Gear Up for Growth
In-person workshop series of three-night seminars across Connecticut
During April, May and June.
Choose dates and locations below.
Free but registration required
You’ve jump-started your business — now it’s time to shift into a higher gear. Gear Up for Growth is a hands-on, in-person workshop series designed for graduates of My Business Jump Start and other early-stage entrepreneurs ready to strengthen their operations, boost sales, and improve financial performance.
Over three dynamic sessions, participants will learn practical strategies to refine daily management, build a stronger brand presence, and prepare for smart financing opportunities.
Leave ready to lead with confidence, drive your business forward, and turn early success into lasting achievement.
Night 1 -- Managing for Success
Night 2 -- Boosting your Sales and Marketing
Night 3 -- Financial Performance and Finding Capital
Content repeats at each location. 6 pm to 8 pm nightly on dates shown.
Bridgeport -- April 13, 20, 27 -
Margaret Morton Government Center, 999 Broad St, Bridgeport
New Haven -- April 15, 22, 29 -
CT State Community College -- Gateway, 20 Church St, New Haven
New London -- Watch for new dates -
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, 92 Eugene O'Neill Dr, New London
Cromwell -- May 13, 20, 27 -
Better Business Bureau, 29 Berlin Rd, Cromwell
East Hartford -- June 8. 15, 22 -
SBDC at the Conn. Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), 222 Pitkin St., East Hartford
Register for the city and dates of your choice. Miss a night? Make it up elsewhere.
Managing for Success (2 hours)
Content Focus:
• Understanding, documenting, and improving everyday business processes.
• Employee performance and management practices and impact on profitability, customer loyalty, and growth.
• Being ready for challenges and having plans in place for setbacks and crises.
Continuing Online MOBI Units:
• Business Operations
• Managing and Motivating Employees
• Saving Your Business
Boosting your Sales and Marketing (2 hours)
Content Focus:
• Developing a brand identity and value proposition.
• Using storytelling and business communications effectively.
• Social media and digital presence for early-stage businesses.
• Hands-on: creating a 30-day marketing and branding action plan.
Continuing Online MOBI Units:
• Selling
• Customer Experience & Feedback
• Business Storytelling
• Advanced Digital Marketing
Financial Performance and Finding Capital (2 hours)
Content Focus:
• Improving financial performance.
• How and when to get a small business loan.
• Group activity: designing a “capital access readiness roadmap.”
Continuing Online MOBI Units:
• Getting Financial Controls in Place
• Controlling Costs
• Microfinancing Basics