(ROCKY HILL, CT) – Today, the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman spoke to over 200 Connecticut small businesses at the inaugural Connecticut Small Business Summit. The Summit, sponsored by Access Health CT and the MetroHartford Alliance, provided attendees the opportunity for networking and learning about the resources the State of Connecticut provides to small, minority, and women-owned businesses.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Connecticut’s economy,” said DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman. “At DAS, we are proud to provide resources and certifications for small, minority, and women-owned businesses to help them thrive in our great state.”

DAS plays an important role in supporting and certifying small and minority-owned businesses in the State of Connecticut. DAS offers a certification program that provides small and minority-owned businesses (SBE/MBE) with greater access to state contracts and procurement opportunities. The certification program helps to level the playing field for small businesses by ensuring equal access to these opportunities.

There are over 1,800 certified small and minority-owned businesses registered with the State of Connecticut. In addition to certifications, DAS also offers a range of resources and services to help small businesses grow and succeed.DAS’s Supplier Diversity Team partners with several small business advocacy organizations offering webinars, tradeshows, and hands-on certification workshops throughout the state.

In addition to Commissioner Gilman, the Summit featured other keynote speakers at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill, including Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Founder and Owner of the Statement Group (Place 2 Be and RAW*)GinaLuari, and provided multiple panel discussions hosted by public and private sector experts.

Small business owners in Connecticut are encouraged to learn more about the resources and services offered by DAS here.

Left to right: DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman, Gina Luari, and DAS Supplier Diversity Program Manager Meg Yetishefsky.

DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman speaking to small business owners and attendees.

For more information:

Jesse Imse
Senior Advisor to the Commissioner
Department of Administrative Services
Office: 860.604.8982