Past Events
DAS Small/Minority Business Enterprises (S/MBE) Hands On Certification Clinic
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
12:00pm - 2:00pm
The MDC Training Center
To Register, email Kevin Nodwell at Kevin.Nodwell@ct.gov
National Small Business Week SBA Awards & Resource Expo
Thursday, May 4, 2023
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium
615 Silver Lane
East Hartford CT 06118
Join the Connecticut District SBA and CBIA May 4 as we wrap up National Small Business Week and honor the state’s small business person of the year and recognize nine other outstanding small business leaders.
These entrepreneurial award winners were nominated by organizations throughout the state. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. SBA highlights the impact of outstanding small business owners and champions throughout the country.
You’ll also hear from iCleanse founder and CEO Chris Allen, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, while a panel of small business leaders from around the state discuss best practices and solutions for navigating a range of challenges.
You’ll also have an opportunity to network with fellow business leaders and check out more than 30 small businesses at the Resource Expo.
Get more details and register here.
AAPI Small Business Virtual Panel
National Small Business Week
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
4:00 PM
Online webinar celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Join the conversation here.
CT DAS Certification & Navigating CTsource Portal Informational Webinar
Thursday, April 27, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Online webinar sponsored by the Minority Construction Council (MCC)
MBE Contractor Certification Informational Webinar focused on getting certified as an S/MBE with the State of CT DAS, and how to use CTsource to look for bid/contracting opportunities.
Get more details and register here.
Women-Owned Business Day 2023
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Legislative Office Building
300 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Connect with other CT women entrepreneurs and lawmakers in Hartford.
Be seen. There's strength in numbers. Let's show our state legislators how strong CT's women-owned business community is!
Be heard. Seize the opportunity to voice your opinion on the issues that matter to you and your business.
SAM Registration with Live, Hands-on Support
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
224 EcoSpace
224 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT
Register: https://conta.cc/3weInCh
Presenters: CT DAS, CT APEX, EWBC, & CT SBA
This webinar will allow businesses the opportunity to complete the SAM registration and the State of CT SBE/MBE registration with help from representatives from the DAS Supplier Diversity Certification Unit, CT APEX, EWBC, and CT District SBA.
So You Want to Work with the Government - 3-Part Webinar Series Sponsored by SO CT Black Chamber
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Part 1: Government Contracting - Are You Ready to Receive Government Contracts?
Presenter: Tanisha Baptiste, Business Opportunity Specialist for the CT District Office of the SBA
Presenter: Steven Semaya, SBDC advisor
There are opportunities on the table for all business owners with Government Contracting! The government has an unlimited supply of contracts ready to pay out to Business. Now is the time to act and become “contract ready.”
Find Out How:
-To get into government contracting
-What is required
-And much more...
Get more details and register here.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Part 2: Government Contracting - Getting Government Contracts in Connecticut
Presenter: Meg Yetishefsky, Manager of Procurement Programs at the Department of Administrative Services
State government contract opportunities are abundant. The government relies heavily on small businesses to fulfill many of its operational goals.
Find Out How:
-What is required to sell to the state
-The difference between federal and state contracts
-And much more...
Get more details and register here.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Part 3: Government Contracting - Getting Federal Contracts
Presenter: Jerry Smith, Director, New England Office of Small Business Utilization (OSBU)
The federal government is made up of countless government agencies, offices, and organizations that require a specific type of product or service. If you are feeling unsure whether a federal agency will buy whatever you are selling, chances are they will.
The Presenter will talk with you about:
-What do you need to see from federal agencies to make you consider bidding on their projects?
-Do you feel there are systemic barriers that federal agencies don’t see that keep you from partnering with them?
-And much more...
Get more details and register here.
PURCHASING MONTH Purchasing Diversity Day
Friday, March 31, 2023 (rescheduled from Wednesday, March 15, 2023)
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium
50 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
Happy Purchasing Month. In celebration, PPAC (a membership of purchasing agents from Connecticut Towns and Cities) is hosting Diversity Day, on opportunity for vendors to learn how to get on the Bid List of various communities such as Norwich, Middletown, Hartford, Wallingford, Stamford, New Britain, West Hartford and others. Whether it’s ARPA, COVID, or Infrastructure, municipalities are awash with Federal funding that require a small business component. Now is the time for your company to learn what it takes to get on their bid lists.
The State of Connecticut DAS Procurement Business Outreach Team will be available to provide information on getting certified as a S/MBE, and also Construction Contractor Prequalification. Stop by to learn more.
Please feel free to enter the website as a guest, then register as an attendee. Parking can be validated. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Tammy Bradley at tammyb@westhartfordct.gov, or 860-561-7472.
The fee for this opportunity is $30.
Get more details and register here.
Connecticut Small Business Development Center’s Day
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
State Capitol Building (North Lobby)
300 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Connecticut runs on Small Businesses!
We’re celebrating the CTSBDC on March 15th, 2023, and we would like you to JOIN US!
The day has almost arrived, and we have so much to celebrate with you and the Connecticut Small Business Development Center’s small business owners and entrepreneurs!
Meet our clients showcasing their successful businesses and CTSBDC Advisors who provide the best service for small businesses in Connecticut at the magnificent State Capitol Building in Hartford (old building). We will have the opportunity to meet legislators who will give remarks to open and close the CTSBDC Day.
The celebration starts at 9am!
Registration Required and Tickets are limited.
Celebrating Women in Construction
Thursday, March 9, 2023
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
The District
470 James Street
New Haven, CT 06513
Ladies, join us as we celebrate women excelling in the construction industry. See flyer for more information.
NBCUniversal Connecticut Supplier Diversity Webinar
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
NBCUniversal is committed to helping diverse Connecticut businesses grow and succeed in the entertainment industry. Join us for a virtual event on March 7th and learn how to become a vendor. Our community partners WBDC and GNEMSDC will be there to help! See flyer for more information.
#supplierdiversity #entertainmentindustry #businesssuccess #ConnecticutSmallBusiness #LocallyOwned
Finding Contract Opportunities: State of CT Contracting Portal
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Free online webinar
Register: https://bit.ly/3HgQggK
Full link: https://hartford.webex.com/weblink/register/re4a0bfa6c7d2929c9eec6ae08dbadb25
Presenter: Geri-Lynne Gagne, CT Dept. of Administrative Services
CT Contract Outlook: Finding Contract Opportunities - How to use register and manage the DAS Contracting Portal
This training includes a walk-through of the DAS Contracting Portal public Bid Board, focused on how to find opportunities to contract with the State and/or a Municipality. There is also detailed instruction on registering for the DAS Contracting Portal (CTsource) and managing a supplier account, including how to upload important documents for solicitation/contract requirements and adding additional users. Lastly, there is an overview about responding to an opportunity, viewing the resulting Bid Opening Results, and ultimately, the contract award.
SBE/MBE CT State Contractor Registration
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Free online webinar
Register: https://bit.ly/3iNZ0ld
Full link: https://hartford.webex.com/hartford/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee25de7ab2ab7f91e22a5c693fac95075
Presenter: Meg Yetishefsky, CT Dept. of Administrative Services
In this workshop, learn how to register with the State of Connecticut SBE/MBE Certification program. This certification provides the opportunity to participate in state procurements requiring the SBE/MBE certification.
SBE and DBE Compliance Update, Discussion, and Networking Meeting hosted by
Connecticut Subcontractors Association
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST
Lakeview Restaurant
50 Lake Street
Coventry, CT
2023 Small Contractor Development Academy hosted by
The National Association of Women in Construction
Thursday, January 19, 2023
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
The MDC Training Center
125 Maxim Road
Hartford, CT 06114
Free meeting, registration is requested.
Understanding the Benefits as a Certified Small/Minority Business
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Free virtual meeting
Join Meg Yetishefsky, the Program Manager for the Procurement Services/Supplier Diversity Unit, as she explains the certification process. This webinar will walk you through the certification application process and guide you to resources available to you for state procurement opportunities.
2023 Small Contractor Development Academy Kick Off Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Event
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
12:00pm - 2:30pm EST
MDC Training Center
125 Maxim Road
Hartford, CT 06114
Free program. Registration is required by November 14, 2022.
Transportation Matchmaker 2022
Friday, November 4, 2022
10:00am - 12:00pm
Connecticut Department of Transportation
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06111
Free in-person workshop (registration required).
Join us for the Transportation Matchmaker. The Event focuses on connecting Transportation Authorities and DBEs/MBEs to give them a chance to meet and discuss their services and contracting opportunities.
For more information, contact the MCC Office 860.882.0675 or via email JLittle-Greer@MCCforCT.org.
Business Expo for Veterans hosted by
Eastern CT Veterans Community Center
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
9:00am - 1:30pm
Eastern CT Veterans Community Center
47 Crescent Street
Willimantic, CT
Free in-person workshop (registration required).
Contracting 101 Workshop hosted by So. CT Black Chamber of Commerce
SCORE - BPT - OIC
Thursday, October 27, 2022
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Housatonic Community College
Lafayette Hall (across courtyard from Beacon Hall)
900 Lafayette Blvd.
Bridgeport, CT
Free in-person workshop with refreshments.
See flyer for more details.
Construction Expo and Matchmaker Event
Friday, October 7, 2022
9:00am - 12:30pm
Alvin & Beatrice Wood Human Services Center
Now is the time for our partners to engage as Exhibitors and Matchmakers for the upcoming Construction Expo and Matchmaker. This event attracts MBEs, DBEs and SBEs from across the state of Connecticut. This is a great opportunity to expand your MBE subcontractor connections and relationships.
See our website for more details.
Meet and Greet Invitation: Diversity in Contracting
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
4:30pm - 6:00pm
New England Air Museum
RSVP by September 16, 2022
See flyer for more details.
Veteran Business Resource Fair and Expo
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Department of Veterans Affairs, Building 50
The Department of Veterans Affairs invites you to join us for a ribbon cutting of renovated Building 50 and Veteran Business Resource Fair. Building 50’s focus is on supporting Veterans and Veteran Service Organizations. The event will feature a Veteran Owned Business Expo.
The VA is extending complimentary exhibitor tables to Veteran owned companies. This is a great opportunity to market your business!
See flyer for more details.
Growing and Supporting Black Businesses in Connecticut
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual Information Session
Connecticut's Black Owned Small Business owners will share how they leveraged resources to grow their small businesses. Learn about resources available to you and support organizations to leverage and network with.
Opening remarks by U.S. Congressman Jahana Hayes (CT-5) and SBA Regional Administrator Mike Vlacich.
To register: https://SupportingBlackBizInCT.EventBrite.com
See flyer for more details, or to contact, please email Connecticut_DO@sba.gov or 860-240-4700.
Elevate Your Business with Amazon
Thursday, April 28th, 2022
Amazon's Global Procurement Teams have partnered with Connecticut Small and Diverse Business Advocacy Partners to educate small and diverse business in how to be Amazon contract-ready. The goal is to drive economic impact in the region.
Amazon is committed to inclusively utilizing small and diverse owned enterprises to create growth, opportunity and impact for these businesses as well as for our global community by reflecting the diversity of our customers.
This event is open for all businesses interested in taking their businesses to the next level with Amazon!
Resource Fair for Small Businesses to Leverage Government Contracting
Monday, April 11th, 2022
10am Press Conference
10:30am - 12:30pm Resource Fair
Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act Opens Doors for Connecticut Small Businesses
Join the Office of U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Small Business Administration, State of Connecticut and partners to showcase the forthcoming projects in the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act and encourage small businesses to leverage government contracting.