The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is inviting members of the public to help shape the organization’s future through its Logo Refresh Challenge.
The challenge reflects CTSBDC’s commitment to engaging the community it serves. Rather than developing a new logo behind closed doors, we are opening the creative process to people across Connecticut and beyond, seeking ideas from those who understand the state’s character, entrepreneurial spirit and potential. That includes marketing and design students from UConn who will get a chance to submit their designs during the Fall semester.
“Community is at the heart of CTSBDC’s work,” said Dorian Zwierewicz, State Director of CTSBDC. “Every day, we collaborate with entrepreneurs, educators, economic development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen Connecticut’s small business ecosystem. This challenge gives our community—and especially the talented students at UConn—an opportunity to bring their creativity and perspective to the way we represent that work.”
CTSBDC provides confidential, no-cost business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Connecticut. We seek a modernized and refreshed logo that conveys our statewide impact while building stronger visual connections to the State of Connecticut and UConn brand identities. At the same time, the design should preserve CTSBDC’s distinct identity as a trusted resource for small businesses. For students, the competition offers an opportunity to apply their skills to a real-world branding challenge, contribute to the identity of a statewide organization, and build their professional portfolios.
“Students bring fresh ideas and an ability to see established organizations in new ways,” said Bill Ryan UConn School of Business professor, Marketing & Sales Leadership Programs. “We hope this challenge gives them meaningful experience while creating a stronger connection between CTSBDC and the wider UConn community.”
If CTSBDC selects a winning design from the submissions, its creator will receive a $1,000 prize. Submissions are due October 30, 2026. CTSBDC reserves the right not to select a winning design if none of the submissions meets the organization’s needs.
Complete challenge details, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions are available at ctsbdc.uconn.edu/logo-redesign.