Upcoming Events

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A promotional image for the "Starting a Business" workshop
09/23/2026

Starting a Business – September 23

No-cost Online September 23, 12 p.m. REGISTER Join Connecticut Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Michelle Augustyn to learn more about what it takes to launch a business in Connecticut in 2026. From refining your concept to the regulatory questions you’ve never even thought about, this interactive session is designed to help new or aspiring […]

A promotional image for "Preparing to Access Capital" workshop
08/27/2026

Preparing to Access Capital

No-Cost Online Aug. 27, 12 p.m. REGISTER Applying for a business loan can feel overwhelming—but the more you understand the process, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate it successfully. Join this online workshop to learn what lenders look for, how to build a strong loan application package, and what steps you can take now […]

A promotional image for the "Iniciando tu negocio" workshop
09/04/2026

Iniciando tu Negocio: Lo Que Necesitas Saber Para Lanzar un Negocio en CT

September 4, 2026 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Gratuito Hartford Public Library, Downtown Library, 500 Main St, Hartford CT En español REGISTER ¿Quieres empezar un negocio en Connecticut en 2026 y no sabes por dónde comenzar? En este taller aprenderás los pasos clave para iniciar tu negocio, desde la preparación inicial, plan de negocio y proyecciones […]

promotional image for "the ins and Outs of Buying & Selling a Business" workshop on September 24
09/24/2026

The Ins and Outs of Buying or Selling a Business

No-cost Online September 24, 2026 12 – 1:15 p.m. REGISTER Have you thought about buying a business, selling your business, or planning for a future transition, but are not sure where to start? Whether you are considering selling to an outside buyer, passing the business on to a family member, selling to employees, or purchasing […]

A promotional image for a three workshop series
10/07/2026

Fortalece tu Negocio: Serie de 3 talleres sobre los aspectos esenciales de un negocio

Ya sea que estés comenzando o que busques fortalecer un negocio existente, esta serie de talleres te brindará conocimientos y herramientas prácticas para atraer y fidelizar clientes, fortalecer tu presencia digital y proteger legalmente tu negocio. Participa en estas tres sesiones y adquiere una base sólida para tomar mejores decisiones y seguir creciendo! Los participantes […]

Promotional image for "Financing Your Business" workshop
10/09/2026

Funding Your Business

No-Cost In-Person October 9, 2026 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St., Hartford, CT Street Parking/Garage Parking Nearby REGISTER Designed to help small business owners navigate the loan and grant application process with confidence, this event will give you a clear understanding of what lenders look for, what documents are required, […]

Promotional image for Starting a Business workshop.
10/21/2026

Starting a Business – October 21

No-cost Online October 21, 12 p.m. REGISTER Join Connecticut Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Mary Kay Della Camera to learn more about what it takes to launch a business in Connecticut in 2026. From refining your concept to the regulatory questions you’ve never even thought about, this interactive session is designed to help new […]

A promotional image for the "Financiando tu Negocio" workshop
10/29/2026

Financiando tu Negocio: Lo Que Todo Emprendedor Debe Saber Para Lanzar un Negocio en CT

No-Cost In-Person Oct. 29, 2026 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St, Hartford CT  Street Parking/Garage Parking Nearby REGISTER ¿Necesitas financiamiento para tu negocio? Este taller te ayudará a entender cómo piensan los prestamistas, qué documentos y perfiles se evalúan, y cómo prepararte para tener más oportunidades de obtener un préstamo, […]

promotional Image for the AI pitch competition including sponsor logos
11/12/2026

AI Pitch Competition

Application Deadline: October 16, 2026 Competition Date: November 12, 2026, 6-8 p.m. Location: SCSU School of Business, 10 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515 Do you have an established Connecticut business and a practical opportunity to use artificial intelligence, data, or analytics to solve a current business challenge? Apply for Connecticut Small Business Development Center’s (CTSBDC) […]

Promotional image for Starting a Business workshop.
11/18/2026

Starting a Business – November 18

No-cost Online November 18, 12 p.m. REGISTER Join Connecticut Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Mary Kay Della Camera to learn more about what it takes to launch a business in Connecticut in 2026. From refining your concept to the regulatory questions you’ve never even thought about, this interactive session is designed to help new […]

Promotional Image for "Iniciando to Negocio" workshop
12/04/2026

Iniciando Tu Negocio: Lo Que Necesitas Saber Para Lanzar un Negocio en CT

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Gratuito Hartford Public Library, Downtown Library, 500 Main St, Hartford CT En español REGISTER ¿Quieres empezar un negocio en Connecticut en 2026 y no sabes por dónde comenzar? En este taller aprenderás los pasos clave para iniciar tu negocio, desde la preparación inicial, plan de negocio y proyecciones financieras, hasta licencias, […]

Latest News

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August 10, 2026

CTSBDC Invites Community to Help Shape Its Next Logo

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 […]

August 7, 2026

CTSBDC Launches AI-Powered Tool to Help Aspiring Entrepreneurs Stress-Test Their Business Ideas

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) has launched “Stress Test Your Business Idea,” an interactive GPT designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs evaluate their ideas, challenge assumptions and identify areas requiring further research. Available through ChatGPT, the tool guides users through a structured series of questions about the problem their business would solve, […]

July 24, 2026

CTSBDC Names Angela Rodriguez 2026 State Star

Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce Program Manager Angela Rodiguez as our 2026 State Star Award recipient. This prestigious award, given annually to a member of each SBDC team from across the country, recognizes staff who have demonstrated exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success. “As one of […]

May 27, 2026

Cricket Press Taps UConn Students to Explore AI-Driven Growth Strategies

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to unlock new growth. Through a recent collaboration between the UConn School of Business and the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), Cricket Press—a West Hartford staple since 1971—gained valuable insights from some of UConn’s top business students, opening the door to new opportunities and ideas. As […]

May 12, 2026

BrandChef.ai Wins Grand Prize at CTSBDC AI Pitch Competition

Connecticut’s next wave of innovation took center stage at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel White Barn, where ten finalists pitched AI-driven solutions designed to tackle real-world challenges. Hosted by the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) in partnership with PREDICTif Solutions, nClouds, and AWS, the AI Pitch Competition showcased the ingenuity of the state’s entrepreneurs while providing up to $135,000 in professional services and […]

April 29, 2026

CTSBDC Client Caitlyn Grad Marketing Wins $10,000 Grant from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

At the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), advising is just one part of the value we offer—our broader network of resources can open unexpected doors for small business owners. Caitlyn Grad of Caitlyn Grad Marketing experienced this firsthand when, through a CTSBDC newsletter, she learned about our partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, […]

April 10, 2026

CTSBDC Clients Among 2026 SBA Small Business Week Award Winners Connecticut

Connecticut Small Business Development Center is thrilled to announce that two of its clients are among this year’s SBA Small Business Week Award Winners. “Each year it is an honor to celebrate Connecticut’s outstanding small business owners, whose achievements over the past year standout. This years’ award winners embody the hard work it takes to succeed in […]

December 5, 2025

CTSBDC Advisor Nelson Merchan Honored as Innovator

East Hartford, CT — Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce CTSBDC advisor Nelson Merchan was honored by Westfair Business Journal as one of its 2025 Hispanic Innovators Honorees. Westfair Business Journal honors individuals for their leadership, ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to driving economic growth and positive change in Westchester and […]