Organizations from Hartford and Westport were named Thursday as new partners in CTNext, an innovation ecosystem managed by Connecticut Innovations to help new companies grow and prosper.

MakeHartford of Hartford and The Refinery of Westport were added to a list of partners trying to improve the business climate in Connecticut. In addition, the contracts of five other partners were renewed: B:Hive Bridgeport, Business Council of Fairfield County, Connecticut Invention Convention, CURE/Bioscience Clubhouse and reSET.

The Bioscience Clubhouse has held several programs in southeastern Connecticut

"These partnerships will strengthen and support the Connecticut ecosystem of small business and entrepreneurial communities," said Glendowlyn Thames, director of Small Business Innovation and CTNext, in a statement. "As we move into the third year of CTNext, we are looking to continue identifying partnerships that advance the goals of the program."

In all, the winners of CTNext contracts will receive $650,000 to help in such areas as job creation, direct support for entrepreneurs and developing or placing skilled talent to help boost the economy.

A selection advisory committee chose the new round of funding recipients based on a request for proposals issued last year. The second round of proposals for the coming year opens April 13. For more information, visit http://

ctnext.com/partners/.

l.howard@theday.com

Twitter: @KingstonLeeHow