The 203 area code – Southwestern Connecticut is overlaid with area code 475. The number plan area 203 originally covered the entire state of Connecticut in 1947. Today, 203 area code – Southwestern Connecticut stretches from Connecticut’s western border, along its southern coast to Madison and then north to Meriden. The 203 and 475 area is almost wholly coextensive with the Connecticut side of the New York metro area. The counties that are covered by the 203/475 area are Fairfield (minus the town of Sherman), portions of Litchfield, and New Haven.
Connecticut Business Prospects
Connecticut is in a strategic position to attract new business. With a favorable location, resources, and infrastructure, as well as coordinated and strong support from state government, Connecticut is poised for continued growth and positive change. Connecticut boasts a talented workforce and a drive for innovation, research, and economic development, which places the state as a unique and well-positioned location to foster business growth.
Some of the towns in Connecticut stand out far above the others when it comes to business-friendliness and the most business-friendly of all is located within the 203 area code – Southwestern Connecticut area, Fairfield. Fairfield is a bright spot in Connecticut, with the ability to really be economically vibrant, friendly, and competitive for businesses.
More About Fairfield
Fairfield borders the city of Bridgeport and the towns of Easton, Weston, Westport, and Bridgeport along what is referred to as the Gold Coast of Connecticut. Several publications have ranked Fairfield high amongst the best places to live within the United States and within the state of Connecticut in the last few years. Fairfield consists of various neighborhoods, of which the wealthy Southport is most known. General Electric Chief Executive Officer, Jack Welch has lived there for many years. Greenfield is another neighborhood within Fairfield that is well known, with large spaces, picturesque green lands, and famous dogwood trees. The two shopping districts in town are Post Road and Black Rock Turnpike and the Fairfield beach area has been developed further in recent years, with many new homes for residents who wish to live closer to downtown and the beach. The coastal town also boasts two universities, multiple railroad stations and easy access to highways.
Connecticut has many advantages for businesses, including an educated population and some of the nation’s best schools. It is also set in a prime location between Boston and Manhattan in the beautiful heart of New England, which has a rich history of innovation and research. At the town level, economic development is encouraged throughout the state.
Doing Business in Connecticut
In recent years, Connecticut has ranked favorably for its business climate when it comes to the cost of doing business and the potential of earning big profits. Connecticut is home to several high-output industries, which include financial services, insurance, and aerospace. A recent report prepared by global accounting firm Ernst & Young also says that Connecticut’s economy generates a large amount of GSP and gross operating surplus per individual worker, which means that while Connecticut requires the payment of higher than average taxes on a per-worker basis, the business taxes are substantially lower than the national average when measured per dollar of GSP. Connecticut’s per capita personal income is higher than the national average. Though the cost of living is high, the per capita personal income is so much higher than the national average that, in many areas throughout the state, people hold a larger amount of disposable income, which translates into more patronage for small businesses.
Though the 203 area code – Southwestern Connecticut and the state as a whole offer the benefits of being close to major metro areas, such as Boston and New York, with all the perks of operating in an urban center, the state also offers an escape from the urban environment.
There is a great understanding by the executive and legislative branches that a business-friendly landscape for small businesses is important to the overall economy of the state. This recognition is also backed with motivation to take steps to create an environment that is welcoming to small businesses and cultivates their aim to succeed.
Some of the resources for small business owners in the state of Connecticut include:
- Connecticut SCORE, which offers volunteer business professionals and expert mentors who give counsel and guidance to entrepreneurs that are looking to start or expand their businesses
- U.S. Small Business Administration Offices, which offers financing, grants, consultations and counseling services
- Connecticut Small Business Development Centers
- HelpGrowCT
- Women’s Business Development Council
- Connecticut Business Incubator Network
For those looking for the advantages of a larger metro area with a small town kind of environment to establish a business, the 203 area code – Southwestern Connecticut region and surrounding areas have much to offer.