News and Events

Left to right: Lucelly Espinal, M&T Bank; Diana Merchan, Greenwich Country Day School; Nelson Merchan, CTSBDC; Andrea Torres Fodor, Newtown Savings Bank; Marifer Rodriguez, Zamfer Group
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 […]

A promotional image for webinar about protecting intellectual property
November 21, 2025

From Idea to Asset: Intellectual Property Strategies for Manufacturing Businesses

Register In the manufacturing world, innovation is your competitive edge—but only if you protect it. This online learning session will walk you through practical intellectual property (IP) strategies to safeguard your designs, processes, and brands so they become true business assets, not missed opportunities. Join us on December 4 at 12 p.m. to learn about […]

Dorian Zwierewicz sitting in a chair with a book.
November 14, 2025

Dorian Zwierewicz Named State Director of CTSBDC

East Hartford, CT — Dorian Zwierewicz has been named the State Director of the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), effective November 14, 2025. Zwierewicz recently served as the regional director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida – which received two awards of excellence in […]

November 12, 2025

Managing Money in Your Business – Financial Essentials

Join this hands-on course designed to help new and aspiring business owners build strong financial skills. Whether you’re planning to start in the next 6 months or are already running your business, you’ll learn how to make smart money decisions and grow with confidence. Register The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting on Dec. […]

Ai Statupes webinar promotional image
November 4, 2025

IA para Startups: Una Guía práctica

Registro Fecha: 12/3/2025 Hora: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Costo: Gratuito Languaje: En español, con subtítulos en vivo en diversos idiomas Contacto: Pilar Illanes Cada vez más grandes empresas y pequeños negocios están aprovechando la IA generativa con excelentes resultados. Sin embargo, muchos emprendedores aún necesitan ese impulso inicial para comprender lo básico y comenzar a aplicarla en su […]

Promotional image for AI for Startups & practical roadmap
November 4, 2025

AI for Startups: A Practical Roadmap

Register More and more, large companies and small businesses are taking advantage of generative AI with excellent results. However, many entrepreneurs still need that initial push to learn the basics and start applying it in their own businesses. This training is designed for small business owners and new entrepreneurs who want to understand the basics […]

Promotional image for Unlocking Business Credit webinar
November 3, 2025

Unlock Business Growth With Strong Credit

Your credit is more than a number. It’s your key to funding, opportunities, and financial stability. Whether you’re a startup or an established small business owner, understanding and improving your personal and business credit is essential for success. On November 19 at 6 p.m., join us for a free, online, interactive 60-minute session, with Stephen […]

CTSBDC group photo at CEDAS Award Ceremony
November 3, 2025

CEDAS Honors Outgoing CTSBDC State Director with Kenneth L. Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award

East Hartford, CT – After 12 years with Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), including seven as State Director, Joe Ercolano is retiring, effective November 5, 2025. In addition to well wishes from colleagues at CTSBDC and UConn School of Business, Ercolano was honored by the Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) with the Kenneth L. […]

A promotional image for the Exit Planning webinar series
October 21, 2025

Exit, Succession Planning, & Employee Ownership Options

Join CTSBDC Advisors Shelly Koehler and Michelle Augustyn for a two-part online learning opportunity exploring different exit planning options. Where to Start? Thinking about stepping away from your business but unsure how to start? Whether you’re considering selling to an outside buyer, transferring ownership to a family member, or exploring employee ownership, this session will […]

Promotional image for online learning session
September 18, 2025

Want to Win A Contract? Develop a Capacity Plan

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. On Oct. 14 at 12 p.m., join the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) and the Connecticut District Office of the […]