Economic Development Newsletter
MARCH 2026
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Build Skills in Additive Manufacturing
and Digital Manufacturing
Wednesday-Friday, March 25-27th, 2026 | 8:30am- 4:30pm
Hands-On Manufacturing Trainings | No Cost to Participants
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Manufacturers are under constant pressure to deliver complex parts faster while maintaining quality and controlling costs.
| | Join Connect Center for Advanced Technology March 25–27 for two hands-on technical trainings that demonstrate how additive manufacturing and machining modeling can improve design, process planning, and production outcomes within a digital thread workflow.
Both trainings are offered at no cost to participants through support from industry partners and federal programs. | |
Understand Your Lease, Cover Your Assets
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 | 1-2pm
Live Webinar | Free | Registration required
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Small businesses that require office space, retail storefronts, warehouses or workshops typically sign leases to occupy the property. If the business owners are only focused on “making the rent” next month, there may be larger risks and consequences of not understanding the requirements of the lease and failing to get professional help for evaluating or negotiating it.
Whether you are planning to lease, preparing to renew or hoping to terminate a commercial lease you’ll learn about:
- How personal guarantees work, when business owners remain liable after closing, and what happens if a landlord accelerates the remaining rent after default.
- How narrow “use” clauses can restrict the services you are allowed to offer, limit your ability to pivot in a downturn, prevent adding new revenue streams, or block you from licensing space or subleasing to offset costs.
- Assignment restrictions, sublease approval requirements, landlord recapture rights, and continuous operation clauses that may require you to stay open even when revenue declines.
- How short grace periods, broad default definitions, and one-sided attorney’s fee provisions can turn temporary cash flow issues into significant legal exposure.
- Responsibility for HVAC and major repairs, shared building costs in older Connecticut properties, and ensuring insurance coverage aligns with lease indemnification and additional insured requirements.
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Build a Courageous Culture for
Small Business Success
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 | 1-2pm
Live Webinar | Free | Registration required
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Company culture is not about trendy perks, free cappuccinos, dogs in the office, or unlimited vacation policies. For small businesses operating within real-world budgets and constraints, culture is something far more practical—and far more powerful.
A healthy company culture is built intentionally, rooted in shared values, clear communication, strong leadership, and aligned expectations. When successfully implemented, culture becomes a competitive advantage—driving customer loyalty, employee satisfaction and retention, and a strong reputation in the community.
Learn actionable strategies that any small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur can implement immediately. Drawing from real-world startup and leadership experience, discover how to:
- Establish clear operating agreements and shared company values from the beginning — especially in startups with multiple founders — to reduce risk and build alignment
- Develop company values through an intentional, structured process that supports long-term growth
- Create communication standards that reflect your culture and promote candor, clarity, and accountability
- Apply the “3 C’s” framework — Clarity, Competency, and Control — to help your team thrive
- Practice servant leadership by ensuring your team has the tools, training, resources, and environment needed to succeed
A strong culture doesn’t happen by accident. Learn how to build one on purpose.
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Gear Up for Growth
Wednesdays: May 13th, 20th and 27th, 2026 | 6-8pm
Better Business Bureau | 29 Berlin Road | Cromwell
Free | Registration Required
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You’ve jump-started your business — now it’s time to shift into a higher gear.
Gear Up for Growth is a hands-on, in-person workshop series designed for graduates of My Business Jump Start and other early-stage entrepreneurs ready to strengthen their operations, boost sales, and improve financial performance.
Over three dynamic sessions, participants will learn practical strategies to refine daily management, build a stronger brand presence, and prepare for smart financing opportunities.
Leave ready to lead with confidence, drive your business forward, and turn early success into lasting achievement.
Night 1 -- Managing for Success
Night 2 -- Boosting your Sales and Marketing
Night 3 -- Financial Performance and Finding Capital
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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 | | How to Buy a Commercial Building | |
Purchasing a commercial building can be one of the most powerful long-term investments a small business owner makes. But buying commercial real estate through a community lender such as CEDF is very different from purchasing a home — and more complex than taking out a standard term loan. Understanding the process in advance can help you prepare strategically and avoid surprises.
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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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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. | |
2026 Connecticut Workforce Summit Reimagining Career Pathways
Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 8:30am - 3:00pm
Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford
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The 2026 Connecticut Workforce Summit connects business, education, government, and nonprofit leaders to discuss rapidly evolving talent needs and the programs and initiatives that will create long-term, sustainable career pathways.
Hear from bestselling author and generational expert Mark Perna, who has devoted his career to uncovering the secrets of younger generations and empowering parents, educators, and employers to understand and motivate them at a new level.
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Neighborhood Assistance Act
Tax Credit Program
| | | | Applications are being accepted now through April 24 for the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program, which provides funding to municipal and tax-exempt organizations through a corporate business tax credit for businesses that make cash contributions to these entities. | | |
The community programs must be approved by both the municipality where the programs are conducted and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS).
A tax credit equal to 100% of the cash invested is available to business firms that invest in energy conservation projects and comprehensive college access loan forgiveness programs.
A tax credit equal to 60% of the cash invested is available to business firms that invest in programs that provide neighborhood assistance, job training, education, community services, crime prevention, construction or rehabilitation of dwelling units for families of low and moderate income in the state, donation of money to an open space acquisition fund, child care centers and services, community-based alcoholism prevention or treatment and more. (Click here for a complete list).
Complete the 2026 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program NAA-01 form and submit a paper copy by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, to:
Neighborhood Assistance Act Program
50 South Main Street, Room 128
West Hartford, CT 06107
Please ensure your form is accurately completed and includes all required documentation before submission.
For questions or assistance, contact Luan Ceka at 860-561-7562 or luan.ceka@westhartfordct.gov.
For additional information, please visit the State of CT's Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program website.
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Curry House and Namaste Bazaar (formerly Cesar's Liquor Outlet) recently opened at 440 New Park Avenue. In the front of the building, you will find Curry House - where the rich flavors of Indian and Nepali cuisine come together - offering a vibrant dining experience featuring authentic spices, traditional recipes, and freshly prepared dishes.
Namaste Bazaar, located in the back of the building, where you can find fresh vegetables, Nepali spices and food ingredients, was created to serve Nepalese and Indian families in the area, states Owner, Nibesh Patel. Congratulations to Nibesh and his partners!
| | Curry House and Namaste Bazaar | | |
Char-cu-te-rie - where artistry meets indulgence, is now opened in Blue Back Square at 80 Memorial Road!
At Char-cu-te-rie, each board is thoughtfully composed — a celebration of fine cheeses, cured meats, fresh accompaniment.
Congratulations to Anna and her team! Can't wait to check it out at your grand opening on Thursday, March 26th! | |
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Learn more about opportunities to volunteer or donate items to support their cause, by clicking the blue link above. | | |
Home for Good opened at 591 New Park Avenue.
Home for Good is a non-profit social enterprise thrift store turning donated furniture and home goods into funding that directly supports Journey Home’s mission — to end homelessness in the Capital region.
Their mission is to empower the community by promoting financial and environmental sustainability, providing affordable goods, creating meaningful job and volunteer opportunities, and funding Journey Home programs that uplift those in need.
| Home for Good Ribbon Cutting, March 19th, 2026
(courtesy of West Hartford Chamber of Commerce) | | Emergency Lights Testing
A message from the Fire Marshal's Office - Town of West Hartford | | |
Spring is a great time of year to refresh and test your emergency lighting! Emergency lighting and exit signs have an annual as well as a monthly testing requirement. The annual test is to ensure that the batteries will hold a charge for 90 minutes and requires power to be shut off to the unit for the duration of the test. The monthly test is a simple functional test performed by pressing the test button for 30 seconds. The results of these tests need to be documented and retained on site for review by the Fire Marshal during annual inspections.
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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