What Should I Know To Do Business With Big Business? |
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Ready to be a Supplier?
Learn how to get into the procurement pipeline for Yale University, Yale New Haven Health, and the State of Connecticut. The second part of the program will teach you how to prepare your business to handle a major contract. Content will be focused on small diverse suppliers, (minority, women, disabled owned, veteran or other federally designated Small Business Administration 8(a) disadvantaged businesses).
Date: May 4, 2021
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00 PM EST
All businesses are welcome to attend and learn.
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An update on Covid-19 restrictions from
David Lehman, Commissioner
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Governor Lamont just announced plans to further ease and then eliminate most of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions contingent upon Connecticut maintaining sufficiently low rates of infections and increased vaccination rates.
Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021:
- The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues, and theaters will be moved back one hour to 12:00am midnight.
- Bars that do not serve food can open for service – OUTDOOR ONLY. Food is still required when serving alcohol indoors.
- The 8-person per table limit will be lifted – OUTDOOR ONLY. The limit remains in effect for indoor dining.
Effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021
- All remaining business restrictions will end.
- The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) will issue recommendations for indoor and large outdoor events (e.g., concerts).
- Indoor masks will continue.
- If you have any questions about these changes, information is available on the state’s Sector Rules page.
- We encourage all Connecticut residents over the age of 16 who have not been vaccinated to schedule their vaccination today. Getting vaccinated protects you and the people around you. It also remains the most important thing we can do to ensure a smooth reopening.
Sincerely,
David Lehman, Commissioner
david.lehman@ct.gov, (860) 500-2310
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Toast to End of Restrictions |
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Beginning on May 19, hundreds of Connecticut restaurants will offer a free drink to customers who order food and can prove they have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday.
The program, organized by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and promoted by the state, is aimed at encouraging both vaccine uptake and patronage of the state’s restaurants. Lamont announced it during a press briefing.....
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Rescheduled: Convos with Colleagues |
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This week's conversations with colleagues has been postponed. We will notify you of upcoming dates and changes. Stay tuned!
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AARP Work For Yourself@50+ |
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Work for Yourself@50+ is a webinar to help you gain the knowledge, support, and resources you need to make informed decisions about working for yourself and take the right first steps toward successful self-employment. The decision to start your own business can be both exciting and daunting. Work for Yourself@50+ breaks the choices down for older adults in an approachable way. This class is for those who are exploring entrepreneurship. Registration required / No cost
WHEN: Thursday, April 29
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Have you heard of Kraftgreen? |
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Check out their story: As a husband and wife team we have owned and operated The Corner Restaurant, in Milford CT, for the past 23 years. We have been fortunate to have been recognized in Travel And Leisure Magazine on the top 20 list for Best Brunch in the US, but in the height of the pandemic we've had the same problems many restaurants have. Getting some of our quality supplies has been tough. It was almost impossible for us to get our hands on kraft paper boxes (take out boxes). Sometimes waiting a month for a delivery with excessive pricing. That's when we made a decision to acquire large inventory from our partners and machinery to make the boxes here in Connecticut.
We created a company, Kraftgreen and opened a warehouse on Bic Drive in Milford, CT! We currently supply kraft paper container # 3. Eventually, we will expand to more sizes and products, but we find the #3 size to be in highest demand.
For almost a year, we have been working on achieving a quality product with suppliers while learning logistics & building partnerships with engineers, riggers, manufacturers, etc. **We have a machine built and on it's way, shipped to the USA! It's arrival date is Feb 28th, 2021. With this machine, we will be able to make all different size kraft boxes that may be in need!
Not only does food look beautiful in these take out boxes but customers have constant positive feedback about them! With the huge shift to take out orders, It also makes us, as a restaurant, feel good knowing that we are doing our part to help in some way! Learn more about the company here
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CRA UPDATE: Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) FAQ Now Available |
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The National Restaurant Association has just released a new FAQ page for Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants.
We encourage you to review this update as it outlines updated information about applications, eligibility, and figuring grant amounts. We will continue to release updates as new information becomes available.
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PPP Remains Open - Businesses have until May 31 to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. For details on applying, please visit SBA Resources, or register at Register for Advisory Services to speak with an advisor about it.
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Update on the Targeted EIDL Advance |
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Effective immediately, applicants can send a request for reevaluation of a Targeted EIDL Advance application that was declined to the following email address: TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov.
Applicants should follow these instructions when requesting a reevaluation:
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Send an email to TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov
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Use the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]”
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In the body of the email, include identifying information for the application such as application number, business name, business address, business owner name(s) and phone number
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Important: Include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the review.
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Call for Entries: Entrepreneur Innovation Awards (EIA) Spring 2021 |
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The CTNext Entrepreneur Innovation Awards, Connecticut's premier pitch competition, features startup and early-stage companies vying for grants of $10,000 or more! There can be one, two, three or more winners - plus the Crowd Favorite and Judges' Favorite grants of $2,000 each. It can add up to one big night for the winners!
How to Apply to Pitch: Visit our website at ctnext.com/programs-and-resources/programs/entrepreneur-innovation-awards or contact Tamyra Davis at tamyra.davis@ctinnovations.com or 860/258-7858.
Deadlines for Pitch Applications: Thursday, May 6, 2021 at noon.
Note: The EIA event will be virtual, recorded for viewing at CTNext.com the next day.
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State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program |
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The State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program (C.G.S. Section 10-416c) is moving forward with a permanent electronic application submission process. Starting on July 1, 2021, the SHPO will no longer accept hard copy applications to the state historic rehab tax credit program. In order to ease the transition, the SHPO is offering two information sessions in which we will discuss the upcoming changes and answer any questions. The two sessions will cover the same material. The first session will be held on April 29 from 10:00-11:30. The second session will be on May 11 from 10:30-12:00. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please email julie.carmelich@ct.gov.
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Effective Customer Communication |
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Effective Customer Communication
for Business Owners and their Front-Line Managers
with Jean Mix, Founder, Mix Education Services
Thursday, May 6, 2021; 1 pm – 2 pm
Free but registration required
What do you or your key managers sound like when you are speaking with your customers? Do you find conversations with clients getting out of control and taking up valuable time? Could it be your customer approach is keeping you from getting more business? Do you struggle with communicating your selling ideas to customers?
Do you dread confrontations with unhappy clients? Learn helpful strategies on how to take control of conversations and present value-added solutions in a positive manner that will leave your customers satisfied and willing to refer others to your operation.
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Why Do You Want to Go Into Business? |
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Why do you want to go into business with Mary Kay Della Camera, Microenterprise Business Advisor, Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Wednesday, May 12, 2021; 1pm–2pm
Free but registration required
Yes, because you want to make some money. But there’s a lot more to it than that. Without even touching on the matter of “what kind of business,” there are some crucial decisions to be made up front to improve your chances of success.
Planning for success means more than “let’s see how this idea does” and this webinar will provide you the checklist to be sure you aren’t missing any crucial considerations.
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Free Webinar on State and Federal
Export Resources
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Join the CT Department of Economic and Community Development, Small Business Administration, EXIM Bank, CT Small Business Development Center, and US Department of Commerce for an informational webinar on the resources available to both current exporters as well as businesses looking to develop an export plan. Learn about the CT STEP Grant Program, which can reimburse qualifying Connecticut companies for certain export-related activities. Note that this webinar is free of charge, but pre-registration is required.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 9:00am Eastern Time
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$$$ for Professional Development |
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The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is named in honor of Elizabeth L. Mahaffey, a former staff member who was an extraordinary mentor to young professionals pursuing a career in arts administration. The Fellowship was established upon her retirement after more than 20 years of dedicated service at the Connecticut Commission on the Arts. The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship provides funding to individuals to pursue professional development opportunities that will advance their careers in arts administration....
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CT retailers see surge in consumer activity |
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Connecticut retailers saw a surge of activity in March at about the same time that stimulus checks went out from the federal government.
The U.S. Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales around the country increased by 9.8 percent in March compared to the previous month. The increase was the largest since May 2020, when retailers started reopening after being shutdown due to COVID-19 protocols... Continue reading the article here
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It is evident the Milford community holds such pride in shopping local. If you would like to attach these stickers to your merchandise, please reach out to us. Happy shopping!
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The Orchards Golf Course is now open. Book your tee time or outing below.
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Check out our Milford Business Organizations |
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Learn more about Business Resources |
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Professional business advisors are ready to help you investigate capital opportunities, prepare loan documents, export your products, determine growth strategies, complete market research, develop marketing plans, prepare for business disruption, and more.
CT PTAC helps businesses by providing one-on-one counseling at NO COST, identify and explain government contracting opportunities at federal, state and local levels and advise businesses on how to find, pursue and manage government contracts.
Do you need help starting or growing your business?
Business Hotline - 860-500-2333
The mission of the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is to support economic prosperity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services that create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses across Connecticut. From starting or growing a business to increasing income, the Women’s Business Development Council drives business success in a tangible and accessible way.
The Black Business Alliance seeks to act as a primary collaborative entity for local and statewide black and minority businesses to create a culture of mini ecosystems to build self- worth, capacity building and community inclusion.
Spanish American Merchants Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut to serve as a vehicle for the economic growth of businesses. SAMA was created to assist business people, in particular, Latinos, to acquire a better understanding of economic principles. Technical assistance is provided to promote business expansion, job creation, and new entrepreneurship.
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce is a business organization whose mission is to enhance business opportunity, empower its members and influence positive economic growth. The Milford Chamber is a member driven organization and a principal advocate for the business community. The strength of the Chamber is its diversity and quality of both large and small members.
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Please reach out with any questions.
Best,
Julie Nash
Director of Economic and Community Development
70 West River Street
Milford, CT 06460
Phone: 203-783-3230
Fax: 203-878-7394
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