Fueling Innovation & Growth

Wide-ranging talent and a strong business ecosystem with access to major east coast markets like NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. have made Connecticut the location of choice for companies of all sizes. Connecticut is the Insurance Capital of the World and a leader in the financial services industry. More broadly, the state is home to 2 Fortune 100, 15 Fortune 500 and 25 Fortune 1000 companies1. Globally recognized brands like ESPN, Xerox and Cigna have made their headquarters in Connecticut, as have startups like Yale University quantum computing spinoff Quantum Circuits, Inc. 

 

“Number one was a very pro-business attitude exemplified by those in the state government. Second, it was easy access to intellectual capital, great people with a strong work ethic. Third, was easy access to transportation. We’re only a hop, skip and a jump to major airports and Manhattan.”

— The Navigators Group CEO Stan Galanski on relocating their headquarters from New York to Stamford

 

These companies are drawn by the state's dynamic economy and workforce. Connecticut workers are ranked as the 5th most productive2 in the country and generate the 2nd highest amount of patent activity3 in the U.S., factors that have contributed to the state's rating as the 4th most innovative economy4 in the nation. Connecticut receives the #1 most federal contract dollars per capita5 of any state, owing to its prowess in the aerospace, defense, and shipbuilding industries — a fact that has contributed to the 5th highest concentration of engineers6 in the country, further bolstering the state's position as a leader in the advanced manufacturing industry. Due to the concentration of wealth from the state's insurance and financial services industries and booming life sciences and technology stalwarts and startups, Connecticut is the recipient of the 10th most venture capital deals per capita7 in the U.S. All of these factors, in addition to our ideal geography, have made Connecticut the ideal location for foreign company market entry into the U.S., resulting in the 8th highest percentage of employment supported by international investment8, more than New York or Massachusetts. 

 

Key Facts

 

highest percentage of adults with graduate or professional degrees9

 

world-class colleges & universities, including Yale & UConn

 

most productive workforce10

 

for human capital investment11

 

Connecticut knows how to support business growth - be fiscally responsible, have plans, policies and strategies that are easy to navigate, and invest in people. Connecticut invests heavily in education for all in primary and secondary school, boasting the 2nd best public school system12 in the nation along with the 2nd best high schools13 in the country, and removing the traditional barriers to workforce training. 

 

“Connecticut’s universities are great engines of innovation. Those ideas attract capital, both from the private sector and the public sector. Together, with Connecticut’s talent pool, those are the three ingredients for a successful bioscience company.”

— Arvinas Founder Craig Crews on launching a pharmaceutical enterprise in New Haven

 

The result of this has been Connecticut's consistent rank as the #1 state for college readiness14, ensuring our students, the workforce of the future, receive all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. That investment is paying off — Connecticut’s highly skilled, highly educated workforce is rated among the best in the country and our companies are reaping the benefits of their talent. Our 38 colleges and universities — including the state's flagship school, the University of Connecticut (UConn), and world renowned Yale University, ranked the 2nd best college in the country15 — mold some of the most future-ready workers in the nation.

 

De-Risk Your Business

Selecting Connecticut as your business location offers unparalleled advantages in risk management, ensuring a stable and secure environment for your operations. Connecticut excels in sustainability, ranking #2 for the lowest climate-change contributions16 and individual waste per capita17. Our state also boasts a highly reliable electrical grid and top-tier internet infrastructure, recognized among the best in the nation by Broadband Now. These strengths translate to fewer disruptions and smoother business operations, even during climate emergencies.

Additionally, Connecticut’s robust infrastructure extends beyond energy and communication networks. Whether it's highway improvements, rail enhancements, or investments in EV charging stations, Connecticut prioritizes infrastructure resilience to support businesses. Our electric grid is one of the most reliable in the nation, with one of the lowest amount of power outages in the country and the fewest in New England18. Coupled with low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and a highly productive workforce, Connecticut provides a comprehensive, low-risk environment ideal for business growth and stability. By choosing Connecticut, you position your business in a forward-thinking, resilient state that supports sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Learn more about how Connecticut can help de-risk your business here.


1 Fortune, 2024; 2Defined by GDP per capita, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023, U.S. Census Bureau, 2023, AdvanceCT calculations; 3Bloomberg State Innovation Index, 2020; 4Bloomberg State Innovation Index, 2020; 5U.S. Department of Defense, 2023, U.S. Census Bureau, PEP, 2022, AdvanceCT calculations; 6Lightcast, 2023, AdvanceCT calculations; 7Pitchbook, NVCA Venture Monitor, 2023, U.S. Census Bureau, PEP, 2023, AdvanceCT calculations; 8U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023 (2021 data), AdvanceCT calculations; 9U.S. Census Bureau, 2023, ACS 1Y 2022; 10Defined by GDP per capita, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023; AdvanceCT calculations; 11Milken Institute, 2022; 12WalletHub, 2024; 13U.S. News & World Report, 2023; 14US News & World Report, 2024; 15WalletHub, 2024; 16WalletHub, 2024; 17WiseVoter, 2022; 18EIA, 2022