BBAU 2026:

Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship

BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL 2026 SUMMIT:

Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship

Thursday, May 7, 2026 9:00am-3:30pm

CT State Community College-Gateway, New Haven

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.


This day-long, statewide summit is designed for impact-driven entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them. We're bringing together entrepreneurs and leaders to explore bold solutions in policy reform, collaborative ecosystems, innovative funding and ownership models, and sustainable growth strategies that can help businesses not only survive, but thrive across Connecticut’s entrepreneurial landscape.


Who Should Attend?

  • Entrepreneurs and small business owners ready to move from stability to scale

  • Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and ecosystem builders

  • Professional service providers (accountants, lawyers, HR firms, consultants) who work with small businesses

  • Investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in business with social or environmental impact


Why Attend?

  • Gain practical tools for navigating regulatory barriers, accessing capital, and scaling in uncertain times.

  • Learn about innovative ownership and funding models that center equity and long‑term resilience.

  • Connect with peers, mentors, and partners from across Connecticut’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.​

Leave with fresh ideas, new relationships, and concrete next steps to grow a resilient business.


Complete the Survey by 4/28 for $10 off


Summit Themes & Topics

Throughout the day, sessions will explore:

  • State Innovation for Future Resilience
  • Breaking Barriers: Regulatory Reform for Small Business
  • Funding the Future: Beyond Traditional Capital


And we'll announce the results of the CT Responsible Business Survey 2026…and more!


Schedule At a Glance

  • Registration, Networking Breakfast & Business Expo - 9:00–10:00 a.m.
  • Opening remarks, Awards and Responsible Business Survey Findings - 10:00–11:00 a.m
  • Panel 1: Envisioning Connecticut’s Resilient Future - 11:00 a.m.--12:00 p.m. Hear from state and national leaders on upcoming funding opportunities, policy engagement, and what’s ahead for small businesses across Connecticut.
  • Lunch & Networking - 12:00 p.m. –1:00 p.m.
  • Panel 2: Breaking Barriers: Regulatory Reform for Small Business - 1:00–2:00 p.m. A practical look at how policy impacts entrepreneurs, and how we can create a more equitable and supportive business environment.
  • Panel 3: Funding the Future: Beyond Traditional Capital - 2:00–3:00 p.m. Explore alternative funding models and how mission-driven lenders are expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs.
  • The Trading Post - 1:00-3:00 p.m. Share an entrepreneur challenge and workshop it during an expert-led roundtable facilitation across topics such as digital marketing, funding, legal, and more.
  • Closing Reflections - 3:00–3:30 p.m.

Sponsors and Partners


Community Partners

We are grateful for the guidance and support of the Beyond Business As Usual 2026: Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship Steering Committee:


Heather Burns

Jenn T. Grace

Laura Dinan Haber

Daniella Henry

Ming Hui

Ali Lazowski

Guilaine Menefee

Tara Spain

Align your brand with Connecticut's leading impact-driven entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners. Click the link to learn more about sponsorship!