Economic Development Newsletter
MAY 2026
| | The Yale Innovation Summit returns May 27–28, 2026 in New Haven, bringing together founders, investors, researchers, and industry leaders across arts, biotech, civic, climate, health, and tech. As the Northeast’s largest innovation event, the Summit is a key opportunity to connect with Connecticut’s growing innovation ecosystem. | |
Take Action on Rising Energy Costs
Thursday, May 28th 2026 | 12-12:45pm | Online | Free Registration
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This webinar is for property owners who want to take action on rising energy costs. In this session, you will learn:
• How C-PACE works for commercial properties
• Ways to lower energy bills with efficiency upgrades
• How solar and battery storage can stabilize costs and improve reliability
• Real examples of projects completed across Connecticut
• Step-by-step guidance to get started
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KNOX Flower Planters
Help Beautify Park Road
Deadline for orders is May 31st, 2026
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SBA Lending Expo
Friday, June 5th| 9am-12pm
Courtyard By Marriott Shelton | In-person
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Gear Up for Growth
Mondays: June 8th, 15th and 22nd
CT Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) | 222 Pitkin St | East Hartford
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
| | Keep Your Business Safe from Fraud
Thursday, June 25th, 2026 | 1-2pm | Live Webinar
Free | Registration Required | |
Fraud prevention is not about fear, complex technology, or assuming “it won’t happen to me.” For small businesses operating in fast-moving, real-world environments, protecting your business is something far more practical—and far more essential.
A strong approach to fraud awareness is built intentionally, rooted in education, vigilance, clear processes, and shared responsibility. When successfully implemented, it becomes a critical layer of defense—protecting your finances, your reputation, and the people behind your business.
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Learn actionable strategies that any small business owner, employee, or leader can apply immediately. Drawing from real-world fraud trends and risk management practices, discover how to:
- Recognize the difference between fraud and scams—and understand how criminals manipulate both systems and people to gain access to money and information
- Identify common threats such as business email compromise, fake invoices, check fraud, and identity theft before they impact your business
- Spot red flags and suspicious patterns in everyday transactions, communications, and vendor interactions
- Implement simple but effective internal controls like segregation of duties, verification processes, and routine account monitoring
- Build a “human firewall” by training employees to pause, question, and verify before taking action
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Three-Day Workshop
Machine Modeling Intensive
Wednesday, June 24-26th, 2026 | 9am-4pm
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
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CCAT in partnership with Third Wave Systems will guide engineers, machinists, and programmers to deliver complex, high-value components faster while maintaining stringent quality standards within a model-based engineering (MBE) workflow.
Traditional trial and error machining approaches often lead to delays, scraps, and cost overruns. By understanding heat generation and material stress during the machining process, engineers gain insights that are difficult or impossible to capture through physical machine trials alone. This hands-on workshop will show participants how to evaluate machining strategies, reduce cycle times, and determine toolpaths with confidence before ever cutting a single chip.
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Business Engagement Unit
CT Department of Labor
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HEDCO Microloans Tailored to CT Small Business Owners
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Frisbie's Dairy Barn is now opened in Blue Back Square in the former Kilwin's location.
Congratulations to the family-owned business celebrating their sixth location right here in West Hartford!
Ice cream is made fresh daily in their New Britain location. Their treats include sorbets, dairy free ice cream, sundaes, homemade cones and more!
Frisbie's wants you to "Eat ice cream and be happy!" Thank you for choosing West Hartford - happiness awaits!
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Mozz and Co. opened on 22 Raymond Road in the former Toro Loco space.
Breaking the idea of a "typical deli", Joey Cusano creates everything from house-crafted meats, imported salamis and cheese and bread made from scratch. Always fresh - Always Delicious - Always Mozz!
Congrats to Joey and his team. If you want to get in on the action, make sure you order early, as this new popular spot is worth the wait!
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Xtrait Perfumery - recently opened at 986a Farmington Avenue in the former Center Framing and Art space in West Hartford Center.
Owner Kevin Rodriguez Medina shares his lifelong passion for high concentration fragrances and his affordable curated collections of niche and indie selections with West Hartford.
Welcome Kevin to the great retailers in West Hartford Center and discover your new signature scent this summer!
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Property Maintenance
From the West Hartford Fire Marshal's Office
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Clearing hydrants on property
It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that any fire hydrants located on their property are kept clear and accessible at all times from vegetation or any other obstruction. A 3ft space must be kept clear on all sides as well as a 5ft space in front of the hydrant.
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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