Labor – Rapid Response; CT Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS); CT State Advanced Manufacturing Programs; Fairfield University; MATCH; Sacred Heart; UCONN; University of Bridgeport; The WorkPlace | |||
| Workplace Safety | CONN-OSHA Consultation Services |
