Economic Development Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2026
| | The West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization (WHAASCO) is gearing up for the 2026 West Hartford Black Business Expo, happening February 28, 2026 at The West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium. This celebration of Black entrepreneurship connects residents, customers, and community leaders while spotlighting the creativity and strength of Black-owned businesses. | | CT Business Matchmaker
Wednesday, March 5th, 2026 |9am-4pm
Connecticut Convention Center| Hartford, CT | | A statewide event connecting Connecticut businesses with government buyers and prime contractors to unlock new procurement and supply chain opportunities. The program features one-on-one matchmaking meetings, a networking expo, and expert-led training sessions designed to help businesses compete and grow through government contracting. | |
There's Still Time to for Suppliers to Register for the CT Business Matchmaker!
CT Business Matchmaker Deadline: February 26th, 2026
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Made in America Onshoring Tools
Workshop Series
Thursday, March 12th, 17th and 19th |10-11am | Virtual
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SBA is leading a task force that is laser focused on growing American-based manufacturers. The Made in America Manufacturing Initiative commits to a deeper collaboration and coordination of federal agency resources designed to:
- Cutting red tape for small manufacturers
- Increasing access to capital
- Finding onshoring resources
- Taking your manufacturing business global
U.S. Small Business Administration Connecticut District Office is launching “Made in America Onshoring” Workshop Series:
March 12th - Workshop I: Made In America Onshoring-Tools: We will introduce “Made in America Manufacturing Initiatives”, U.S. Manufacturing statistics and SBA’s Onshoring Portal that helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers.
REGISTER
March 17th - Workshop II: Made In America Onshoring-Funding: We will discuss various SBA working capital loan programs to help manufacturers to gain access to capital including 7(a) Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit (MARC).
REGISTER
March 19th - Workshop III: Made In America Onshoring-Counseling: We will introduce SBA’s Resource Partner- Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) and its export counseling and technical assistance to help small manufacturers grow and open new international markets.
REGISTER
| | | | 2026 Connecticut Business Day
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 | 10:30am-12pm | Hartford | | |
Connecticut Business Day 2026 is your opportunity to join fellow business leaders in Hartford March 18 and influence the policies that will define our state’s future.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
$25
9 am Check-In & Networking Breakfast
10:30 am-12 pm Program
Get Involved.
Engage directly with legislators, ask questions, and leave with a clearer understanding of how decisions at the state Capitol will affect your business.
Showing Up Shapes Policy
Lawmakers pay attention when the business community shows up in force. Connecticut Business Day ensures your priorities are part of the conversation.
What’s Changing and How to Prepare
Business leaders from across the state will be at Connecticut Business Day March 18.
Be among them and ensure your perspective is part of the dialogue.
| | Women's Small Business Breakfast and Panel Discussion
Thursday, March 19th, 2026 |9am-11:30am
Town Hall Auditorium | West Hartford, CT | |
Two Ways for Manufacturers to
Connect with Emerging Talent
Through Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
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- The CT Manufacturing Internship Program 2026 and
- CT Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Career Fair
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CT MANUFACTURING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2026
As you plan for summer production and long-term workforce growth, access to emerging talent remains critical.The CT Manufacturing Internship Program helps Connecticut manufacturers connect with students interested in manufacturing careers, while providing practical resources that support hiring, onboarding, and retention.
Post internship and entry-level opportunities and access a private database of candidates actively seeking manufacturing roles in Connecticut.
| | CT MANUFACTURING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM | |
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CT Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Career Fair
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 | 3-6pm
Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT
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Meet candidates and build long-term pipelines. Connect directly with undergrad and graduating students and jobseekers at Connecticut’s 2026 Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Career Fair.
Once interns are hired, employers can enroll them in the Summer Internship Program when registration opens later this spring.
| | The program begins with a Kickoff Orientation on June 3, hosted at TRUMPF or available remotely, followed by a full summer of industry tours and professional development. Qualified employers with eligible interns may receive a matching wage subsidy of up to $14,000. | | |
Career Navigator to Assist ESL Students Technology West Hartford Adult Education
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The West Hartford Adult Education program has a Career Navigator to assist ESL students as well as students in the alternative high school diploma program. This position is held by Laura Wilson who has an office in room 419 at the Town Hall.
EMPLOYERS - If you have a job opportunity and would like share it with the ESL students or have employees who may benefit from the Career Navigator program, contact Laura Wilson. Laura indicated that “I receive so many announcements about training opportunities in Manufacturing, IT and Healthcare.” Contact Laura to see if your training opportunities align with WHAE students skills.
JOB SEEKERS - If you are looking to change careers, find a job you enjoy, gain skills to improve access to the job market or attend a university, Laura is available to guide and support you along the way.
These training sessions are available at a low or no cost due to grants because these jobs need to be filled. Laura can be reached at laura_wilson@whps.org or at 860-561-6668. Please feel free to reach out if you are a student in the Adult Education program.
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Business Lending Expo
March 26th, 2026 | 9am-12pm
Courtyard Marriott - Cromwell
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Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs!
Are you seeking capital to grow your business?
Do you want to refinance debt?
Are you thinking of purchasing equipment?
Plan ahead. Come and meet over 25 SBA lenders and explore your financing options. This is your opportunity to discuss, engage, and network!
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Application
February 13th - March 20th, 2026
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Each year, the Town of West Hartford receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, local organizations are invited to submit funding applications between February 13 and March 20, 2026. To gather public input and respond to questions regarding the CDBG application process, program eligibility, and HUD requirements, two public hearings will be held on February 24, 2026, and March 6, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Luan Ceka by email at Luan.Ceka@WestHartfordCT.gov, or by phone at 860-561-7562.
| | Spitz coming soon to the former Plan B location | | |
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food is coming soon! This will be the first Spitz franchise in Connecticut - right here in West Hartford!
Owners, Nick and Paige Chamberlain recently signed a lease and announced that they will be taking over the former Plan B space on Park Road.
Hoping to open later this spring, Spitz will feature Mediterranean and Greek food, American Classic and more!
| | Big Y at Crossroads Plaza in Bishops Corner, is excited to announce the grand reopening of its newly remodeled West Hartford supermarket.
From the redesigned entrance to the modern décor and fresh graphics throughout, shoppers will immediately notice a warm, updated look along with a brand-new café and digital menu boards that highlight daily offerings. Looking good Big Y! | |
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Lume Skincare opened at Sola Salons at 61 Raymond Road. Nicole (Ying Hua Jiang), a busy stay at home mom of three, had private clients for 10 years and recently decided to open her own salon.
Nicole offers a leading clinical-grade skincare brand from Korea, trusted by professionals worldwide. Lume Skincare targets hydration, anti-aging, brightening, and skin repair with precision. They also offer eyelash extensions services.
| | Space Heater Safety
A message from the Fire Marshal's Office - Town of West Hartford | | |
Many people use space heaters during the winter months. Electric space heaters are allowed under the fire code but caution must be used whenever these are in use. Make sure that any space heaters are plugged directly into the wall and a 3ft area is kept clear around the unit at all times. Fuel burning heaters like propane or kerosene should never be used indoors as they generate carbon monoxide.
Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Wilcox – Chris.Wilcox@westhartfordct.gov 860-561-8362
Deputy Fire Marshal James Paul Jr. – James.Paul@westhartfordct.gov 860-561-8308
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