Download DAS Business Access Team 2026 Past Outreach Programs
Thursday, May 21; 6 PM - 7 PM
The State of Connecticut procures a wide range of products and services from businesses to support government operations—from catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails. For businesses interested in state contracting, understanding the benefits and knowing how to get started are essential. This session provides a practical overview of what it takes to become contract-ready, including why businesses pursue state work and the key steps involved. Participants will also learn how to register for and navigate CTsource, Connecticut’s official contracting portal, to search for bids, identify subcontracting opportunities, and stay informed about upcoming solicitations.
Location: Online - reSET Social Enterprise Trust
Tuesday, May 26; 11 AM - 12 PM
Prequalification is a vital step for contractors seeking to engage in significant state or municipal construction projects. Contractors planning to bid on or perform work for projects that cost more than $1M must become prequalified. Learn how to manage the process including eligibility and required documentation.
Location: Online -CT APEX Accelerator
Thursday, May 28; 9 AM - 2 PM
Join other small business owners for a one-day event full of networking, food, panel discussions, and more.
Location: Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
Event registration (Eventbrite)
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 2 - 3
This is a virtual event for small and diverse DIRECT SUPPLIERS. This event is specifically designed to help the region’s small and certified direct suppliers meet with large manufacturers and prime contractors in Connecticut.
Location: Online - CT Supplier Connection
Wednesday, June 3; 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: New Britain Boys & Girls Club, 150 Washington Street, New Britain
Monday, June 8; 10 AM - 12 PM
Bring your required documents in electronic format into the classroom and the DAS Business Access team will help you submit your Small Business certification application. The team will answer your questions and help walk you through the application steps. Required documents list
Location: 265 Morse Street, Hamden
Event Registration (Eventbrite)
Wednesday, June 10; 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity, 96 Bank Street, Waterbury
Friday, June 12
Location: Online - Small Business Development Center
Monday, June 15; 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Training on Small Business Certification Program, Checklist for Doing Business with the State, and CTsource.
Location: Southern CT State University - New Haven Economic Development Administration Small Business Resource Center
Tuesday, June 16; 12 PM - 1 PM
From catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails, the State of Connecticut buys it all — and certified small businesses can compete for their share. In this session, you’ll learn how certification strengthens your small business profile and opens doors to new marketing and growth opportunities. We’ll walk through certification types, eligibility, and application steps.
Location: Online - City of New Haven
Wednesday, June 17; 9 AM - 12 PM
Location: Norwich City Hall, Room 335, 100 Broadway, Norwich
Wednesday, June 17; 12 PM - 2 PM
Join the DAS Business Access Team and CT APEX Accelerator to receive one-on-one assistance in completing your Small Business Certification and SAM applications.
Location: The MDC Training Center, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford
To register: Email kevin.nodwell@ct.gov. Space is limited! Registration required
Monday, June 22; 6 PM - 9 PM
Accelerator graduation ceremony.
Location: Southern CT State University - New Haven Economic Development Administration Small Business Resource Center
Wednesday, June 24; 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Miller Memorial Library, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden
Thursday, June 25; 12 PM - 1 PM
There are opportunities for all business owners with Government Contracting at the Federal, State and Local levels. The following will be covered:
Location: Online - SCORE, Southern CT Black Chamber of Commerce, BPT-OIC BIZHUB 2.0
Wednesday, August 19; 12 PM - 2 PM
Join the DAS Business Access Team and CT APEX Accelerator to receive one-on-one assistance in completing your Small Business Certification and SAM applications.
Location: The MDC Training Center, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford
To register: Email kevin.nodwell@ct.gov. Space is limited! Registration required
Tuesday, September 8; 10AM-11AM
The State of Connecticut procures a wide range of products and services from businesses to support government operations—from catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails. For businesses interested in state contracting, understanding the benefits and knowing how to get started are essential. This session provides a practical overview of what it takes to become contract-ready, including why businesses pursue state work and the key steps involved. Participants will also learn how to register for and navigate CTsource, Connecticut’s official contracting portal, to search for bids, identify subcontracting opportunities, and stay informed about upcoming solicitations.
Location: Online - Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
Monday, September 14; 12 PM - 1 PM
The State of Connecticut procures a wide range of products and services from businesses to support government operations—from catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails. For businesses interested in state contracting, understanding the benefits and knowing how to get started are essential. This session provides a practical overview of what it takes to become contract-ready, including why businesses pursue state work and the key steps involved. Participants will also learn how to register for and navigate CTsource, Connecticut’s official contracting portal, to search for bids, identify subcontracting opportunities, and stay informed about upcoming solicitations.
Location: Online - Minority Construction Council
Wednesday, September 16; 12 PM - 2 PM
Join the DAS Business Access Team and CT APEX Accelerator to receive one-on-one assistance in completing your Small Business Certification and SAM applications.
Location: The MDC Training Center, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford
To register: Email kevin.nodwell@ct.gov. Space is limited! Registration required
October 6 - 8
BizConn Alliance is a leadership-level conference designed for decision-makers across government and industry.
Location: 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
Event Registration (Eventbrite)
Wednesday, October 7; 12 PM - 1 PM
The State of Connecticut wants to be your partner of choice! From catering to construction, gasoline to guide rails, the state offers a wide range of contracting opportunities. During this training, we’ll guide you through certification in the Small/Minority Business Enterprise program.
Location: Online - Minority Construction Council
Wednesday, October 21; 12 PM - 2 PM
Join the DAS Business Access Team and CT APEX Accelerator to receive one-on-one assistance in completing your Small Business Certification and SAM applications.
Location: The MDC Training Center, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford
To register: Email kevin.nodwell@ct.gov. Space is limited! Registration required
Thursday, October 22; 12 PM – 1 PM
Prequalification is a vital step for contractors seeking to engage in significant state or municipal construction projects. Contractors planning to bid on or perform work for projects that cost more than $1M must become prequalified. In this session, we’ll cover the application process and demonstrate how to use CTsource, the state’s contracting portal, to search for bids and explore subcontracting opportunities.
Location: Online - Minority Construction Council
Tuesday, November 10; 10AM – 11AM
Learn how municipalities can stretch limited budgets by using state purchasing tools. This session will begin with an overview of the State and Federal Surplus Programs and how municipalities can reduce costs and support sustainability by acquiring surplus equipment and personal property such as furniture, office equipment, trailers, mowers, and vehicles. The session will then review how the P-Card program can enhance your town’s financial health with flexible tools that minimize liability and increase staff accountability.
Location: Online - Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
Wednesday, November 18; 12 PM - 2 PM
Join the DAS Business Access Team and CT APEX Accelerator to receive one-on-one assistance in completing your Small Business Certification and SAM applications.
Location: The MDC Training Center, 125 Maxim Road, Hartford
To register: Email kevin.nodwell@ct.gov. Space is limited! Registration required
