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Press Release

MARCH 2025 SBA LENDERS EVENT
January 26, 2025

CTSBDC Announces Small Business Lending Expo on March 27, 202

East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), SBA- Connecticut, and Central Connecticut State University will host a Small Business Lending Expo on March 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Central Connecticut State University’s Alumni Hall, located at 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050. This in-person event is […]

January 22, 2025

CTSBDC Client and UConn Alum Hayley Segar to Appear on ABC’s Shark Tank

East Hartford, CT — January 22, 2025 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce that one of its clients, Hayley Segar, will appear on ABC’s Shark Tank on Friday, January 24, at 8 p.m. Segar, a University of Connecticut alum and founder of the swimwear brand onewith, is set to […]

Connecticut’s 3rd Access to Capital Event to Connect Small Businesses with SBA Lenders Waterbury, CT — November 4, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, is pleased to announce the Access to Capital: Meet SBA Lenders event. This in-person event, taking place on November 15, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT, aims to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing businesses in exploring financing options through SBA lenders. Event Highlights: Direct Access to Lenders: Meet with representatives from banks and mission-based, non-profit lenders who specialize in small business financing. Attendees will gain insights into which lenders' products may best suit their business needs. Resource Partners & Support Services: Representatives from the State of Connecticut and SBA resource partners will be available to provide free assistance and guidance as businesses prepare their loan applications and navigate the financing process. Networking & Refreshments: Attendees are encouraged to connect with peers, lenders, and resource providers. Refreshments will be provided, and walk-ins are welcome. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM. This Access to Capital event marks Connecticut’s third annual gathering focused on helping small business owners discover financial resources and explore opportunities for growth and development. The event is free of charge, and early registration is encouraged. Registration Information: To register, please visit bit.ly/3NJ265R or scan the QR code provided on the event flyer. About the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC): CTSBDC provides confidential, no-cost business advising to small businesses across Connecticut. Through partnerships and resources, CTSBDC assists entrepreneurs and business owners in achieving their goals and contributing to Connecticut’s economic growth.
November 4, 2024

PAST EVENT – Connecticut’s 3rd Access to Capital Event to Connect Small Businesses with SBA Lenders

Waterbury, CT — November 4, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, is pleased to announce the Access to Capital: Meet SBA Lenders event. This in-person event, taking place on November 15, 2024, from 9:00 […]

Connecticut’s 3rd Access to Capital Event to Connect Small Businesses with SBA Lenders Waterbury, CT — November 4, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, is pleased to announce the Access to Capital: Meet SBA Lenders event. This in-person event, taking place on November 15, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT, aims to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing businesses in exploring financing options through SBA lenders. Event Highlights: Direct Access to Lenders: Meet with representatives from banks and mission-based, non-profit lenders who specialize in small business financing. Attendees will gain insights into which lenders' products may best suit their business needs. Resource Partners & Support Services: Representatives from the State of Connecticut and SBA resource partners will be available to provide free assistance and guidance as businesses prepare their loan applications and navigate the financing process. Networking & Refreshments: Attendees are encouraged to connect with peers, lenders, and resource providers. Refreshments will be provided, and walk-ins are welcome. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM. This Access to Capital event marks Connecticut’s third annual gathering focused on helping small business owners discover financial resources and explore opportunities for growth and development. The event is free of charge, and early registration is encouraged. Registration Information: To register, please visit bit.ly/3NJ265R or scan the QR code provided on the event flyer. About the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC): CTSBDC provides confidential, no-cost business advising to small businesses across Connecticut. Through partnerships and resources, CTSBDC assists entrepreneurs and business owners in achieving their goals and contributing to Connecticut’s economic growth.
November 4, 2024

PAST EVENT – Connecticut’s 3rd Access to Capital Event to Connect Small Businesses with SBA Lenders

Waterbury, CT — November 4, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District and CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley, is pleased to announce the Access to Capital: Meet SBA Lenders event. This in-person event, taking place on November 15, 2024, from 9:00 […]

CTSBDC’s November webinar schedule includes: Exit, Succession Planning & Employee Ownership Options Dates: November 7 & 12, 2024 Business Advisors Michelle Augustyn and Shelly Koehler lead this two-part series, guiding business owners through essential strategies for succession planning and employee ownership. Participants will learn about options for ensuring a smooth business transition and long-term sustainability. Free Resources to Protect Your Intellectual Property Date: November 14, 2024 Co-hosted with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), this session provides valuable insights into protecting intellectual property assets. CTSBDC Business Advisor Valeria Bisceglia and USPTO Staff Attorney John C. Kirkpatrick will discuss practical steps for securing patents and trademarks, along with accessible resources to help business owners safeguard their innovations. Optimizing Operations and Supply Chain: Strategies to Boost Efficiency Date: November 19, 2024 Led by CTSBDC Business Advisor Val Gomez, this session is tailored for service and manufacturing entrepreneurs. Attendees will gain insights into improving daily operations, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction within their supply chains.
October 24, 2024

Connecticut Small Business Development Center to Host Free Virtual Webinars in November for Small Business Owners

East Hartford, CT — October 24, 2024 — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is pleased to announce a lineup of free webinars throughout November, designed to empower Connecticut’s small business community with essential resources and expert insights. Running from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, these virtual sessions cover critical topics that will help […]

2024 STATE STAR BUSINESS ADVISOR SCOTT ARNOLD IN THE PICTURE
August 6, 2024

CTSBDC Honors Business Advisor Scott Arnold as 2024 State Star

Connecticut Small Business Development Center is proud to announce that Scott Arnold has been selected as the 2024 State Star! This prestigious award, given annually, recognizes a member of the CTSBDC staff who has demonstrated exemplary performance and a strong commitment to small business success. Scott Arnold is a results-oriented Finance and Economic/Community Development professional […]

Murray Gates HEADSHOT CTSBDC Agricultural Business Advisor
May 1, 2024

CTSBDC Welcomes Murray Gates as New Agricultural Business Advisor

Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) proudly announces the newest addition to its team, Murray Gates, who joins as the Agricultural Business Advisor. With extensive experience and a passion for agriculture, Murray Gates brings a wealth of knowledge to CTSBDC. In his role as Agricultural Business Advisor, Murray will provide personalized guidance and resources to […]

Pilar Illanes headshot, Training, CTSBDC Learning, and Outreach Facilitator – Immigrant Entrepreneur Program
April 22, 2024

CTSBDC Welcomes Pilar Illanes to Lead Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) proudly announces the appointment of Pilar Illanes as the leader of our upcoming CTSBDC Immigrant Entrepreneur Program. Pilar will lead our soon-to-be-launched Immigrant Entrepreneur Program, dedicated to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs and international students in Connecticut. This program aims to empower immigrant entrepreneurs and international students to launch and […]

March 20, 2024

Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) Commemorates National SBDC Day

March 20th marks National SBDC Day, a significant occasion celebrating the pivotal role of America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in fostering the success of small businesses nationwide. This collective proclamation recognizes the profound impact SBDCs have on empowering dreamers, innovators, and doers—the backbone of America’s entrepreneurial spirit. With nearly 1,000 SBDC centers across the […]

February 12, 2024

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Joins Forces with Connecticut Small Business Development Center: Empowering Minority-Owned Tech with $2M Federal Grant

CTSBDC is proud to support The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s NHE3 initiative and to have been selected to participate in a $2 million federal grant to bolster minority-owned tech companies. Stepping in with technical assistance and business advisors, CTSBDC will present g three accelerator programs, each spanning six sessions, focused on Federal research […]