Rep. Vail Applauds Sec. Merrill’s Business Development Program; Aimed to Help Connecticut Veterans

(Hartford, CT) – Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today announced an initiative aimed at helping connect business development resources with businesses owners who are women, military veterans, minorities, and/or persons with disabilities.

An optional online survey will now be offered when owners of Connecticut-based entities form, or submit an annual filing for, their business through the Secretary of the State’s online business portal. The survey asks whether owners of 51% or more of the business self-identify as a woman, a minority, a military veteran, or a person with a disability. The survey is optional and declining to participate does not affect the services received by the Office of the Secretary of the State.

“This is a proactive initiative that will help grow our military and veteran-owned businesses in Connecticut,” said State Representative Kurt Vail, the leading House Republican on the legislature’s Veteran’s Affairs Committee. “I encourage participation because this can only be seen as a win-win for both businesses and veterans.”

This initiative will compile lists of businesses with owners who may be eligible for business development resources through Connecticut’s DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development) as well as federal programs. The demographics highlighted in the survey are consistent with statewide economic development program initiatives.

“It is absolutely vital that we provide every resource to business owners who come from traditionally underrepresented and disadvantaged demographics, and ensure that those resources are being used to their fullest potential. I see this as an important opportunity to keep Main Street businesses thriving, and hope business owners will complete the survey so we can help them take advantage of these readily available opportunities.”

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