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As a small business owner, every day feels like a challenge. You’re working longer hours, managing cash flow, chasing new customers… but no matter how hard you push forward, you feel stuck.

That’s where the Business Growth Accelerator Program (BGAP) comes in!


BGAP is designed to give business owners the expert guidance and practical solutions they need to achieve strategic and sustainable growth. 


During this 8-session, interactive course you will receive valuable information from subject experts, take part in practical exercises and networking sessions. At the conclusion of BGAP, you will have a plan to overcome your core growth challenges and walk away with a Capstone Project—your personalized, ready-to-implement roadmap for scaling your business.

Celebrating West Hartford Manufacturers

in October for National Manufacturing Month
DID YOU KNOW???

Did you know West Hartford is home to manufacturers making products and components that are used every day and around the world? Learn more about some of those manufactures:


• Brampton Technology - manufactures specialty adhesives, epoxies, grip solvents, and related products originally for the golf market, but they later branched out to make marine and DIY products.

• Abbott Ball - manufactures precision and semi-precision balls for industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, and consumer goods, such as pens.
  
• Triumph Group - manufactures aerospace systems and components for commercial aircraft, helicopters, and military platforms.

• United Tool and Die - manufactures tubes, manifolds, cases, covers, and other complex parts for aerospace, defense, commercial, and space/sea applications.

• Rose Mill Materials Processing - manufactures borates, chemicals and minerals used in glassware, flame retardants, fertilizer, and more.

• Adams Ahern - designs and manufactures custom signage, architectural graphics, and wayfinding systems from design to installation, serving commercial, institutional, healthcare, educational, and public spaces.  

Emerging Technologies Forum at 
SCSU Innovation Hub

Friday, October 23rd, 2026 | 8:45am-2pm | New Haven

Explore advances in AI, quantum and life sciences, along with the education and training needed to prepare Connecticut for emerging technologies.

Located at 101 College Street, in the heart of New Haven’s emerging technology ecosystem, this conference will bring together leaders from education and industry with university faculty, school teachers, students, and community stakeholders.

No-Cost Three-Day Machining 
Modeling Intensive

Tuesday-Thursday, October 27-29th, 2026 | 9am-4pm

Bring your machining challenges into CCAT’s Digital Thread Lab and learn how predictive modeling can help you make better decisions before you cut.

Designed for engineers, machinists, CAM programmers, and manufacturing professionals, this three-day intensive gets you hands-on with machining modeling to evaluate toolpaths and better understand material behavior before you cut.

Spend less time proving out processes on the machine and more time producing parts with confidence.

ACM Aerospace Alley^® Tradeshow

Thursday, October 29th, 2026 | 1pm-5pm
CT Convention Center, Hartford

Connect with 100+ aerospace suppliers from across the region. CCAT is a show sponsor—visit their booth to meet the team and see live advanced manufacturing technology in action.

ATTENTION: Commercial Property Owners 
C-PACE Workshop - Reduce Energy Costs
Thursday, November 5th, 2026 | 8am-10am | Breakfast Served
Elmwood Community Center, 1106 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford

Prepare for Employee Success by 
Learning to Hire Right - Part 2
Thursday, November 5th, 2026 | 1-2pm 
Live Webinar | Free | Registration Required

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.

Employee or Contractor? 
Are You Legally Compliant?
Thursday, December 10th, 2026 | 1-2pm 
Live Webinar | Free | Registration Required

Small business owners looking for shortcuts to a manageable and perhaps less expensive workforce often find themselves in violation of employment classification laws. While some managers have heard of what used to be called the “IRS 20-point test,” many more are unaware that Connecticut is among states applying a stricter standard called the A, B, C test. Hear from CT Department of Labor investigators what our law requires of employers, plus learn:

• That Form-1099 is a reporting method not a legal classification.
• Signing an agreement doesn’t override an actual working relationship.
• Hiring an LLC doesn’t necessarily change the substance of the relationship.
• That the CT DOL and Federal DOL tests are different.
• Whether for-profit businesses can have interns, trainees, volunteers, “temporary” or seasonal workers “off the payroll.”
• The industries where compliance is most often encountered.
• The financial consequences of violations.

DEEP's Small Business 
Technical Assistance Resources 
Comply with Environmental Rules and Regulations

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has launched a new Small Business Technical Assistance webpage to help small businesses navigate environmental permitting and compliance requirements.

The page connects business owners with technical resources and permit assistance through DEEP’s Client Concierge Team. Businesses planning a new project or expansion are encouraged to seek guidance early through a pre-application meeting.

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.

Congratulations and welcome back Lauryn, Samantha, Fernanda and Mary Kate (from left to right).

Fresh Monkee is now open at 2526 Albany Avenue in Bishop’s Corner inside the Phillips 66 gas station. 

The beverage shop offers a wide variety of protein shakes, smoothies, and other blended beverages made with high‑quality, natural ingredients.

Congratulations to Cindy Algoo and family, the new franchise owners bringing a healthy twist to the snack selection in their beautifully renovated market!

Mindful Transformations re-opened at 16 Brace Road, marking a new chapter as Samantha and her team return to West Hartford.

The new office (second location in Farmington) provides care for children with their dedicated Play Therapy Room. They also provide a unique blend of services to teens, adults and families through mindfulness, holistic therapy and compassionate care. 


Hartford Stitch moved into the former Homegrown Studio Space at 13 Sedgwick Road.

Laura Kasowitz originally opened Hartford Stitch in a cozy 235 SF studio at 298 Park Road. Seven years later...it was time to expand again into 1800 SF!

The new space expands her capabilities, including parking onsite. Check out all they have to offer from one-time events to multi-week sessions at their Open House open to the public Sunday, November 8th from 1-4pm.

Congratulations Laura! Thank you for continuing to grow your business in Town!

The annual Personal Property Declaration filing deadline is November 2, 2026. 

Personal Property Declarations may be filed by completing the paper form or electronic filing. For more information on electronic filing, please contact Silvia Curran in the Assessor’s office at (860) 561-7419 or by email at pprop@westhartfordct.gov.

Should you have a challenge meeting the deadline, you may request an extension to file to avoid an assessment penalty. Such request shall be made in writing on or before the first day of November. Requests may be sent by email to

WHassessment@westhartfordct.gov. 

For more information, you may contact the Assessor’s office at (860) 561-7419.

Kristen Gorski

Economic Development Manager

Town of West Hartford

Cell: (860) 960-6136

kristen.gorski@westhartfordct.gov

Lauren Siegel

Economic Development Coordinator

Town of West Hartford

Cell: (860) 969-7561

lauren.siegel@westhartfordct.gov

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