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January 16.2026
3 Minutes Read

New Haven’s Journey to Becoming the Best City to Start a Business

Three people smiling in front of promotional backdrop, Best City to Start a Business

A Vision for Small Business Success in New Haven

As the new year begins, New Haven is embarking on a transformative journey aimed at becoming a beacon for start-ups and small businesses. The recently launched campaign, dubbed the "Best City to Start," is advocating to enhance and streamline the process for budding entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith and supported by a diverse group of small business champions, this initiative is designed to eliminate frustrating bureaucratic hurdles that often stifle innovation and creativity.

Getting Rid of the Red Tape

The driving motivation behind the "Best City to Start" campaign stems from firsthand experiences of local entrepreneurs. All three lead organizers—Caroline Tanbee Smith, Yeabsera Agonfer, and Kwame Asare—have intricately navigated the roadblocks of starting their businesses. They understand how burdensome the red tape can be. For example, Asare’s experience with launching Oh Shito!, a Ghanaian pepper sauce, illustrates the challenges many entrepreneurs face, from lengthy federal registrations with the FDA to obtaining multiple state and local licenses, which can take months and cost upwards of thousands of dollars.

Proposed Changes to Improve Business Viability

The campaign aims to implement specific changes to local laws that contribute to a more business-friendly environment. Among the proposals are adjustments to the catering license fees and creating a simplified 'pickle jar permit' for packaged food businesses. By decreasing the initial licensing fee and creating a streamlined permit process, the campaign believes that more aspiring entrepreneurs will be encouraged to realize their business dreams. This reflects a growing trend across several U.S. cities to foster small business growth by eliminating needless paperwork and financial burdens.

Joining Forces with the Community

Smith and her team are not just pushing for changes in policy; they are inviting current and aspiring entrepreneurs to join the discussion. By hosting Board of Alders workshops and community outreach events, they are actively seeking input from residents to refine and expand on their ideas. This inclusive approach not only democratizes the policy-making process but also harnesses the collective vision of the city's entrepreneurial spirit.

A Growing Network of Support

New Haven’s commitment to becoming the "Best City to Start" is deeply rooted in its collaborative community of entrepreneurs. Initiatives like CitySeed provide essential support by helping local food entrepreneurs cut through bureaucratic hurdles. This grassroots support network exemplifies how localities can empower individuals to turn their ideas into reality, underlining the importance of strong community ties in fostering entrepreneurship.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for New Haven’s Business Landscape?

The hopes of the campaign are lofty but completely attainable. If successful, New Haven could set a precedent for other cities, showing how a commitment to reducing barriers for entrepreneurs can invigorate the local economy, foster innovation, and attract new talent. The "Best City to Start" initiative could serve as a model for other local governments seeking to enhance their appeal to small businesses. With the right changes, New Haven could transform into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship, or as Smith puts it, a "city of yes".

It’s time for those interested in entrepreneurship to seize the moment. Contact Caroline Tanbee Smith at carolineward9nhv@gmail.com to add your voice to this vital conversation and be part of a movement that aims to inspire a new generation of business owners in New Haven.

Entrepreneur

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