Start Your Business Today in Groton

The Groton Economic Development team is available to assist both new and existing businesses in Groton – or if you are considering starting up a business enterprise, we’d love to help connect you to the resources you need.

Contact us by phone or e-mail, use the form at this link or stop by our offices at 134 Groton Long Point Road.

Doing Business in Groton: Resource Guide

This resource has been developed to help prospective business owners start a business in Groton. This guide has been organized in such a way to assist you through the process from inception of your idea to start or expand a business all the way to the ribbon cutting celebration to announce your opening.
Download the Guide

Filing a Trade Name Certificate

Filing a Trade Name Certificate with the Town is required if you are conducting business under a business name. The form can be completed in the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall at 45 Fort Hill Road; there is a $10.00 fee.

State of Connecticut Business Licensing and Registration

If you are starting a business in Connecticut, begin by going to business.ct.gov - all of the relevant information can be found there.

Registration with the State of Connecticut is required if you are conducting business in the state. The following resources provide details regarding state registration and licensing requirements:

Starting a Home-Based Business

Home-based businesses are permitted accessory uses in residential dwellings, regulated according to business intensity as defined in the Town of Groton Zoning Regulations. The applicable section can be found here. To get started with filing an Administrative Site Plan Application or other applicable permit, go to Groton's Self Service Portal, or stop by the Planning Department at the Town Hall Annex weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Mentoring & Counseling

Remote business assistance is available from the following organizations:
Women's Business Development Council of Southeastern CT
Southeastern CT SCORE Chapter
CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) Business Assistance
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer)

Building a Digital Presence

The mentors listed above can advise you on improving your digital presence and capabilities. Here's an overview to get you started:
Digital Presence and Online Commerce

Finding a Location

Finding a site for your business in Groton is easy! Our economic development team is eager to help your business find space in Groton. Begin by taking a look at the available sites on our property listings pages:
Sites and Buildings for Lease
Sites and Buildings for Sale
Digital versions of applications and permits are available from our planning department.
For further assistance, give Paige Bronk, Economic and Community Development Manager a call at (860)448-4095 or email him at PBronk@groton-ct.gov.

Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region

seCTer is a public-private regional economic development agency, committed to providing assistance to regional entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. Visit the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer) website for more business resources.

DID YOU KNOW...?

The Southeastern CT Chapter of SCORE offers free business consultation at their local offices in New London and Mystic.

Quick Links

Additional free resources and consultation are available via the following:

Take a look at our events calendar for the latest free training for start-ups and small businesses.

New to the Groton Area?

Community Concierge is a free service to help newcomers get to know the area and meet new friends and colleagues. 

To learn more about Community Concierge, sign up here!