News and Events

Promotional image for the Business Growth Accelerator Program
March 26, 2026

Business Growth Accelerator Program

Free – Online Dates: April 28 & 30, May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 & 21 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. REGISTER As a small business owner, every day feels like a challenge. You’re working longer hours… managing cash flow… chasing new customers… but no matter how hard you push forward, you feel… stuck. […]

Promotional imaged for CTSBDC's SBIR/STTR Accelerator
March 26, 2026

SBIR/STTR Accelerator – Applications Open

No-cost – Online Starts May 20 Applications Due May 8 APPLY NOW Calling all CT-based innovators!  Are you planning to pursue an SBIR/STTR grant this year? Don’t undertake this highly competitive process alone – join CTSBDC’s SBIR/STTR Accelerator to get closer to submitting a successful grant proposal. If you can commit to six weekly, online […]

Promotional image for Data Privacy Basics workshop
March 20, 2026

Is Your Website Putting You on the Hook? CT Privacy Law Basics for Owners, Plus 2026 Changes

No-cost Online April 16, 11 a.m. REGISTER Many small businesses assume that privacy laws apply only to large companies. Connecticut’s privacy law says otherwise, especially as the law expands on July 1, 2026. In this webinar, we focus on the real-world places where risk shows up for small businesses: website tracking, ad pixels and retargeting, […]

A promotional image for the Starting a Business webinar.
March 20, 2026

Starting a Business

No-cost Online April 7, 12 p.m. REGISTER Join Connecticut Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Jim Jackson 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 the CTSBDC AI Pitch Competition
March 10, 2026

AI Pitch Competition: Applications Open

No-cost In-person Deadline: April 3 Finalist Notifications: April 10 Pitch Competition: May 6, 5:30– 8:30 p.m. APPLY Do you have a practical, high‑impact idea for how AI — paired with expert support — could transform your business? The CTSBDC AI Pitch Competition is your opportunity to bring that idea to life. This in‑person showcase invites […]

Promotional image for Pitch Bootcamp
March 9, 2026

Pitch Bootcamp

No-cost Online April 8 & 22, 12 – 1:30 p.m. REGISTER Build your pitch. Boost your skills. Bring your A-game. Have you ever wanted to enter a pitch competition but don’t feel you’re ready? Join CTSBDC Advisor Christine Sullivan for this two-part online learning opportunity to perfect your pitch. From an attention-grabbing deck to pitching […]

A promotional image for the April 2, 2026 webinar about Financing Your Business.
March 3, 2026

Financiando tu nuevo negocio: Lo que todo emprendedor debe saber

Gratuita Online April 2, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. REGISTRATE Las personas que están comenzando un negocio o que lo han iniciado recientemente suelen preguntarse de dónde pueden obtener financiamiento para impulsarlo en esta etapa inicial. Sin embargo, más que centrarse únicamente en conseguir dinero, todo dueño de negocio debe definir cuánto necesita, para qué […]

Promotional image for "level Up Your Trademark Game" webin
February 13, 2026

Level Up Your Trademark Game: Smarter Protection for Small Business Brands

ACCESS THE RECORDING If your brand is growing, your trademark strategy should grow with it. This session moves past introductory concepts to look at the broader toolkit—word marks, design marks, slogans/taglines, trade dress, and other non-traditional marks—plus how to think about coverage as you expand products, services, or markets. Join us in partnership with the […]

A promotional image for the "Contract Ready: A Checklist for Doing Business with the State and Tips for Navigating CT Source" online learning session
February 11, 2026

Contract Ready: A Checklist for Doing Business with the State and Tips for Navigating CT Source

No-cost Online May 19, 2026, 12 p.m. REGISTER The State of Connecticut purchases everything from catering and construction services to gasoline and guiderails—and your business could be part of it. In this session, the Department of Administrative Services will offer a practical, step‑by‑step overview of how to become contract‑ready, including the benefits of pursuing state […]

Promotional image for the "Want to Win a Contract" online learning session.
January 27, 2026

Want to Win a Contract? Develop a Capacity Plan

Access the Recording Equip your business to compete — and win — at the CT Business Matchmaker. Contracting with government agencies and large corporate buyers requires more than certifications and a capability statement — it requires capacity. Join Steven Semaya, Associate State Director, Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), for a practical online learning session […]