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.
June 2025
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.
Midstate Chamber Meet & Greet
RSVP Now
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Midstate Conference Room
Description: Join us to chat and you can gather information on how membership in the Midstate Chamber can help "Your Business Grow" while also helping to strengthen our community! Learn about our variety of programs as well as our phenomienal committees. This event is FREE and we encourage you to take advantaage of this opportunity to learn more about partnering with us for success.
This program is designed for new members, existing members and "not-yet members" - feel free to invite other friends in business.
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.
WBDC Orientation
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: New to the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC)? Have you used our services but want to know what else we can help with? Come learn about the resources we offer to small businesses – most of which are offered at no cost. Join WBDC's Laura Blake,Taylor Bergeron and Sonique Solis to find out how to get started. We have something for individuals at all stages of business – entrepreneurial and financial education services, grants, promotional and community-building opportunities, and much more! Whether you're thinking about starting a business, are looking to expand your business skills, or are ready to scale, WBDC can help drive your success in a tangible and accessible way.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
CTSBDC - Supplier Diversity Certification Training
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 through Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Are you a small or minority-owned business in CT? CT Small Business Development Center invites you to join this 60 minute webinar to learn how to become certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and unlock opportunities through state contracting! You will learn: RFPs; and the benefits of being listed in the S/MBE Diretory and CTsource. CTSBDC Business Outreach Team is available to guide you through the application process.
Contact Info: Click here to register today and take the first step toward greater visibility and new opportunities!
Midstate Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
RSVP Now
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
At Meriden Public Library, Room 6, 105 Miller St., Meriden
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: Meriden Public Library, Room 6, 105 Miller St., Meriden
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
CTSBDC -Financial Planning That Opens Doors to Funding
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: CT Small Business Development Center invites you to join this 60 minute webinar to get the 411 on financial projections and the resources available to support you as you work on them. Presenter will be Shelly Koehler, CTSBDC, Business Advisor.
Contact Info: Click here for more information and to register.
Membership and Ambassador Committee Meeting
RSVP Now
Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM
At Midstate Chamber of Commerce
Description: The Membership andAmbassador Committee will be holding their monthly meeting. The group provides outreach to prospective and active members and any member of the Chamber may join the committee if they are interested in helping the Chamber grow and retain members, while promoting their business as well.
Location Info: 546 So. Broad St., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: info@midstatechamber.com
The Black Experience: A Story Worth Telling
Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM–7:30 PM
At Meriden Historical Society
Description: Join the Meriden Historical Society for another chapter in their ongoing lecture series sharing the story of the diverse communities that make Meriden. This evening, Erika Slocumb from the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, focuses on African Americans as they arrive in the New World. By 1775 Connecticut has over 5000 enslaved persons. Wallingford, which includes Meriden and Cheshire at the time of the Revolutionary War has many enslaved people. Often overlooked stories of African-Americans in early Meriden will be shared.
Location Info: 41 West Main St., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Save your seat by clicking here.
CTSBDC - Roadmap to Success: Resources for CT Manufacturers
Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:45 AM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: CT Small Business Development Center invites you to join this FREE 60 minute webinar with Shelly Koehler, Moderator, CTSBDC Business Advisor, Paul Lavoie, CTDECD Chief, Manufacturing Officer, and Catherine Marx, SBA, CT Dictrict Director. Wondering where you can get assistance to support your company's growth. Attend this webinar and learn: how the SMA is increasing its support for manufacturing; what the state of CT has to offer; and how support organizations like CTSBDC and others provide free or low-cost assistance. This webinar is the first of 3 that will equip you with the information and connections you need to join the American manufacturing resurgence. Upcoming webinars will explore financing programs and resources to digitize your business from top to bottom.
Contact Info: Click here for more information and to register.
WBDC: Pricing to Compete
Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Join WBDC Business Adviser Joy Braddock in this engaging one-hour class to explore a variety of pricing strategies (for service or product-based businesses) to help you optimize profits while staying competitive. From cost-plus to value-based pricing, you'll learn how to choose the right approach for your business and customer.
The session will also also include a useful pricing tool, giving you hands-on experience with calculating the point at which your business covers all costs. By the end of the class, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to set prices that balance profitability and customer appeal.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
Education Awards Recognition Night
RSVP Now
Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
At Taino Prime
Description: Chamber members and key staff are welcome toattend this event to mingle with our scholarship awardees and future leaders!!
Congratulations to our education award recipients:
Andrew Buscemi - O.H. Platt HS
Jennifer Peluso - H. C. Wilcox Technical HS
Nyara Gonzalez - O.H. Platt HS
Brianna Itzel Gonzalez - Mercy High School
Angelique Flores - Francis T. Maloney HS
Lakshay Dubb - O.H. Platt HS
Ella Rossi - Francis T. Maloney HS
Location Info: 1388 E Main Str., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
July 2025
City of Meriden Independece Day Fireworks Celebration!
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM–10:00 PM
At Hubbard Park Band Shell
Description: The City of Meriden Independence Day Fireworks Celebration; STARS, STRIPES, & SALSA! @ Hubbard Park
5:30 pm Food Trucks & Face Painting, 7:00 pm Music & Dancing, 9:00 pm Firework Display over Pond. (Rain date 7-11-25)
Location Info: 999 W Main Str., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: City of Meriden
Meriden Twilight Concert Series
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
At Hubbard Park Band Shell
Description: Meriden Twilight Concert Series Summer 2025 Presents!! STARS, STRIPES & SALSA! Orquestra La Yunquena and Firewords follows at 9:00 pm
Location Info: 999 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451
Contact Info: Call 203-494-5575 or 07/02/2025.
STEM Gems Summer Camp - Save the Date
Monday, July 7, 2025 through Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Description: Save the date for STEAM Train's STEM GEMS Summer Camp.
Contact Info: More information to come.
Job Fair Presented by Midstate Chamber & Workforce Alliance & Department of Labor
RSVP Now
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
At Meriden Public Library
Description: Recruiters and Employers: Register for your table today by contacting Angelica Lozano-Gomez via email, providing the following information:-Company name - Industry represented - Job Descriptions or Links to Job Postings - Maximum capacity of attendees (2)
There is NO cost and this includes table and chairs and lunch for all vendors. All industries are welcome!
Hosted by: Meriden Public Library
For job seekers: this event is free and open to all who are looking for employment. We look forward to seeing you if you are looking for a new job or a change in careers! Last year there were over 300 attendees!
Location Info: 105 Miller Street Meriden, CT 06451
WBDC: How to Create a Google Business Listing/Profile
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Ready to get your business in front of more customers?In just one hour, you'll learn how to easily set up and activate your Google Business Profile — a powerful (and free) tool that helps local customers find and choose your business online. Google Business Profile is a free, high-impact marketing tool that delivers real results—58% more in-store visits and 2.7× more customer trust.If you already have your Google Business Profile set up, check out our upcoming class for intermediate users to optimize your Profile performance and manage reviews.
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.
EmpowHER Women's Group
RSVP Now
Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
At Meriden Library
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: 105 Miller St., Meriden, CT
Contact Info: Call the Midstate Chamber at 203.235.7901 or info@midstatechamber.com.
Government & Business Committee Meeting
RSVP Now
Friday, July 11, 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.
WBDC: Financial Foundations - QuickBooks Self-Employed
Monday, July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM–7:15 PM
At Your Computer
Description: Join WBDC Business Advisor Zayed Rodriguez for a session on managing your business finances with QuickBooks Self-Employed. This mobile-friendly version of QuickBooks is perfect for small businesses with no employees that handle all income and expenses through business accounts or credit cards. The session will cover everything from setting up QuickBooks Self-Employed to managing cash flow, preparing for taxes, and more. If you're thinking about using QuickBooks to oversee your business finances, track income and expenses, or understand where your money is going, this class is for you!
Contact Info: Registration is required. There is no fee for this webinar. Click here to register.