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Economic Development Newsletter

JANUARY 2026

2026 West Hartford
Economic Development Update

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 | 11:30am-1:30pm

The Pond House Cafe | West Hartford

BioCT 2026 Legislative Breakfast

Monday, January 26th, 2026 | 8:30am-11:30am

Alexion Pharmaceuticals | New Haven, CT

This convening brings together industry and legislative leaders to advance a favorable fiscal and policy environment that supports talent attraction and company growth in Connecticut’s life sciences sector.
The program will also address how the state can remain competitive amid federal headwinds, with insights from featured federal legislators.

CBIA Economic Summit + Outlook 2026

Thursday, January 29th, 2026 | 8:30am-11:45am

Connecticut Convention Center | Hartford, CT

David Cordani, Chair and CEO of The Cigna Group, headlines CBIA’s 2026 Economic Summit + Outlook, sharing insights on leading through disruption, driving growth, and creating long-term value.

The event also features economic analysis from Janney Montgomery Scott strategist Guy Le Bas and a bipartisan panel of state legislators discussing priorities for the 2026 General Assembly, with opportunities to network with Connecticut business leaders.

COMPLETE SURVEY

Do you Offer a Compliant Savings Plan?

MyCTSavings
Lisa Kidder, Strategic Communications Manager

Thursday, February 19th, 2026 1-2pm

Live Webinar | Free | Registration required

Connecticut businesses with five or more employees that do not offer a qualified retirement savings plan are now out of legal compliance and enforcement actions will begin in the months ahead. While you may provide a private retirement plan to comply with the law, a simpler option may be MyCTSavings, offered through the Office of the State Comptroller. And there is no cost to employers to sign up.

Learn the advantages of MyCTSavings and if it is right for your business:

Getting started is fast, easy, and secure.
Works seamlessly with any payroll process.
Stay competitive by offering a great benefit to your employees.
Requires very little time and administration.
Meets the requirements of the law.

Thinking About Borrowing for
Your Small Business?

10 Good Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying for a Loan

Applying for a business loan can be a major step, whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one. Yet many entrepreneurs rush into borrowing without taking time to assess what they truly need and how a loan will affect their long-term financial health. Asking yourself the right questions up front can help you choose the best financing option and improve your chances of securing it.

A guide to the right accounting software

Our free downloadable guide, “Choosing the Right Software for Small Business Finances, Client Care, and Compliance,” from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, walks you through the key features to look for—like automated reporting, payroll integration, and compatibility with point-of-sale and tax systems.

Learn more

Practical tips for navigating tariffs

Whether importing or exporting, any company that does business internationally will, at some point, negotiate tariffs. Every business is unique and will be impacted by tariffs differently. However, there are a few fundamental concepts that most businesses will want to familiarize themselves with.

Just a reminder that the Seniors Job Bank is here when you need reliable, experienced help. Here are just three examples of hiring opportunities that SJB has in our registry for mature workers:

Business: bookkeeper

Home & Personal: companion

Volunteer: event support

Click here to hire for your business

Click here to hire for your home/personal services

Click here to recruit volunteers

LEARN MORE

Inside Crêpes Choupette in West Hartford Center

Crêpes Choupette opens its fourth location in the State, right here in West Hartford at 993 Farmington Avenue (the former Donut Crazy location).

Have crêpes, will travel! Whether you are enjoying a sweet or savory crêpe in-store or want them to cater your next event, Crêpes Choupette has something for every pallet!

Congratulations to Adil Chokairy and his team! Thank you for bringing tastes of Paris to West Hartford Center :)

Paris Baguette opened at 1479 New Britain Avenue.

There is so much from which to choose! Take your pick of cakes, tarts, pastries, donuts, breakfast/lunch sandwiches and wraps - hot and cold beverages too.

Congratulations to Naim Osmond, Imdad Ali and their team! Thank you for choosing West Hartford for CT's first Paris Baguette location.

Coracora opened its upscale flagship location in West Hartford's Blue Back Square (formerly Rosa Mexicano) at 51 Isham Road.

They are now offering an enhanced Peruvian dining experience with a full bar, while their original Shield Street spot remains open as a fast-casual spot.

Congratulations to the sister sensation - Award winning Chef Macarena and Grecia Ludena and their stellar staff! Thank you for bringing your family traditions to Blue Back!

CT Business Matchmaker
Primer Webinar Series
Wednesday January 21st and 28th, 2026 | 12pm-1pm | Virtual

The CT Business Matchmaker Primer Webinar Series is a four-part learning experience (two remaining) designed to help small business suppliers show-up prepared, confident, and contract-ready for the March 5th, 2026 Connecticut Business Matchmaker.

These primers focus on what buyers truly evaluate – capacity, clarity, readiness, and alignment. Together, they provide a practical roadmap to help suppliers strengthen their foundation, communicate their value, and maximize every matchmaking opportunity.

Matchmaker Strategy & Preparation

Learn how to navigate the matchmaking platform, request the right meetings, and prepare for productive conversations.

Buyer Expectation & Insights

Hear directly from a buyer on what they prioritize, how they evaluate suppliers, and what helps businesses stand out.

Why You Should Attend This Series

The Connecticut Business Matchmaker centers on pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as large prime contractors. Success begins well before match day.

By attending this primer series, businesses will:

Improve procurement readiness
Present capabilities with clarity and confidence
Make informed and strategic matchmaking requests
Walk into the event prepared to engage buyers effectively

Don’t just attend the CT Business Matchmaker – arrive prepared to compete.

Each webinar builds toward a focused, productive, and impactful matchmaker experience.

Primer Webinar Schedule and Registration

Making the Most of the CT Business Matchmaker

Your Roadmap to a Productive, Well-Planned, and Impactful Matchmaker Experience

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

12:00-1:00 PM

Presenter: Tanisha Baptiste-Bynum, Lead Outreach and Marketing Specialist, SBA

What are Buyers Looking For?

Insights to Help Small Businesses Prepare, Position, and Stand Out

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

12:00-1:00 PM

Presenter: Peter Kontakos, OSDBU Director, U.S. Department of Labor

There's Still Time to Register for the CT Business Matchmaker!

CT Business Matchmaker

March 5th

9 AM - 4 PM

CT Convention Center

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.

TAX BILLS DUE
GRACE PERIOD ENDS FEBRUARY 2, 2026

Tax bills were mailed on December 15

The Revenue Collection Office mailed tax bills for the second installment of the Grand List of October 1, 2024, on Monday, December 15th, 2025. The bills include real estate, personal property, and supplemental motor vehicles. Payment was due on January 1, 2026, with a grace period until February 2, 2026. You may also look up and pay your account using our online tax portal.

Below is a snapshot of the bill you received. Please note that the town’s bank, TD Bank, has changed the location where tax mail is processed. The new lockbox address is:

Town of West Hartford

PO Box 983196

Boston, MA 02298-3196