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Starting a Small Business in Connecticut

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Connecticut Franchise Directory! Here, you'll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in the Constitution State. If you're considering starting a small business in Connecticut, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Connecticut Franchise Search Tool.

Connecticut Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Connecticut economy's most prominent industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue: $81.6 billion)
Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue: $68.4 billion)
Aircraft, Engine & Parts Manufacturing (Revenue: $52.7 billion)
Drug, Cosmetic & Toiletry Wholesaling (Revenue: $50.2 billion)
Property, Casualty & Direct Insurance (Revenue: $25.8 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $19.0 billion)
Colleges & Universities (Revenue: $18.0 billion)
E-commerce & Online Auctions (Revenue: $15.4 billion)
Portfolio Management (Revenue: $14.7 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $14.3 billion)

Connecticut Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Connecticut, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and creating more jobs.

The three sectors that contributed most to Connecticut's GDP in 2022 were Finance & Insurance; Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; and Manufacturing. Combined, these three sectors represented 41.6% of the state's GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Connecticut's GDP included:

Finance & Insurance (Value: $34.7 billion* | Annual growth: 0.5%)
Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing (Value: $32.1 billion* | Annual growth: -0.3%)
Manufacturing (Value: $27.4 billion* | Annual growth: -0.6%)
Healthcare and Social Assistance (Value: $21.1 billion* | Annual growth: 1.8%)
Information (Value: $20.7 billion* | Annual growth: 6.6%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $19.5 billion* | Annual growth: 3.4%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $13.5 billion* | Annual growth: 2.0%)
Retail Trade (Value: $13.2 billion* | Annual growth: 0.3%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $7.4 billion* | Annual growth: 5.5%)
Management of Companies & Enterprises (Value: $6.9 billion* | Annual growth: -0.2%)
Construction (Value: $5.7 billion* | Annual growth: 0.8%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $5.4 billion* | Annual growth: 5.4%)
Educational Services (Value: $5.1 billion* | Annual growth: -1.5%)
Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $4.4 billion* | Annual growth: -0.1%)
Other Services (except Public Administration (Value: $3.7 billion* | Annual growth: -2.2%)

*Approximately

Connecticut Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. Doing so lets you decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Connecticut included:

Fairfield (Population: 940,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Hartford (Population: 886,000 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
New Haven (Population: 848,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
New London (Population: 263,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
Litchfield (Population: 178,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
Middlesex (Population: 160,400 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
Tolland (Population: 150,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Windham (Population: 116,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Connecticut Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Connecticut economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in the Constitution State! Starting a small business in Connecticut is an exciting journey, and we know you're probably eager to get started. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you'll always have the "opportunity" to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called "Franchise Opportunities," and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Connecticut below!

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Lawn Pride

Lawn Pride, a Neighborly company, is a rapidly growing lawn care services franchise. With us, your path to business ownership can experience greener pastures

$50,000 Min Cash Required

PostalAnnex

Today's busy lifestyles demand the services PostalAnnex offers. Capitalize on this demand and open your own business After retiring from the printing business PostalAnnex founder Jack Lentz began working out of his home as a business consultant. He soon realized the need for mailing faxing copying shipping and other services to belong under one roof. As a result he created the first PostalAnnex store business franchise located next door to a post office in the University City neighborhood of San Diego CA. Our franchises serve a growing customer base of small and home-based businesses that lacks the resources our stores offer. Today's hectic lifestyle requires a one-stop service center for businesses that don't have an administrative assistant to take care of those daily errands. Saving our consumers time is what keeps them coming back. By being a local neighborhood business

$70,000 Min Cash Required

The UPS Store

Here at The UPS Store franchise, we know first-hand how important a healthy work-life balance is. When you become an owner of a The UPS Store, you are assisted with finding the right balance as you pursue your entrepreneurial aspirations and unique personal and financial goals.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

We Insure

Imagine owning an agency where you would love to work. Opportunities are now open for one of the fastest growing insurance brokerages in America. We Insure is a national insurance franchise where owners gain choice (multiple, top-rated carriers), speed, service, and value (a proven business model and peer community). If youre excited to own an agency with real support behind you, request more info and well walk you through the path of building your business and your legacy.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Proper Ecom

We build and manage Amazon stores for you. You bring the startup capital. We set up your store, add high-demand products, and handle everythinglistings, shipping, customer support, and growth. You own the store and keep the profits. We run the business behind the scenes for you.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

CartCapital - Subscription Based E-Commerce Store

Did you know you could partner with a company to build out your entire e-commerce store, from product research to inventory acquisition to marketing? Yep You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income when we build your e-commerce empire and money-making machine from the ground up All it takes is an upfront investment, and our team will do the rest. By this time next year, you could be sitting on a 7 figure empire. Request more information now

Starting a Small Business in Connecticut