Business Growth Accelerator Program (BGAP)

BUSINESS GROWTH ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

 

Bridge the GAP Between Challenges and Success!

Join CTSBDC’s Business Growth Accelerator Program (BGAP)

CTSBDC’s  FREE 6-session virtual course equips small business owners with expert insights, strategies, and resources to boost sales, profitability, and operations. Start with a business assessment and gain a clear growth path.

Register today! 

 

Program Description

The Business Growth Accelerator Program (BGAP) will provide students with knowledge and access to resources to help their businesses scale and thrive while participating in a shared collaborative experience.

A 6-session interactive course designed to help you Learn Strategies and Techniques to Grow Sales and Profits.  You will receive valuable information from subject experts, participate in practical exercises and networking sessions, and be guided through solving operational and technical challenges common to many small businesses.

At the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), we believe small businesses are an important engine of the U.S. economy.  They are a great source for showcasing American ingenuity and value while providing needed goods and services to communities.

Therefore, a key objective of BGAP is to help business owners understand essential drivers for growth.  Your experience will begin with a critical review of your business, its operational capability, performance, and resource adequacy to build a snapshot of your business status.

 

Eligibility
To participate in the program, businesses must meet the following requirements: T
  • A Connecticut-based firm that has been in business for over 12 months
  • Currently generating more than $150,000 in annual revenue
    Course Curriculum

    You will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of guest speakers who are subject matter experts with practical solutions for your business. The range of critical topics will include a deeper dive into the following areas.
    • How far and fast do you want to grow your enterprise?
    • Who is your core/ideal customer and where do you find them?
    • Are you tracking your financial performance consistently?
    • Where do you find and secure capital for growth?
    • What are key operational decisions in scaling your business?
    • How do you leverage technology to enhance your business?

    Additionally, each Business Growth Accelerator Program session will feature both group activities and breakout sessions for more in-depth assessments and connecting with your fellow entrepreneurs.
    Our goal is to foster engaged learning among the group. You will maximize your experience by being active listeners and participants in all discussions. There will also be supplemental resources (e.g., articles, templates, exercises) that provide practical reinforcement of each session’s unique focus.

    You will be matched with a cohort of entrepreneurs from a variety of industries including manufacturing, business services, technology, food products, import/export, and many other areas of focus.
    Plus, you will build a new network of like-minded individuals that serve as an informal advisory board giving you valuable feedback and encouragement along the way.

    In addition, you will have access to all the resources available from the CT Small Business Development Center. This includes access to No-cost one-on-one advisory services after completing BGAP with your cohort.

    Presenters
    Course Leader

    Curtis C. Battles- Minority Business Growth Program Coordinator

    Curtis Battles brings extensive experience in business strategy, finance, and operations to the CTSBDC team. His career spans various industries, including real estate, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship, supporting organizations from Fortune 50 companies to startups.

    Curtis has significant experience in leading redevelopment projects. At Grand Central Terminal, he was part of the executive team responsible for its total renovation and transformation into a major transportation and retail hub. He oversaw the repositioning of low-end retail to upscale offerings, the creation of a new dining concourse, and the development of a special events business that generated incremental revenue.

    At the World Trade Center site, Curtis served as National Director, where he guided the redevelopment of the 16-acre property. He created innovative operational strategies, renegotiated key agreements, and implemented governance structures among multiple stakeholders

    At Pepsi-Cola Company, Curtis held several key positions, including Regional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategic Planning. In these roles, he provided strategic direction, conducted competitive analysis, and assessed new product opportunities, contributing to the company’s growth and market presence.

    Curtis is the founder of Craft Beer Insights, an advisory firm focused on operations, branding, and growth for craft breweries. He also authored Occupation Fermentation: The Secrets to Building a Successful Craft Beer Business.

    In addition to his professional roles, Curtis serves as a board member and former president of the 100 Black Men of Stamford, leading programs focused on mentoring, youth development, education, and workforce readiness.

    He earned a Master of Management in Finance and Strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

    Outside work, Curtis enjoys cooking, traveling the world, and spending time with his wife and their two dogs.