Upcoming Events

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Promotional image for Perfecting Your Pitch: Communicating with Confidence in a New Culture
07/24/2025

Perfect Your Business Pitch: Communicate with Confidence in a New Culture

At CTSBDC, we believe all newcomers to Connecticut with a business idea should be able to deliver a strong, confident pitch. Whether you’re speaking to clients, partners, or investors, don’t let speaking in a second language hold you back. Join our guest speaker, Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder & CEO at THE NICO CONSULTING to learn: How […]

Text on a white background promoting SBA Financing for Manufacturers webinar
07/15/2025

Roadmap to Success: SBA Financing for Manufacturers (Recording)

Join CTSBDC, SBA, and CIC Lending for the second webinar in our series designed to equip you with the information and connections you need to join the American manufacturing resurgence.  On Wednesday, July 30 from 11:45 a.m. 1 p.m., our speakers will present “Roadmap to Success: SBA Financing for Manufacturuers.” Explore key government programs that […]

CTSBDC SBIR STTR Accelerator promotional banner
07/08/2025

SBIR/STTR Accelerator – Applications Open

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide grants to eligible companies to help them conduct research and development, as well as work to commercialize their innovations. Join CTSBDC’s free 6-week Virtual Accelerator to get expert guidance and prepare for a successful SBIR/STTR grant application. Deadline to apply to […]

webinar 7/16
05/17/2025

Understanding the Business Loan Process (July 16, 2025)

Join our hour-long “Understanding the Business Loan Process” webinar with Scott Arnold, CTSBDC Business Advisor on July 16 from 12 – 1 p.m. Designed to help small business owners navigate the loan application process with confidence, this event will give you a clear understanding of what lenders look for, what documents are required, and how […]

06/24/2025

Managing Money in Your Business – In-person July Cohort “Financial Essentials” (Starting July 9)

In-Person Program: July 7/9, 7/16, 7/23 ,7/30 (6 PM – 7:30 PM) Location: Southern Connecticut State University School of Business – 10 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515  A 4-session interactive course designed to empower small business owners with practical financial insights and tools. Learn key financial concepts and terms, track cash flow, report finances, and understand […]

05/22/2025

Roadmap to Success: Resources for CT Manufacturers (Recording)

Want to learn more about federal and state government agencies working to help manufacturers succeed in Connecticut and bring more manufacturers to our state? Watch the first webinar (now available on-demand) in a three-part series designed to equip you with the information and connections you need to join the American manufacturing resurgence. What you’ll learn […]

05/21/2025

Financial Planning that Opens Doors to Funding (Recording)

Join  Shelly Koehler, CTSBDC Business Advisor to get the 411 on financial projections and the resources available to support you as you develop them. Whether you are launching or expanding your business, financial projections play a key role in helping you make decisions about your business and securing grants, loans, or other types of investment. Key […]

SBA Lender Expo at Naugatuck Valley Community College. Several people networking in the picture.
04/09/2025

PAST EVENT. Small Business Lending Expo (June 3)

Meet SBA Lenders When: June 3, from 9 am to 12 pm Where: Connecticut State Community College -Three Rivers – 574 New London Tpke., Norwich, CT 06360 This is an in-person event. Attention small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing businesses. Come interact with SBA lenders and learn what they have to offer regarding access to […]

WEBINAR RECORDING 4.17.25
04/13/2025

PAST EVENT. How to Prepare for Loans and Grants: (April 17, 2025)

Live webinar event: April 17, 2025, from 11 PM – 12 PM Description Basic requirements to successfully access capital and scale your business! Speaker: CTSBDC Business Advisor Jon Carlisle This webinar is designed to help small business owners understand “what”, “why,” and “how” their credit and financial profile can affect the outcome of a loan […]

SBIR/STTR Accelerator
01/23/2025

PAST EVENT. SBIR/STTR Accelerator February – April Cohort

Accelerator: Current Cohort: Feb 25 – April 1 (6 Tuesdays) 12:00 – 1:30 PM Via Webex. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide grants to eligible companies to help them conduct research & develop and work to commercialize their innovations. The Phase I ($50k – $250k), and the Phase II […]

Latest News

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April 15, 2025

CTSBDC Clients Recognized Among SBA’s 2025 Connecticut Small Business Award Winners

East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce that several of its clients have been honored as recipients of the 2025 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut Small Business Week Awards, including one recognized at both the state and New England regional levels. These awards celebrate small business […]

March 31, 2025

Spring 2025: Free CTSBDC Webinars Empowering Connecticut Small Businesses

East Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to present a series of free, 60-minute virtual webinars this spring, designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools and knowledge needed to start, grow, and succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Led by experienced CTSBDC business advisors, these engaging […]

March 14, 2025

CTSBDC Client Michelle Nicholson of The Flour Girl Bakery Named Connecticut’s 2025 Small Business Person of the Year by the SBA

Hebron, CT — “An SBA Small Business Person of the Year has proven their ability to overcome challenges, tested their vision through innovation, and are involved in their communities. These qualities are the ingredients of Michelle’s success since she began to feed her sourdough starter,” said Catherine Marx, SBA’s Connecticut District Director. Michelle Nicholson launched […]

January 26, 2025

CTSBDC Announces Small Business Lending Expo on March 27, 2025

East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), SBA- Connecticut, and Central Connecticut State University will host a Small Business Lending Expo on March 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 39 Ella Grasso Blvd, New Britain CT. 06053 This in-person event is designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and […]

January 22, 2025

CTSBDC Client and UConn Alum Hayley Segar to Appear on ABC’s Shark Tank

East Hartford, CT — January 22, 2025 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce that one of its clients, Hayley Segar, will appear on ABC’s Shark Tank on Friday, January 24, at 8 p.m. Segar, a University of Connecticut alum and founder of the swimwear brand onewith, is set to […]

November 4, 2024

PAST EVENT – Connecticut’s 3rd Access to Capital Event to Connect Small Businesses with SBA Lenders

Waterbury, CT — November 4, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, is pleased to announce the Access to Capital: Meet SBA Lenders event. This in-person event, taking place on November 15, 2024, from 9:00 […]

November 4, 2024

PAST EVENT – Connecticut’s 3rd Access to Capital Event to Connect Small Businesses with SBA Lenders

Waterbury, CT — November 4, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, is pleased to announce the Access to Capital: Meet SBA Lenders event. This in-person event, taking place on November 15, 2024, from 9:00 […]