Shay Nagarsheth

Business Advisor

As a Business Advisor at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), Shay Nagarsheth is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to thrive and prosper. In his role, Shay offers strategic advice on starting, building, and sustaining businesses, with a keen understanding of veteran, women, and minority business challenges.

As the former Director of Economic Development for the City of Danbury, he spearheaded initiatives that boosted the city to sixth in the state for new business registrations, launched the Small Business Incentive Program, secured pandemic relief funding for local businesses, revitalized community programs like Danbury Restaurant Week and the Façade Improvement Grant program. He was also in the telecommunications industry with several Fortune 100 companies for over 25 years, working across sectors and regions of the Northeast. He started his professional career as an entrepreneur for two start-ups in the marketing and restaurant sectors where he successfully launched, funded, and operated independent businesses.

 Shay has an MBA from Sacred Heart in Management and a BS from UCONN in Marketing. He also has over 20 years of municipal government experience in volunteer capacities and has served on the boards of several non-profits. He is also a self-proclaimed foodie who loves spending time with his wife and two kids (and dog Teddy). He enjoys traveling, cooking, and making wine in his spare time.