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We promote and encourage the economic development of small businesses and organizations through Connecticut, and help establish, grow and develop small businesses in Hartford.
Who are you helping, and how?
Since 1975, HEDCO has provided low-cost loans and small business services to small businesses owned by women, minorities and other underserved community members all over Connecticut. Through our Business Resource Center, HEDCO offers no-cost resources, including business assessments, credit and financial counseling and educational workshops, training programs (such as OSHA training). We also provide incubator spaces with access to critical business equipment and services — like fax machines, printers, a receptionist, desks and meeting spaces — for small business owners who cannot afford an office while starting up.
Every year, HEDCO receives support from various funders, including foundations, government agencies, and both individual and corporate donors. The financial support we receive helps us provide indispensable resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state, as well as some non-profit organizations in the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s area. Through the support of last year’s donors, HEDCO was able to service more than 30 loans and assisted over 350 people through all of its provided resources, as well as its first-ever fundraising event.
Join us on Saturday, September 16, 2023, for ‘TAKE A BITE OUTTA HEDCO,’ a showcase of some small businesses that have received support from our organization throughout our memorable and consequential 48-year history! Attendees can sample and purchase an array of local foods and goods, as well as learn about what some of their neighboring small businesses have to offer. To learn more about this event, follow HEDCO on social media @hedcoinc And if you’re interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities or other ways to donate to the organization, call Cat Clark, HEDCO's business development grant writer, at 860-527-1301 (extension 215) or email her at catherinec@hedcoinc.com.
Many of our clients are discriminated against when they first reach out to other lending organizations, based on factors including their race, ethnicity, income status or business location. HEDCO prides itself on not judging a business (whether a start-up or long-standing) on these attributes. We let the facts guide our decision as to whether we believe someone should receive support from our organization, examining their business plans, projections and other materials. And if a business owner is just not quite there with their materials, we partner with them to prepare and offer the resources they need to succeed.
“I started out not wanting help; I wanted to be self-sufficient. I didn’t have peers to ask about starting a business and I needed a network. HEDCO taught me how to borrow, to get help, build a business and establish credit. I’m always thinking about how I can improve. I don’t think I’d be standing if HEDCO didn’t believe in us. I never had to explain when I needed a check. I never felt humiliated that I needed help.”
Sasa Harriott,
Harriott Home Health Services, Hartford
Year established: 1975
Annual revenues: $2,719,541
Total number of employees: 12
All of Connecticut’s 169 towns and cities, but with a focus on the Greater Hartford region.
• Other: 38%
• State and municipal funding: 30%
• Foundations: 20%
• Federal funding: 10%
• Individuals: 1%
• Corporations: 1%
207 Main Street, 4th Floor, Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 527-1301
Eric M. Bauer, Vice Chair
Bank of America
Marianne Stowell, Treasurer
Berkshire Bank
Wayne Benjamin, Assistant Treasurer
Georgetown Associates, LLC.
Edward J. Samorajczyk, Secretary
Robinson & Cole, LLP.
Paul Perakos, Assistant Secretary,
TD Bank
Julio Mendoza, Chair, Nominating Committee,
Spanish American Merchants Association
Ana Alfaro, Board Member
Eversource Energy
David M. Cabezas, Board Member
Patriot Bank, N.A.
Michael J. Casparino, Board Member
People’s United Bank
Donald Chapman, Board Member,
Rebuilding Together Hartford, Inc.
Dante Fazzina, Board Member
Salisbury Bank and Trust Company
Jeff Hubbard, Board Member,
Liberty Bank
Sheila S. Hummel, Board Member,
State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development
Andreas Kapetanopoulos, Board Member,
NBT Bank
Alan Lazowski, Board Member
LAZ Parking
Nicholas Seminara, Board Member,
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Pauline Yoder, Board Member
Capital Region Council of Government
Kim Hawkins, President & CEO
Barbara Randolph, Board chair
Edward Jones
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The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
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