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A clickable promotional image for the "Stress Test Your Business Idea" GPT.
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, […]

A promotional image for a three workshop series
August 6, 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 […]

Angela Rodriguez, State Star 2026
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 […]

Promotional Image for "Iniciando to Negocio" workshop
June 17, 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, […]

A promotional image for the "Financiando tu Negocio" workshop
June 10, 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, […]

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 "Financing Your Business" workshop
May 20, 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 "the ins and Outs of Buying & Selling a Business" workshop on September 24
May 19, 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 the "Iniciando tu negocio" workshop
May 18, 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 […]

Intro to Exporting workshop promotional image
May 18, 2026

An Intro to Exporting

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 […]