Economic Development Newsletter
AUGUST 2026
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Thursday, August 27th, 2026
Preparing to Access Capital
12pm-1pm | Virtual | No Cost
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Applying for a business loan can feel overwhelming—but the more you understand the process, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate it successfully.
Join this online workshop to learn what lenders look for, how to build a strong loan application package, and what steps you can take now to improve your chances of approval. You’ll also discover the resources available to help guide you through the process from start to finish.
What You’ll Learn
- Small business loan resources available to support you
- The different types of business loans—and which may be the best fit for your needs
- How loan funds can typically be used
- Why the 5 C’s of Capital matter to lenders
- What to expect during the loan application process
- Which documents you should prepare in advance
- How to strengthen your loan application and improve your chances of approval
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Business Advising and Classes
Women's Business Development Council
First Thursday of September, October and November
Sessions from 3-5pm, 5-6 and 5-6:30pm
Hartford Public Library | Free | Registration Required
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Offset the Cost of Your Next Additive Manufacturing Investment
Up to $20,000 in Matching Funds for
Additive Manufacturing Investments through CCAT
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Investing in additive manufacturing can help manufacturers reduce lead times, improve production flexibility, lower costs, and bring critical capabilities in-house.
The Additive Voucher Program (AVP) administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) with funding provided through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Manufacturing Innovation Fund is designed to help Connecticut manufacturers take the next step.
Eligible organizations may receive matching grant funding of up to $20,000 to support qualifying additive manufacturing investments.
Is your organization eligible?
The program may be a good fit if your organization:
- Is a Connecticut manufacturer or allied service provider
- Has between 3 and 300 full-time employees in Connecticut
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Is planning a qualifying additive manufacturing investment of at least $5,000
Don't wait until after you've placed an order. To be considered for funding, applications must be submitted before placing an order, issuing a purchase order, or making a deposit. If you're evaluating an investment, it's best to begin the process early.
Every application starts with a consultation with a CCAT engineer to discuss your project and determine whether it meets program requirements.
Interested in learning more?
Visit our Additive Voucher Program page to review eligibility requirements and request a consultation.
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State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Grant Funds Available for Qualifying Connecticut Companies
July 22nd - September 29, 2027
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The State of Connecticut, through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), has been awarded a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The grant runs from July 22, 2026 through September 29, 2027.
Through this grant, DECD has created an Export General Assistance Fund (GAF) to increase the number of eligible small businesses (ESBCs) that export, increase the value of exports by ESBCs, and increase the number of ESBCs exploring significant new trade opportunities.
Eligible activities include trade shows, trade missions, marketing and internationalization, U.S. Department of Commerce services (Gold Key, International Partner Search, International Company Profile), export training opportunities, website translation, and export B2B matchmaking.
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eCommerce 101: How Your Existing Business Can Sell Online
Thursday, September 10th, 2026 | 1-2pm | Live Webinar
Free | Registration Required
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These days, if you operate a brick-and-mortar store or a business that delivers services in-home, your customers probably expect that you can close transactions and take payments on your website. Whether you've never sold online before or you've dabbled and hit a wall, this beginner-friendly session walks you through the essentials from the ground up.
So, what's the best approach to keep your inventory organized, manage delivery charges, collect sales tax and other challenging processes? Should you operate from a special purpose e-commerce platform like Shopify, BigCommerce or Square Online? Should you instead run a plug-in on your own website like WooCommerce or Ecwid? Or is the best solution to sell in marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart.com
And with AI shopping already reshaping how customers discover products — through ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google's AI Mode — how do you make sure your business shows up? Cut through the confusion so you can confidently do business in the 21st century.
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Prepare for Employee Success by
Learning to Hire Right - Part 1
Thursday, October 8th, 2026 | 1-2pm
Live Webinar | Free | Registration Required
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Hiring the successful employees begins long before you post a job opening or conduct an interview. Without a clear understanding of your workplace culture and the qualities needed for success, you may attract candidates who look good on paper but are not a good fit for your business.
Learn how to prepare for a more focused and effective hiring process—from defining what your company stands for to asking interview questions that reveal how candidates are likely to perform on the job.
You’ll discover how to:
- Define your business culture before hiring your first employee.
- Position your company to attract the best candidates.
- Craft interview questions that assess both experience and behavior.
- Interview candidates effectively, including best practices and common pitfalls.
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Prepare for Employee Success by
Learning to Hire Right - Part 2
Thursday, November 5th, 2026 | 1-2pm
Live Webinar | Free | Registration Required
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PART TWO
A promising résumé and a good interview do not always lead to a successful hire. Choosing the right candidate requires knowing what to listen for, what information deserves closer examination, and how to compare applicants fairly and thoughtfully.
Learn how to evaluate candidate responses, recognize potential warning signs, and move confidently from the interview to a successful offer and onboarding experience.
You’ll discover how to:
- Understand the legal aspects of interviewing, including questions you cannot ask.
- Interpret responses, assess work history, education, and teamwork ability, and recognize red flags.
- Confidently identify your top candidates and strong alternatives.
- Make compelling offers and negotiate favorable hiring terms.
- Ensure new hires get off to a successful start.
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Fall For Park
A Free Community Festival on Park Road
Seeking Local Non-Profit and For Profit Business Participation
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10am-4pm | Rain or Shine
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🍁 Introducing "FALL FOR PARK" 🍁
A free community fall festival on Park Road!
🍁 ABOUT FALL FOR PARK
Building on the tradition of the former Park Road Parade, the Park Road Association is excited to announce Fall for Park, a new community festival taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
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Designed to celebrate the businesses, residents, and unique character of the Park Road neighborhood, the event will feature family-friendly activities, special promotions, live entertainment, and an antique trolley connecting visitors to businesses along the street—all without a street closure.
This event will occur rain or shine.
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🍁 BUSINESSES - GET INVOLVED
The Park Road Association hopes each and every business in the Park Road Neighborhood will participate.
First, they want to "wow" the crowd! Please consider decorating your exterior for fall. Imagine if all businesses & residential neighbors made an effort to do this what an impact it would have?!
Second, help make their first annual Fall For Park the best it can be by participating. This will help not only draw people to the event, but directly to YOUR business. They are encouraging businesses to have a presence outside and inside their establishments offering sales, specials, giveaways, activities and/or entertainment.
Sign up to get involved and they will promote all that you are offering on their website, via social media and a handout the day of the event, which will include a map.
In the neighborhood but not directly on Park Road? They would be happy to discuss ways in which to have your presence somewhere along Park Road!
Click Here to learn more and/or sign up to participate.
| | | | 2026 40 Under Forty: Sonny Chen | | |
CONGRATULATIONS SONNY!
Sonny Chen is CEO and co-founder of Black Bamboo, an award-winning restaurant recognized as Best Asian Cuisine since its opening. He launched the business in 2010 at age 21 alongside his father, who immigrated from Southeast China.
Starting as a small takeout storefront, Black Bamboo has expanded into a full-service restaurant with an extensive catering operation, creating numerous local jobs and contributing to the economic growth of the community.
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WBDC Ignite Grant
Apply for up to $10K today!
For Qualified Women-Owned Small Businesses in CT
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Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)
Catalyst Symposium 2026
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 | 8:30am-1pm
Quinnipiac University, North Haven
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WBDC’s Catalyst Symposium is an annual celebration of innovation, empowerment, and entrepreneurial success.
Featuring WBDC’s Accelerate Pitch Competition where finalists compete to win $25,000 grants.
Fuel your day with a complimentary continental breakfast and boxed lunch, included with your registration.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or the owner of an established business, this symposium will equip you with the knowledge, network, and motivation to take your venture to the next level.
| | July Grant List is Live!
Small Business Grants, Growth Funds and Pitch Competitions
Check Out What you Qualify for Before they Close! | | |
The Realist Lab is where aspirations turn into impactful realities. They empower entrepreneurs by building a community rich in expertise and resources, giving them the tools to create enduring, sustainable businesses. Realist Lab is dedicated to fostering vibrant communities, driving meaningful change, and creating opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
Browse every active grant they track for underrepresented and early-stage founders.
| | Grant Opened to Any Registered CT Business!
The New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) | | CT Career Pathways Commission
Seeks Survey Feedback
Improving Career Pathway Opportunities for
Students and Underemployed Adults in CT | | |
The Connecticut Career Pathways Commission is developing recommendations to make it easier for businesses like yours to work with students and young adults.They are requesting feedback from small to mid-sized employers to better understand your workforce needs and experiences connecting with students and young adults.
This survey takes about 5-10 minutes. There are no right or wrong answers — they want to know how things work for your business today. Your individual responses are confidential and will only be reported in combination with other businesses.
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wonder opened their 11th location in CT at 91 Memorial Road.
Top rated restaurants across the country...all in one place! They partnered with celebrity chefs to bring their menus to you!
From Phoenix to Atlanta, and D.C. to Los Angeles, they bring you a taste of what the nation has to offer, right here to West Hartford!
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The Brownstone is now opened at 7 South Main Street in the former Sam's Gyro location in West Hartford Center.
Congratulations to Matt Rusconi on his second location (original in downtown Hartford).
Stop by for the classic vibes, good food and great times!
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Bliss Matcha and Beyond is now opened at 981 Farmington Avenue in the former Boost Bowls location.
Congratulations to Haonan Chen on your second location second location (original in downtown New Haven).
Their Bubble tea house focuses on matcha-forward beverages crafted like lattes and seasonal fruit-based drinks and coffee-infused matcha beverages. Don't forget to try their creamy soft-serve ice cream and handmade banana pudding!
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Overgrown Shrubs Contribute to
Motor Vehicle Crashes
ATTENTION BUSINESS PROPERTY OWNERS
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Keep West Hartford roads safe by trimming your shrubbery today!
Each year, motor vehicle accidents are attributed to overgrown shrubbery on street corners and intersections. For the safety of all, it is important that hedges, bushes, trees, other growth, and any fences do not obstruct drivers' clear view, and that pedestrians have full access to sidewalks and can see vehicles.
As part of West Hartford’s Vision Zero efforts to improve the safety of our streets, take the test to determine if you need to trim back your shrubbery:
Drive up to the white line before the stop sign and look to ensure you can see oncoming traffic and pedestrians without rolling forward. If you must roll forward, it's time to get out your hedge clippers.
Enforcement of these ordinances is not intended to burden property owners but to raise awareness of the responsibilities of maintaining their property so that West Hartford can be a safe and enjoyable community.
West Hartford Zoning Office enforces this ordinance (West Hartford Code: Chapter 177-24). They can be reached at 860-561-7555.
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