Connecticut’s Small Business Development Center has a new director.
Dorian Zwierewicz, a Connecticut native with more than a decade of experience assisting small businesses, takes up the post after the retirement of Joe Ercolano, who served as director for 12 years.
Zwierewicz’ most recent role was as the regional director of the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University.
The Connecticut center is based at the University of Connecticut. It provides free business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs, and acts as part of a national network of centers supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to UConn Today, In 2023, the organization helped launch 170 new businesses, created more than 550 jobs, and helped clients secure $60 million in capital.
Zwierewicz grew up in Bristol. He told UConn Today that he recognizes that one of Connecticut’s business strengths is its manufacturing expertise, and he plans to be a strong advocate for international trade.
He is also focused on how artificial intelligence can be used to stimulate business growth.
