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Press Release

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. […]

SBA WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
April 15, 2025

CTSBDC Clients Recognized Among SBA’s 2025 Connecticut Small Business Award Winners

East Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to announce that several of its clients have been honored as recipients of the 2025 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut Small Business Week Awards, including one recognized at both the state and New England regional levels. These awards celebrate small business […]

Webinars Spring 2025
March 31, 2025

Spring 2025: Free CTSBDC Webinars Empowering Connecticut Small Businesses

East Hartford, CT – The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is proud to present a series of free, 60-minute virtual webinars this spring, designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools and knowledge needed to start, grow, and succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Led by experienced CTSBDC business advisors, these engaging […]

The Flour Girl portrait
March 14, 2025

CTSBDC Client Michelle Nicholson of The Flour Girl Bakery Named Connecticut’s 2025 Small Business Person of the Year by the SBA

Hebron, CT — “An SBA Small Business Person of the Year has proven their ability to overcome challenges, tested their vision through innovation, and are involved in their communities. These qualities are the ingredients of Michelle’s success since she began to feed her sourdough starter,” said Catherine Marx, SBA’s Connecticut District Director. Michelle Nicholson launched […]

Small Business Lending Expo (March 27)
January 26, 2025

CTSBDC Announces Small Business Lending Expo on March 27, 2025

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 39 Ella Grasso Blvd, New Britain CT. 06053 This in-person event is designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and […]

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 […]