News and Events

A group of UConn students, professors, CTSBDC advisors, and Cricket Press staff on campus
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 […]

Promotional image for a "Funding Your Business" workshop in Spanish
May 18, 2026

Financiando tu negocio: Lo que todo emprendedor debe saber @ HPL

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, […]

A promotional image for the Funding Your Business workshop at Hartford Public Library on October 9
May 18, 2026

Funding Your Business @ HPL

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 application process with confidence, this event will give you a clear understanding of what lenders look for, what documents are required, and how […]

A promotional image for August 20th Intro to Exporting workshop
May 18, 2026

An Intro to Exporting @ HPL

No-Cost In-Person Aug. 20, 2026 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St, Hartford CT  Street Parking/Garage Parking Nearby REGISTER Join us for an introductory workshop designed to help Connecticut businesses explore the opportunities of exporting. Led by Denise Whitford of the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) in partnership with the […]

A promotional image for the "Starting a Business" workshop
May 13, 2026

Starting a Business – July 14

No-cost Online July 14, 12 p.m. REGISTER Join Connecticut Small Business Development Center Business Advisor Valeria Bisceglia 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 […]

The winners and judges from the CTSBDC AI Pitch Competition
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 […]

Promotional image for "How to Start a Business" workshop on June 9, 2026 in Waterbury
May 11, 2026

How to Start a Business & Insider Insights into Business Banking

No-Cost In-Person June 9, 2026 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Waterbury Regional Chamber, Board Room Garage Parking Nearby REGISTER Ready to start your business? Let’s turn your idea into action. Join CTSBDC Advisor Shay Nagarsheth for an interactive session that breaks down exactly what it takes to launch your business with confidence. Whether you’re just […]

A promotional image for the June 17 webinar about buying and selling a business
May 8, 2026

The Ins and Outs of Buying or Selling a Business

No-cost Online June 17, 2026 12 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 an existing […]

A promotional image for "starting Your Business" workshop in Spanish on June 5 at the Hartford Public Library
May 8, 2026

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

June 5, 2026 12 – 1:30 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 […]

Ciatlyn Grad in a pink sweater leaning in a door
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, […]