Starting a Business in Manchester
The Town of Manchester would like to help you avoid costly delays and unanticipated expenses by encouraging you to contact the relevant Town departments early in your planning and decision-making process.
Starting a business in Manchester involves several key steps:
1. Develop a Business Plan
A well-crafted business plan is essential to validate your business idea and secure financing. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a comprehensive guide on creating a business plan, which can be a valuable tool.
2. Connect with Business Development Resources
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) offers comprehensive no-cost business advising services. This federally funded program supports small business development with services covering business formation, management, and growth, including access to capital, financial management, operations, and marketing.
For a list of additional business resources, please consult this page.
3. Contact the Planning & Economic Development Department
The Planning and Economic Development Department can assist you in reviewing available properties, providing connections to property owners or agents, and coordinating preliminary meetings with relevant town staff. They can also answer many questions about the process of opening a business in Manchester.
If you are planning the development of a new building, expansion of an existing building, or significant site work, Planning, Zoning, or Wetlands permits may be required.
Any new developments should comply with Manchester’s Plan of Conservation and Development and Wetlands Regulations.
Contact the Planning & Economic Development Department at (860) 647-3044 or email planningdept@manchesterct.gov to discuss possibilities for your business.
4. Contact Zoning Enforcement
The Zoning Enforcement Officer can assist you to make sure your type of business activity is allowed at your desired location
You can view the Zoning Regulations on this page.
Contact the Zoning Enforcement Officer at (860) 647-3057 or email jdavis@manchesterct.gov.
5.Contact the Building Inspection Division
The Building Inspection Division can assist you in obtaining all necessary building permits before you begin remodeling, repairing, demolition, or new construction.
For more information regarding building permits, please consult this page.
Contact the Building Inspection Division at 860- 647-3144 or email buildingdept@manchesterct.gov.
6. Contact the Fire Marshal's Division
The Fire Marshal's Division can assist you in making sure the use of the building or proposed alterations to the building will meet all the requirements of the fire code.
Contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 860 647-3267 or email FireMarshal@ManchesterCT.gov.
7.Contact the Health Department (if needed)
The Health Department licenses all food service establishments (including retail shops that sell certain food items) and massage therapy establishments. The Health Department also inspects certain businesses such as cosmetology establishments and barbers (including salons, lash bars, etc.). If you are unsure if your business will need an inspection or license, be sure to reach out and ask.
Contact the Health Department at 860 647-3173 or healthdept@manchesterct.gov.
8. Other Considerations
Once your property receives final occupancy approval, you are ready to open your business.
Congratulations and welcome to Manchester!