CT HB05375

Commissioner of Economic and Community Development must establish and operate a state-wide small business hotline by October 1, 2022, providing guidance on business formation, networking, financial assistance, infectious disease mitigation strategies including COVID-19, and best practices for operating during public health or civil preparedness emergencies.

Hotline must operate during normal business hours within available appropriations and may partner with a nonprofit organization to provide services.

Establishes an Office of Small Business Affairs within the Department of Economic and Community Development to aid small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.

Office of Small Business Affairs must administer the small business development center program, coordinate state and federal small business resources, maintain a web page listing all available small business resources, and provide guidance on infectious disease mitigation and emergency operating practices, updated quarterly.

Both the hotline and Office of Small Business Affairs must provide small businesses with guidance regarding COVID-19 mitigation strategies and best practices for operating during declared public health emergencies pursuant to section 19a-131a or civil preparedness emergencies pursuant to section 28-9.