Why Connecticut's Businesses Need a Stronger Voice at the Capitol

As the 2025 legislative session in Hartford concludes, one truth has become increasingly clear: Connecticut’s multicultural and minority owned businesses must have a more visible, coordinated presence in state policy discussions.

At CTBE – Connecticut Business & Education we work every day to uplift entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders across the state. But progress at the legislative level is only possible when we show up, speak up, and demand equitable support for our businesses and communities.

Progress Made: Legislative Wins in 2025

This session included some promising steps forward for Connecticut’s business landscape. Among the bills that passed were:

• Expanded workforce development initiatives to strengthen career pipelines

• New early childhood investments that benefit working families and employers alike

• A targeted small business support fund focused on underserved communities

These successes are the result of strategic, collective advocacy and they demonstrate what is possible when stakeholders engage with the process.

Opportunities Missed: What Didn’t Pass

Despite these gains, several critical proposals failed to advance, including:

• Tax relief measures for minority- and small-business owners

• Procurement reforms to increase access to state contracts for multicultural vendors

• Simplified funding mechanisms for immigrant and multilingual entrepreneurs

• Charter school funding expansion, which limits the development of future-ready workforce pipelines

These missed opportunities underscore the need for more organized representation and stronger policy engagement from our communities.

The Consequences of Silence

Legislative decisions affect business owners whether they participate in the process or not. When we do not advocate for our needs, we leave space for others to define the terms of opportunity and exclusion.

Small businesses are the backbone of Connecticut’s economy. Multicultural entrepreneurs represent growing sectors across every major city. Yet without a unified voice, our concerns often go unaddressed.

What CTBE Is Doing – and How You Can Help

To respond to this urgent need, CTBE is expanding our policy and advocacy efforts statewide.

Our goals include:

1. Relationship Building with Legislators We are coordinating outreach and meetings with key representatives in business-critical districts.

2. Launching the CTBE Policy Network This initiative will bring together multicultural business leaders to advocate on shared priorities at the Capitol.

3. Offering Advocacy Training We will provide training on how to testify, write effective policy letters, and represent your business at hearings.

4. Organizing Visibility and Strength in Numbers We aim to mobilize small business owners to be present and prepared when policy decisions are being made.

Now Is the Time to Act

The future of Connecticut’s economy depends on inclusive growth. For that to happen, our business community must be not just present but powerful in shaping legislation.

CTBE invites business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, and community allies to join us in building a stronger voice for multicultural enterprise.

Let us lead with strategy, show up with unity, and demand the systems that support all of Connecticut not just a few.