Connecticut’s Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) is hosting a variety of events for small business owners looking to get ahead this year. There is a mix of online and in-person events to fit everyone’s needs and schedules.

The first online program, “Want to Win a Contract? Develop a Capacity Plan,” is February 19, noon. This program is meant to help small businesses prepare for the CT Business Matchmaker event on Thursday, March 5. Steven Semaya, associate state director of CTSBDC, will go over a business’ ability to deliver. The program will go over production capacity, human capital capacity, administrative capacity, and financial capacity. Those who are interested in registering can go to ctsbdc.uconn.edu and scroll down to the News & Events section of the home page for more information or to register for this online program.

The CT Business Matchmaker event is designed to connect businesses with government buyers and prime contractors to strengthen national and local supply chains and open opportunities of procurement for small businesses. The event has one-on-one pre-scheduled “matchmaking” meetings where business owners will have an opportunity to talk with buyers from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as prime contractors. This free event will take place from 9 am-4 pm at Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford. There will be workshop sessions as well as a business expo to provide networking opportunities for attendees. Registration is required, and interested parties can go to ctbusinessmatchmaker.com for more information and to register for the event.

On Wednesday, February 25, noon-1 pm, CTApex: Selling to the Federal & CT State Governments Workshop will take place in-person at Foundry 66, 66 Franklin Street, Norwich. This event is for those who are looking to expand their business as a prime or subcontractor. This program will go over APEX services, federal and state certifications that a business may qualify for, and an introduction to the Mentor-Protégé program. The event is free and interested parties can reserve a spot by going to eventbrite.com and searching “CTAPEX: Selling to the Federal & CT State Governments.”

CTSBDC is also hosting a Business Lending Expo at Courtyard by Marriott Hartford, 4 Sebethe Drive, Cromwell on Thursday, March 26, 9 am-noon. This free, in-person event is meant to be a networking opportunity where business owners can meet over 25 Small Business Association lenders and explore financial options for business needs. For those who are interested, registration is open now at ctsbdc.uconn.edu/news_events/business-lending-expo-cromwell-ct.

reSET + Collab Impact Accelerator Program

Applications for reSET + Collab Impact Accelerator Program are currently open. This program is a three-month, community-driven growth program for entrepreneurs who are building for-profit businesses with a social, environmental, cultural, or economic impact, either directly through the products they offer or indirectly through how they operate.

The applications close at 11:59 pm on March 8. A free virtual information session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 4 pm for those who want to learn more about the program and have questions answered.

This program is designed for founders who have already launched and tested their ideas in the real world, and are ready to move from early traction into focused, sustainable growth. Through expert-led workshops, mentorship, and peer learning, participants strengthen their business models, clarify their growth strategies, and build systems that support long-term success. In addition, founders become part of a supportive cohort and broader reSET alumni community that values collaboration, learning, and accountability. It is meant for consumer-facing businesses, tech-enabled services, and platforms or solutions advancing sustainability, equity, or community impact.

For those interested in applying to this program, visit resetco.org/impact-accelerator.