Events
This is our combined event calendar for the Business and Community events so you can best plan your activities in the central Connecticut community. We want you to know what a vibrant and active community looks like!
May 2025
WBDC: Join GPS - A Guide Plan for Success
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 through Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: GPS: A Guide to Plan for Success is WBDC's comprehensive business plan writing course, designed for entrepreneurs with a single, concrete business idea who are looking for instruction, support, and expert advice while building a business plan. Each of the highly interactive 9 sessions focus on a critical aspect of business development, including marketing, sales, and finance. Included in the course is the Business Advisory Event, which provides an opportunity for you to pitch your business concept to an array of business professionals and receive customized feedback about how to move forward. Complete the Course and Apply for a Launch Pad Grant - Eligible GPS graduates who complete the course and furnish a completed business plan are invited to apply for the WBDC Launch Pad Grant. This offers newly established businesses the opportunity to receive a $2,500 grant for start-up costs. Applicants must complete an application and participate in a pitch competition. A panel of judges determines grant awardees. More details and eligibility requirements can be found here.
Contact Info: Application is required. Cost is $299 when accepted into the program. Click here to apply.
CTSBDC - Business Growth 2025 Accelerator Program
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 through Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: This is a 7-session interactive course where you will receive valuable information from subject experts, take part in practical exercises, and networking sessions, and be guided through operational and technical challenges that are common to many small businesses. The Business Growth Accelerator Program connects growth-focused businesses with technical aid and knowledge to help them scale and thrive. Class schedule is May 20th, 22nd, 29th, June 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 12th, 2025.
Contact Info: Click here for more information and to register.
June 2025
WBDC: QuickBooks Online (3-part series)
Monday, June 2, 2025 through Monday, June 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM–2:30 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Join Sherry Konwerski, WBDC Business Advisor and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, for a 3-part hands-on course to learn how to manage your business finances with QuickBooks. In this series, you'll learn a broad range of bookkeeping functions, from setting up QuickBooks, to handling money in/money out, banking, payroll, and much more. If you've decided to use Quickbooks Online to manage your business finances but need help getting started, this class is for you!Note: This series is designed for business owners with 1+ years of sales. You must have a QuickBooks Online account to attend this class. A trial account is sufficient. Classes will be held on June 2nd, 9th, & 16th, 2025
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
CTSBDC & SBA Small Business Lending Expo
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
At CT State Community College - Three Rivers in Norwich
Description: All small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs are invited to come and connect with over 25 SBA lenders from across CT. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about financing options, ask questions directly to lenders, and participate in 2 valuable workshops - 9:30 am - Knowing Your Number; & 10:45 am - Learning the Lending Process.
Location Info: 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
Contact Info: Click here for more information and to register.
Cornhole For a Cause
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
At Marion Manufacturing
Description: All are invited to come out and play Cornhole. Food & Drink available through Little Italy Pizza Truck and Moon Rocks Gourmet Cookies & Gift Baskets. Proceeds benefit The Vanni Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides operational, accounting & compliance support and training to local nonprofit organizations so they can focus on their mission, not the back-office. We help the people who are helping people. By creating collaborative alliances, we provide opportunities to serve others for our expanding network of volunteers.
Location Info: 1675 Reinhard Rd., Cheshire, CT
Contact Info: Sponsorship opportunities available. Team of 2 are $50. Click here for more information or to register.
Health & Wellness Council Monthly Meeting
RSVP Now
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Complete Care Meriden
Description: Health and Wellness Council is dedicated to identifying and promoting best practices in community and employee health and wellness through programming.
Location Info: 845 Paddock Ave., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
Kiwanis Club of Meriden Strawberry Shortcake Sale
RSVP Now
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
At Polish Legion of American Veterans
Description: Kiwanis Club of Meriden will be holding their annual Strawberry Shortcake Sale. Each delicious, homemade, 16-oz dessert supports Kiwanis projects and programs for kids in our local community. They strongly encourage pre-orders but welcome walk-in customers while supplies last!
Location Info: 193 E. Main St., Meriden (behind Masjid Al-Rawdah masque)
Contact Info: Pre-order your Strawberry Shortcakes by clicking here or call Cheryl at 203-631-9899. Pick-up at PLAV or Free Delivery to Meriden/Wallingford for orders of 6+ desserts. Any questions, please e-mail.
Golf Weekly Meeting
RSVP Now
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Midstate Chamber Conference Room
Description: This group assists with the planning and solicitation of sponsorships for the annual golf tournament. This committee begins meeting in January in order to plan for the main event in June.
With only a few days until the event we have to work together to finalize everything.
Location Info: 546 S Broad St., Suite 2C, Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Info: RSVP to the Midstate Chamber of Commerce at 203-235-7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
WBDC: Small Business Certification - Doing Business with the State
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: The State of Connecticut contracts everything from catering to construction and gasoline to guiderails.
Learn what certifications are available (e.g. small business, women-owned, and more) and how certification can help Small Businesses build revenue and find potential new customers. We'll cover eligibility, steps, and the growth and marketing opportunities certification brings to your company.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
WBDC: Legal Basics of Real Estate Leasing (Bilingual)
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM–6:30 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Leasing space is one of the biggest decisions a business can make. Join us for a practical session on the key legal aspects of real estate leasing, led by Attorney Joshua Hecht, principal at Caplan & Hecht, LLC in New Haven. You'll gain a high-level understanding of essential lease provisions—from location and lease length to rent structure, subleasing, termination, competition, access, and necessary approvals.Gain the tools to make informed leasing decisions and protect your business for the long term.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
Golf Tournament Players
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
At Hunter's Golf Club
38th Annual Ray Parmentier Classic Golf Tournament
RSVP Now
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
At Hunter's Golf Course
Description: Save the Date for the 39th Annual Ray Parmentier Golf Classic to benefit the Midstate Chamber's Sanford S. Shorr Educatoin Awards.
Location Info: Westfield Rd., Meriden
WBDC: Trademark Basics for Startups - Protecting Your Brand
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: When launching a business, trademarks and intellectual property might not be top of mind—but they should be. In today's fast-paced, competitive market, securing the authenticity and uniqueness of your company's brand name, logo, and identity is critical.Join Terry McAllister of Ruggiero McAllister & McMahon LLC for an essential session on building a legally sound foundation for your brand. Learn how U.S. trademark law can shield your business from infringement and why early action can prevent costly legal issues down the road.Topics include:• How to properly conduct trademark clearance and due diligence• The pros and cons of trademark registration vs. common law rights• Best practices for securing key domains and social media handles• Strategies for enforcing your rights against misuse or infringement• Broader IP considerations, including copyright, fair use, licensing, and NDAsThis session is designed to help entrepreneurs, startups, andgrowing businesses protect what they've built—and plan wisely forwhat's ahead.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar Click here to register.
EmpowHER Women's Group
RSVP Now
Friday, June 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Taiano's Prime Steakhouse
Description: Join us as we continue to strengthen our new women in business group for chamber members to network, discuss leadership and industry topics, and have fun!
Location Info: 1388 E Main Str., Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
Government & Business Committee Meeting
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Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
At Midstate Chamber of Commerce
Description: This Committee monitors local, state (in coordination with CBIA) and federal (in coordination with the U.S. Chamber) legislatve issues impacting businesses and considers programs to add value for chamber members.
Location Info: Chamber Conference Room-546 S Broad Str, Suite 2C, Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
Girls Inc. Summer Camp 2025
Monday, June 16, 2025 through Friday, August 15, 2025
Description: Girls Inc. will be holding their Summer Camp 2025 for students entering Kindergarten through Grade 6. Campers join grade-specific groups for age-appropriate games, themed activities, swim time, interactive play, and hands-on fun at specialty stations. Rising 7th & 8th graders dive into epic adventures across the state - beaches, hikes, amusements parks, museums, and more - 4 days a week. One day is spent at the center for swimming and reflecting on the week's journey. Our high school camp gives rising 9th through 12th graders hands-on leadership experience as they assist staff and support younger campers. Leaders-in-Training help with daily activities and transitions, and enjoy a weekly off-site field trip of their own. Our summer gymnastics classes (ages 5+) build strength and confidence in a supportive setting - plus we offer private lessons! Classes run at 3:30 pm (during PM Extended Care) for an easy transition from camp to gymnastics.
Location Info: 130 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Click here to register.
HR (Human Resources) Roundtable Committee Meeting
RSVP Now
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
At Midstate Conference Room
Description: This group meets every other 3rd Tuesday of the month and the main focus of this group is discussions in relation to various HR issues/topics. Join us for this very insightful discussion, networking, problem-solving, and best practices.
This month we will have two speakers. Lisa Kidder, Strategic Communications Manager with the State of CT Office of the State Comptroller, who will provide a brief presentation on MyCTSavings. Then we will have Lisa Sementilli, Lead Planning Analyst from the State of CT Office of Health Strategy, who is eager to discuss the impact of high healthcare costs on your business and employees.
Location Info: 546 S Broad Str., Suite 2C, Meriden, CT 06450
Contact Info: RSVP to the Midstate Chamber of Commerce at 203-235-7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
HOLA Monthly Meeting
RSVP Now
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
At Taino Bakery
Description: HOLA (The Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action) engages Hispanic businesses so that, through the Chamber, they can obtain exposure, growth, and involvement in the community.
Location Info: 190 Camp Street, Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
WBDC: Launching Your Business - A Step-By-Step Guide
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM–11:30 AM
At Your Computer
Description: This class is for anyone wanting to start a business in Connecticut. We'll walk you through the whole process, from understanding business entity types and writing your business plan to exploring business viability, learning about financing options, and registering it with the state and federal government. You'll learn about the considerations you need to make if you plan to hire employees. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of the steps you need to take to turn your business idea into reality.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
WBDC: Financial Foundation - Small Business Funding - Meet the Leaders
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Are you thinking a business loan might be in your future?Have questions about what lenders look for?Join us for a panel discussion with three lenders to talk about what makes a business "bankable" and what you can begin to do now to set yourself up for success in the future.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.