NEW HAVEN, CT (April 23, 2026) — reSET, the nonprofit organization whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut, today announced the full agenda for Beyond Business As Usual 2026: Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship, a one-day summit taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at CT State Community College–Gateway in New Haven, hosted during National Small Business Week. 

The summit will gather Connecticut's entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, policymakers, and small business champions in a day-long summit designed to chart a more inclusive and resilient economy. The program is built around three panel conversations, a new hands-on roundtable experience called The Trading Post, and will also feature the presentation of the results of a state-wide survey on the state of responsible business in Connecticut.

“Beyond Business As Usual has been a staple of reSET since 2010, and this year’s focus on scaling resilient entrepreneurship really comes from the moment we’re in, where there’s a lot of change and uncertainty, and a need to make sure Connecticut businesses are set up to succeed now and into the future.,” said Sarah Bodley, reSET’s Executive Director. “We’re bringing entrepreneurs, policymakers and funders to the table to envision what a more inclusive and sustainable economy can look like, and I’m excited for the conversations, both on May 7th and beyond.”

Beyond Business As Usual Agenda At a Glance–May 7, 2026

• 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Registration, Networking Breakfast & Business Expo 
• 10:00–11:00 a.m. — Opening remarks, Awards and Responsible Business Survey Findings
• 11:00 a.m.--12:00 p.m. – Panel 1: Envisioning Connecticut’s Resilient Future
• 12:00 p.m. –1:00 p.m. — Lunch & Networking
• 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Panel 2: Breaking Barriers: Regulatory Reform for Small Business
• 2:00–3:00 p.m. — Panel 3: Funding the Future: Beyond Traditional Capital
• 1:00-3:00 p.m. The Trading Post 
• 3:00–3:30 p.m. — Closing Reflections

Agenda Details:

Envisioning Connecticut’s Resilient Future  11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

This forward-looking session will spotlight what lies ahead for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. Attendees will hear where Connecticut is directing resources, upcoming grant and loan opportunities, and emerging initiatives that are shaping the next chapter of economic growth in the region. From the state and national level, we’ll hear how business leaders can participate in policy advocacy and engagement and lead with inclusive and sustainable practices. 

Panelists: 

• Jennifer D. Barahona, Deputy Secretary of State, Connecticut; 
• Jessica Dodge, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD); and 
• Camilla Taylor, Executive Director, American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) a national nonprofit mobilizing business leaders toward a just and sustainable economy.
• Moderated by Sujata Srinivasan of Connecticut Public Radio

Breaking Barriers: Regulatory Reform for Small Business 1:00-2:00 p.m.

This tactical session will dive into how regulatory systems impact entrepreneurs on the ground, and what it takes to build a more equitable and supportive business environment across Connecticut. Policy shapes who gets to start, grow, and sustain a business, and we’ll explore where barriers exist, what is working, and how entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders can help drive meaningful change. 

Panelists:

• Kwame Asare, Founder of food brand Oh Shito! and alumnus of Collab 
• Dustin Nord, Director, CBIA Foundation
• Caroline Tanbee Smith, New Haven Alder, Ward 9 and Co-Founder of Collab
• Moderated by Marian Andoh Clarke, Director of Economic Mobility and Small Business Development, Clay Arsenal CDC in Hartford

Funding the Future: Beyond Traditional Capital 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Access to capital is evolving, and so are the options available to entrepreneurs beyond traditional bank loans and investments. This session brings together mission-driven lenders and alternative funders to pull back the curtain on how these models work, what makes them different, and how they are expanding access for entrepreneurs who have historically been underserved by conventional financing. 

Panelists:

• Avery Gaddis, Chief Lending Officer, HEDCO and member of the Connecticut Social Equity Council
• Mark Hayles, CEO Better Local Capital
• Yaw Owusu-Boahen, Vice President, Impact Investing at ConnCorp and Ford Global Fellow
• Moderated by Terence Floyd, Vice President, Senior Social Impact Specialist, Wells Fargo 

Trading Post 1:30-3:00 p.m. 

In the afternoon, BBAU 2026 will feature a new, dynamic, round-table style networking and workshopping experience entitled The Trading Post. During this time, entrepreneurs and attendees engage with facilitated subject-matter experts across a variety of topics that are top of mind for responsible business such as artificial intelligence, funding and banking, legal, food business, how to pay yourself, work-life balance, and more. Entrepreneurs will share a real challenge within the topics, workshop it with fellow attendees, and walk away with fresh ideas and new connections. 

About Beyond Business As Usual

Beyond Business As Usual 2026: Scaling Resilient Entrepreneurship is a one-day summit taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CT State Community College–Gateway in New Haven. Made possible with lead support from Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo, the summit will unite entrepreneurs, small business owners, policymakers, and funders from across Connecticut to forge bold strategies for a more inclusive and resilient economy. The summit is hosted during National Small Business Week and features three mainstage panels alongside the interactive Trading Post breakout experience. Tickets range from $75 to $150; registration is open at www.resetco.org/bbau 

About reSET

Founded in 2007, reSET is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. In February 2025, reSET acquired New Haven-based Collab, combining complementary strengths to create a more robust ecosystem for impact-driven entrepreneurs throughout the region. reSET specializes in social enterprise — impact-driven businesses with double or triple bottom lines — providing coworking space, accelerator programs, and mentoring services that inspire innovation and community collaboration. To date, reSET and Collab have assisted over 500 small businesses to start and grow with impact, and reached thousands more through low-touch supports. Visit resetco.org to learn more.

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