DERBY, CT
Once home to a great industrial economy, Derby is rich in history, graced by the natural beauty of the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers.
Despite being the smallest city in the state, Derby has a lot to offer. Consider its proximity to three outstanding hospitals and countless colleges and universities, as well as its geographic location to Connecticut’s major cities, highways, and railways. Derby is open for business and is committed to helping its business community succeed.
Whether you are in need of technical assistance, education, advocacy, or financial support for your small business, there are many resources available.
CT Department of Economic & Community Development - Main Site
Small Business Resource Guide - 860-500-2405
CT Small Business Resource Center
The City of Derby is committed to the success of its small business community. We are here to assist you find answers to your questions, resolve your concerns, or put you in touch with the best resources for your business needs. Contact Roger Salway, Director of Economic Development at rsalway@derbyct.gov or 203.841.5608.
1.) Satisfy current customers A business needs customers to operate. Making sure that their every need is met not only ensures their return, but could also lead to new customers through word-of-mouth referrals. Get personal with your customers, learn their names, and show that you truly care about their expectations. Your company may not interact personally with your clients, so set up some social media pages to communicate with the people that make your business possible.
2.) Survey current customers for growth ideas Ask your customers what they want to see happen within the company, whether it be more services, new products, or changes in operations. They like what you’re selling now and have a view of the company that you don’t - the consumer side. Whether your customers are store browsers or other businesses, they like to know that their opinion matters. Their suggestions could help kick- start new ideas for the company, or give you assurance that you’re on the right track.
3.) Survey the marketplace You’re thinking of opening a new location, or putting a new product on the market. Be certain there’s sufficient need for what you want to sell, where you want to sell it. Then, make sure the timing is right. Watch your surroundings and look to other businesses’ actions in the market. Make sure your new product has been put through its paces before offering it to your customers. Sometimes it’s good to jump the gun on the market, but other times it’s best to learn from the mistakes of your competitors.
4.) Create a brand Customers want a memorable experience. You need to find something unique about the business and flaunt it. Maybe your food is organic, or maybe your product is made with recycled materials, or your bike shop is in an old factory. Use these attributes to brand your business as something different than the rest. Branding is a good way to find your niche market, because marketing to everyone just won’t work. From here, you can locate the consumers you plan to market to, and work on a plan to draw them in.
5.) Delegate Delegation is the key to running your business efficiently and effectively, and it benefits all. As the owner, you are constantly thinking about every aspect of the business. You need to appoint employees to keep certain things in check, so you can always have an eye on the bigger picture of success and expansion. Without proper delegation, your business could go belly up before you know what hit you. Don’t assume everyone knows what to do and how to do it. Be sure to clearly define your expectations and communicate them to your employees for the best results.
6.) Automate Technology is here to help, so let it. Learning to automate certain aspects of your business operation means more manpower where you need it - on business growth. Learn what your business can automate, and invest in a means to get it done. There are ample amounts of technology to help businesses run smoother so take full advantage.