May 3, 2026
_{10:00 AM – 1 PM EST
Edgewood Park
Corner of W Rock and Whalley Ave
New Haven, CT}

Edgewood Park Farmers Market

Hosted by CitySeed

Celebrate National Small Business Week with the return of CitySeed Farmers Markets!

Our producer-only markets feature local farmers selling what they grow—so you’ll find fresh, seasonal produce native to Connecticut. Come early for the best selection, as items often sell out.

• More Info

May 4, 2026
_{1:00 PM EST
Orange Theory
25 Grove Street,
New Haven, CT}

Kick-Off Proclamation
& Reception

In honor of National Small Business Week (May 3–9), the City of New Haven invites the community to a special kick-off event.

The event will feature opening remarks and a formal proclamation reading delivered by the city and state officials. Immediately following the ceremony, guests are encouraged to attend a reception to network and celebrate the spirit of innovation and hard work that defines our vibrant small business community.

May 5, 2026
_{9:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST
ClimateHaven
770 Chapel Street,
New Haven, CT}

Open Office Work Day

Hosted by ClimateHaven

Join us for a monthly Open Office Work Day at ClimateHaven. Try out our natural light-filled professional workspace for a relaxed, quiet, focused workday.

• Register Here

May 5, 2026
_{10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
New Haven Lawn Club
193 Whitney Ave,
New Haven, CT}

AI & Small Business:
A Conversation with Ted Yang

Hosted by TCFMIC

Join us for a conversation on how artificial intelligence can be used as a practical tool for businesses and entrepreneurs.

The event will begin with breakfast, followed by a moderated conversation with Ted Yang on how AI is shaping business operations, growth, and innovation.

• Register Here

May 5, 2026
_{10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Virtual}

Investor Readiness Workshop

Hosted by FORGE Impact

Join FORGE Investor Readiness Workshop with Wiggin and Dana to learn about investor readiness, capital stack basics, and the right funding path for your startup.

• Register Here

May 6, 2026
_{8:00 AM – 9:00 AM EST
WORK_SPACE
903 Main Street,
Manchester, CT}

How to Start a Business & An Intro to Business Banking

Hosted by Connecticut SBDC

Join CTSBDC Advisor Shelly Koehler and Austin LaVoie, Branch Manager, AVP, Dime Bank for an in-depth view of what it takes to bring your dream of owning a business to life. It all starts with knowing the process step by step. From refining your concept to the regulatory questions you’ve never even thought about, this interactive session is designed to help new or aspiring entrepreneurs who don’t yet know what they don’t know.

• Register Here

May 6, 2026
_{9:45 AM – 1:30 PM EST
Bristol Event Center
112 Century Dr,
Bristol, CT}

National Small Business Week SBA Awards & Expo

Hosted by Connecticut SBA & CBIA

Celebrate National Small Business Week with the Connecticut District SBA and CBIA at our annual awards and expo.

We will honor the state’s small businessperson of the year and recognize other exceptional small business leaders, nominated by organizations from across the state for their achievements and contributions.

• Register Here

May 6, 2026
_{5:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Westport Country Playhouse
25 Powers Ct,
Westport, CT}

AI Pitch Competition

Hosted by Connecticut SBDC

Join us and watch Connecticut’s small business owners and aspiring innovators take the stage to present practical, high-impact ideas for using AI to grow and transform their businesses. Competitors will pitch for the chance to win valuable non-cash resources to help bring their ideas to life!

• Register Here

May 6-7, 2026
_{All Day
Online Event}

The Great Give

Hosted by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven & Valley Community Foundation

Celebrating its 17th year in 2026, The Great Give is returning on May 6-7. This 36-hr online, community-wide giving event was created by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to raise visibility & resources for nonprofits serving Greater New Haven.

• More Info

May 7, 2026
_{9:00 AM – 3:30 PM EST
CT State Community College Gateway Campus
20 Church Street,
New Haven, CT}

Beyond Business As Usual Summit: Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship

Hosted by reSET + COLLAB

Hosted during National Small Business Week, the Beyond Business As Usual Summit convenes Connecticut’s entrepreneurs, small business owners, ecosystem builders, and policymakers to chart a more inclusive and resilient economy.

• Register Here

May 7, 2026
_{5:30 PM to 7:30 PM EST
MakeHaven
770 Chapel Street,
New Haven, CT}

Makers Who Sell: Show & Tell
(Real Stories from Local Makers)

Hosted by MakeHaven

Join MakeHaven for a casual Small Business Week evening focused on makers who sell. We’ll hear from 3 featured makers who will each give a short show-and-tell about what they make, where they sell, how they got started, and one or two lessons they learned the hard way.

• Register Here

May 7, 2026
_{5:30 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Free Webinar}

Building Social Capital

Hosted by The Lab at ConnCORP and the Greater New Haven Chamber

Join Yaw Owusu-Boahen, VP of Impact Investing at ConnCORP, for a dynamic conversation on building meaningful connections, navigating conversations, and engaging funders with confidence.

This session is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners at all stages looking to strengthen relationships that drive sustainable growth.

• Register Here

May 8, 2026
_{11:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
School of Business
10 Wintergreen Avenue,
New Haven, CT}

Flash Mob Friday

Hosted by Urban League of Southern Connecticut & SCSU School of Business

Get ready for Flashmob Friday! Join countless Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in person for a fun and interactive Small Business Resource Fair.

Whether you're starting a business or looking to grow, this event is the perfect place to network, learn, and get inspired. Don't miss out on the chance to mingle with the community and find resources tailored just for you!

• Register Here

Crown Gathering & Tea

Hosted by Black Business Alliance

May 1, 2026 | 11 AM – 2 PM ESTThe Crown Gathering & Tea is a premier celebration of Black female leadership, empowerment, and excellence. Join us for an elegant high tea experience featuring inspiring speakers, networking, and special honorees. Enjoy engaging conversations, shopping with curated vendors, and a meaningful community experience.

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Local Food Market

Hosted by CitySeed

May 1, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM ESTEvery 1st Friday of the Month, starting May 1 and ending October 2.

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Fair Haven Day

Hosted by JUNTA for Progressive Action & the Fair Haven Community

May 2, 2026 | 12 PM - 5 PM ESTAre you ready to showcase your business or share your delicious offerings? Join us at this year’s Fair haven Day, where over 1,000 attendees gather to celebrate community, culture, and connection. It’s the perfect opportunity to engage with a vibrant audience, grow your visibility, and be part of a beloved neighborhood tradition!

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Sustainable Economic Development Forum

Hosted by Connecticut Green Bank

May 13, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 2 PM ESTThis forum convenes leading voices from economic development, community organizations, and sustainable finance to explore how resilient infrastructure, efficient buildings, and clean energy investments are changing what is possible.

A fireside chat and panel discussion will spotlight real world projects that reduce costs, enhance community assets, and prepare neighborhoods for the future.

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Sanctuary City Cooking Class
(Queens of the Syrian Table)

Hosted by CitySeed

May 23, 2026 | 10 AM - 1 PM ESTA hands-on cooking experience perfect for Spring. Participants will learn how to prepare traditional Syrian fattoush and yalangi from Chef Roula! You will also get to know Roula and learn about her experience as a former refugee.

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