The city of Hartford will host its first Small Business Conference aimed at helping entrepreneurs obtain access to capital next week at Dunkin’ Park.
The event, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include workshops, panel discussions and networking for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Attendees will be able to connect with representatives from banks, Community Development Financial Institutions and government lenders.
Mayor Luke Bronin will give the keynote address, in which he will underscore the importance of small businesses in the city.Â
To register for the event, visit https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/DDS/DDS-Divisions/Small-Business-Community-Development.
Parking will be free in the lot directly across from Dunkin’ Park on Main Street.
The schedule is as follows:
8:30 a.m.: Doors open; light breakfast and networking
10:15 a.m.: Remarks by the Small Business Administration
10:30 a.m.: Keynote address by Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin
11:45 a.m.: Small Business Foundations: Before Starting Your Entrepreneurship Journey
Ricardo Vital, director of lending, CEDF
Joseph McCarthy, senior stakeholder liaison, IRS
UConn Law Clinic – Casey Faucon, associate professor of law and founding director of the Transactional Law Clinic
TBD, CT Small Business Development Center
12:30 p.m.: An Overview Discussion on the State of Connecticut Programs
Sheila Hummel, director of Small Business Development Office, DECD
Onyeka Obiocha, executive director, CTNext
Julio Mendoza, executive director, SAMA
Anne-Marie Knight, executive director, Black Business Alliance
1:30 p.m.: Opportunities and Challenges in the Hartford Small Business Community
David Hopkins, executive director, Urban League
Julio Concepcion, executive director, Hartford Chamber
Yvonne Zhao, director of small business initiatives and support, City of Hartford
Sarah Bodley, executive director, reSET
2:30 p.m.: Roundtable discussions
3:45 p.m.: Closing reception
