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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!

 Community Events  |   Business Events


August 2026

WBDC Ignite Grant Information Sessions

Thursday, August 20, 2026 through Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Description: Join us for a one-hour information session to learn about WBDC's Ignite Grant. The session will cover eligibility requirements, what the grant can be used for, the application process and timeline. We will share the application questions and the required supporting documentation.There will also be time for questions at the end of the session

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. August 20th Session - 12pm - 1pm - Click here to register for this session. August 25th Session 5pm - 6pm - Click here to register for this session. September 3rd Session 2pm - 3pm - Click here to register for this session. September 8th Session 12pn - 1pm - Click here to register for this session.

September 2026

Health & Wellness Council Monthly Meeting

RSVP Now Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Midstate Chamber Conference Room

Description: Health and Wellness Coumcil is dedicated to identifying and promoting best practices in community and employee health and wellness through programming.

Location Info: 546 S. Broad St., Ste. 2C, Meriden, CT

Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

SCORE North Atlantic: Introduction to AI - Foundations, Tools, & Opportunities

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM
At Your Computer

Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for large tech companies — it's a powerful, practical tool that small businesses can use today. This engaging and accessible webinar demystifies AI and shows entrepreneurs how it can serve as a true "force multiplier," helping small teams operate like much larger organizations.

From machine learning and computer vision to generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, you'll explore how AI is transforming industries including retail, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. More importantly, you'll discover how these technologies can be applied to customer service, marketing, operations, data analysis, and workflow automation within your own business.

This session also addresses real-world concerns around AI bias, security, ethics, and data privacy — equipping you to adopt AI responsibly and strategically. Whether you're an AI novice or ready to experiment with advanced tools, you'll walk away with practical knowledge and clear next steps.

What You'll Learn:- The difference between AI and automation — and why it matters- How machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI work in simple terms- Real-world business use cases for AI across multiple industries- How to use prompt engineering to get better results from tools like ChatGPT- The role of data in AI accuracy, fairness, and performance- How to evaluate AI tools (no-code vs. code-based solutions)- Key risks including bias, hallucinations, and security concerns — and how to mitigate them- How to start small and implement AI for immediate business impactView All EventsPartner With UsOur SponsorsDonateVolunteerOur ImpactQuestions? Call Us(800) 634-0245Have Any Questions?Send us a messageWashington, DC 20024FacebookTwitter / XLinkedInYouTubeDonateStartGrow

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE: Sales Forecasting For Small Business

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Sales forecasting is more than predicting how much revenue your business will generate—it's a powerful tool for making smarter decisions about hiring, inventory, cash flow, marketing, and growth. In this free SCORE webinar, you'll learn how to create a practical sales forecast and use it to better understand where your business is headed.

What will be covered: The fundamentals of sales forecasting and why it matters for small business owners. - How to build a realistic sales forecast using historical data, current sales activity, and market conditions. - Key metrics and assumptions that can help you create more accurate projections. - How to use your forecast to make better business decisions, manage cash flow, and plan for growth.

Whether you're launching a new business or looking to improve the performance of an established company, a reliable sales forecast can help you plan with greater confidence. View All EventsPartner With UsOur SponsorsDonateVolunteerOur ImpactQuestions? Call Us(800) 634-0245Have Any Questions?Send us a messageWashington, DC 20024FacebookTwitter / XLinkedInYouTubeDonateStartGrow

Contact Info: There is a $10 fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

WBDC: Ignite Grant - How to Calculate Projections

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Applying for the Ignite Grant? Financial projections can make or break a funding application. Learn how to create realistic projections that demonstrate your business's stability, profitability, and growth potential.

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here for more information or to register.

WBDC: How to Calculate Projections

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Financial projections are an important part of the Ignite application and are commonly required when applying for many types of funding. They help funders understand your business's current financial position, growth potential, and how the requested funding will support your goals.Well-prepared projections present a realistic picture of your anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, and overall business growth. These sessions provide additional guidance and support to help you prepare accurate projections for your Ignite application.

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here for more information or to register.

29th Annual Meriden Lions Club Golf Classic

Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 8:15 AM
At Tunxis Country Club

Description: The Meriden Lions Club will hold their 29th Annual Golf Classic. Registration begins at 8:15am, Shotgun Start at 10am, Cocktails, Awards, & Banquet at 4pm at the Aqua Turf Club.

Contact Info: Sponsorship opportunities are available. Cost is $220 per golfer.

WBDC Ignite Grant Info Session

Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Learn about WBDC's Ignite Grant, which offers up to $10,000 to eligible women-owned businesses in Connecticut. We'll cover eligibility, eligible uses of funding, the application process, required documentation, deadlines, and application questions, with time for Q&A.

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here for more information or to register.

Midstate Chamber Ribbon Cutting-Elite Division Marketing

RSVP Now Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM
At Elite Division Marketing

Description: We are excited to invite you to join us for a special Ribbon Cutting Celebration welcoming Elite Division Marketing!

Come celebrate this exciting milestone with our Chamber member and the business community!During the event, you'll have the opportunity to hear from the host, learn more about Elite Division Marketing, and tour their facility. This will also be a great opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members, build relationships, and expand your professional network.Don't forget to bring your business cards! This is a great way to introduce yourself, promote your business, and make valuable new connections.We hope you'll join us in showing your support for Elite Division Marketing and celebrating this exciting occasion!Please RSVP and join us for an afternoon of celebration, connection, and networking!

Location Info: 1309 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT 06037

Contact Info: RSVP to the Midstate Chamber of Commerce at 203-235-7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

WBDC: Business Plan Basics

Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
At Hartford Downtown Public Library

Description: Thinking about starting a business or taking your idea to the next level? Learn how to write a strong business plan that clarifies your vision, attracts funding, and guides growth. Get practical tips to build a solid foundation for your business.

Location Info: 500 Main St., Hartford, CT

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here for more information or to register.

Girls Inc. School Year 2026-2027 Open House

Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM–7:00 PM
At Girls Inc.

Description: Girls Inc will host an open house for you to meet the staff, tour the center, and learn about this year's programs.

Location Info: 130 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT

Contact Info: All children must be accompanied by an adult.

SCORE North Atlantic: A Practical Guide to AI-Driven Growth for entrepreneurs

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to leverage Artificial Intelligence but aren't sure where to start? Join us for an empowering, jargon-free workshop designed specifically to help you grow your business safely and effectively using modern AI tools.

AI is transforming the business landscape at breakneck speed, but you don't need a computer science degree to take advantage of it. This session cuts through the hype, giving you practical, secure, and ready-to-use strategies tailored specifically for startups and small businesses. Walk away with the confidence to use AI to scale your operations safely.

What You Will Learn:- Demystifying AI: A clear, non-technical understanding of what AI actually is.- Safety First: Best practices for using AI securely within your business operations.- Real-World Applications: Concrete, actionable examples of how you can immediately integrate AI to boost productivity and drive growth.View All EventsPartner With UsOur SponsorsDonateVolunteerOur ImpactQuestions? Call Us(800) 634-0245Have Any Questions?Send us a messageWashington, DC 20024FacebookTwitter / XLinkedInYouTubeDonateStartGrow

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE North Atlantic: Starting a Nonprofit Organization

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Before launching a nonprofit, it is important to understand the requirements involved in creating and sustaining a nonprofit organization. This webinar will provide an overview of the nonprofit sector and the key steps needed to get started.

Topics include alternative nonprofit structures, establishing a Board of Directors, developing bylaws, required state and federal filings, and ongoing governance and operations.

What attendees will learn:- Different nonprofit structure options- Steps to establish a nonprofit organization- Board development and bylaws basics- Required government filings- Ongoing governance and operational considerationsView All EventsPartner With UsOur SponsorsDonateVolunteerOur ImpactQuestions? Call Us(800) 634-0245Have Any Questions?Send us a messageWashington, DC 20024FacebookTwitter / XLinkedInYouTubeDonateStartGrow

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

WBDC: How to Calculate Projections

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Financial projections are an important part of the Ignite application and are commonly required when applying for many types of funding. They help funders understand your business's current financial position, growth potential, and how the requested funding will support your goals.Well-prepared projections present a realistic picture of your anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, and overall business growth. These sessions provide additional guidance and support to help you prepare accurate projections for your Ignite application.

Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here for more information or to register.

Midstate Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting

RSVP Now Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
At Kuhn Employment Opportunities

Description: The Chamber Board of Directors is made up of business leaders from different sectors who meet monthly to provide oversight to the Chamber's program of work and set policy for the organization. The Board meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Location Info: 1630 North Colony Rd, Meriden, CT 06450

Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.

CBN Alliance OPEN Networking Group Meeting

RSVP Now Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Midstate Chamber Conference Room

Description: You're Invited to our CBN Alliance OPEN Networking Group Meeting! Connect with fellow professionals through the Chamber Business Network CBN Alliance, an open LEADS group that brings together members of the Midstate Chamber and Hamden Regional Chamber. This inclusive networking group welcomes all industries, and multiple representatives from the same field are encouraged to participate. It's a great opportunity to build relationships, share referrals, and grow your business network!

Meeting Schedule:2nd Tuesday of each month at the Midstate Chamber (Meriden) 4th Tuesday at the Hamden Chamber (Hamden)

Join us and expand your reach through meaningful connections!

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.

SCORE North Atlantic: Safeguard Your Brand - Trademarks and Copyrights

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM
At Your Computer

Description: Protecting your Intellectual Property (IP) can save your business's brand and content from being co-opted by others, resulting in a loss of income.

Did you know Intellectual property theft costs the economy between $225 and $600 billion a year? Avoid being a statistic by learning how to protect your IP.

Intellectual property is your most valuable asset. Many of you know the terms copyright, trademark and IP but may not be totally familiar with how it relates to your business. For example, what assets are protectable under Intellectual Property, or how your work is protected from infringement by others.

During this session learn from an Intellectual property attorney how trademarks, copyrights and other measures can protect what you value most: your brand, your intellectual property.View All EventsPartner With UsOur SponsorsDonateVolunteerOur ImpactQuestions? Call Us(800) 634-0245Have Any Questions?Send us a messageWashington, DC 20024FacebookTwitter / XLinkedInYouTubeDonateStartGrow

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE North Atlantic: Vetting a Busiess Idean - SCORE & SBDC

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: Have a business idea but unsure whether it is worth pursuing? Join the SBDC and SCORE Northeast Ohio for a webinar that will help participants evaluate the practicality and potential of a business concept before taking the next step.

The session will cover three key areas: needs assessment, market size and accessibility, and financial viability considerations.

Attendees will learn:- How to conduct a preliminary assessment of what is needed to start- How to determine whether there is an adequate customer base- Ideas for reaching potential customers- Basic considerations for profit potential and financial sustainabilityView All EventsPartner With UsOur SponsorsDonateVolunteerOur ImpactQuestions? Call Us(800) 634-0245Have Any Questions?Send us a messageWashington, DC 20024FacebookTwitter / XLinkedInYouTubeDonateStartGrow

Contact Info: There is no fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

SCORE North Atlantic:Small Business Essentials Webinar-Creating a Quick Business Plan

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: You have a great business idea, but what is the next step? How do you turn your idea into a great product or service? In this webinar, we show you how to write your "Value Proposition" and use the "Lean Canvas" to capture key ideas, concepts and strategies about your business. When you leave the webinar, you'll be able to draft your own one-page business plan.

Contact Info: There is a $10 fee for this webinar. ""Click here for more information or to register.

CEDF Webinar: eCommerce 101 - How Your Existing Business Can Sell Online

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
At Your Computer

Description: These days, if you operate a brick-and-mortar store or a business that delivers services in-home, your customers probably expect that you can close transactions and take payments on your website. Whether you've never sold online before or you've dabbled and hit a wall, this beginner-friendly session walks you through the essentials from the ground up.

So, what's the best approach to keep your inventory organized, manage delivery charges, collect sales tax and other challenging processes? Should you operate from a special purpose e-commerce platform like Shopify, BigCommerce or Square Online? Should you instead run a plug-in on your own website like WooCommerce or Ecwid? Or is the best solution to sell in marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart.com

And with AI shopping already reshaping how customers discover products — through ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google's AI Mode — how do you make sure your business shows up?Cut through the confusion so you can confidently do business in the 21st century. Presented by Jennifer DeRosa, Founder, TotoSEO.

Contact Info: This is a free webinar but registration is required. "Click here to register."