East Haddam is a rural town with a strong sense of community, unique heritage and character. Like other small Connecticut towns, East Haddam is experiencing growth and change. There are numerous opportunities for the small business owner to begin or relocate compatible businesses to our community.

East Haddam is located in the lower Connecticut River Valley, an enviable location which is convenient, yet apart from the New York/Hartford/Boston metropolitan development corridor. The rural town offers superb quality of life and its economics are intrinsically tied to its market niche as a historic and scenic place.

The town's prime economic base in terms of jobs and success is in "tourism", family style resorts, restaurants, inns, specialty shops, theatre and culture. Tourism here refers not just to people staying overnight, but to people making daytrips from their suburban homes or coastal vacation homes, and to East Haddam's own second and seasonal home owners.

The town's secondary economic base is home occupations and specialized light manufacturing.

The municipal office for the town of East Haddam is located in the riverfront village section of East Haddam. A complete listing of Town offices, services and personnel is available on the Town Office website www.easthaddam.org. Town newsletters, meeting agendas, and approved minutes are also posted on a regular basis.

Contact the Land Use Office for information about the process and requirements for starting a home occupation or commercial/retail business in East Haddam. The Planning and Zoning Regulations include information for home occupations, uses by district/zone, signage, site plan review and the special exception process.

The EDC is also available to assist town business and those wishing to start a business in East Haddam. The commission meets monthly and invites the public to attend meetings or contact us. Click here for more information about the Commission.

All new businesses should complete the Business and Services Directory Form to be added to the Directory section of this website.

The economic development strategy is to encourage commercial development that addresses untapped tourist and residential market potential, create physically attractive retail centers thus, creating more jobs and tax rateables while also enhancing the town’s scenic and historic qualities, hence its overall appeal. As East Haddam grows, it hopes to expand its economic base while successfully guiding development to keep the style and size quaint, in keeping with the town’s rural and historic character. The Community Planning Group created guidelines and a project worksheet to help citizens make choices about development and ensure that the decisions are consistent with the widely-held values and vision for the town. These resources are available at the Town Office and from the EDC.

The economic development effort focuses on several areas:

MOODUS CENTER has emerged as the convenience retail and service location, meeting the needs of town residents. Townspeople like its friendly merchants and small town scale. Anchors include Grist Mill Market, a small grocery store, and Nathan Hale Pharmacy. Family-style restaurants, take-out food, health services, office space and other retail establishments have succeeded in this area.

Various areas in Moodus are zoned commercial and light industrial and are available for future development. (There is no public water or sewer.)

EAST HADDAM VILLAGE CENTER/GOODSPEED LANDING is the specialty retail and restaurant area, that appeals mainly to visitors. (This area is a sewer district , but there is no public water supply.)

Future Plans for development in this area are being considered, based on a Town Office Site Re-Use study completed in 2006. Such plans may include residential and retail development, as well as public riverfront space. An Executive Summary is available.

East Haddam Industrial Park is located less than 2 miles from the East Haddam bridge. Light industrial, and commercial businesses utilize this location. Various opportunities are available in this location. (There is no public water or sewer.)