Community Economic Development Fund

06/03/2026

CEDF’s Gear Up for Growth is a free, hands-on workshop series designed for early-stage entrepreneurs ready to strengthen operations, boost sales, and improve financial performance.

Over three interactive nights, you’ll gain practical tools to help grow your business with confidence.

📍 East Hartford
📅 June 8, 15 & 22
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

✅ Free, but registration is required.
🔗 Register here: https://www.cedf.com/training/2026/04/01/gear-up-for-growth/

06/02/2026

Have a great business idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into a clear, compelling business plan?

Join Fred Welk, CEDF’s Director of Business Development, for a practical seminar covering the full business planning process — from crafting your value proposition to building financial forecasts and presenting your strategy with confidence.

Whether you’re starting a new venture or refining a plan for business expansion, you’ll learn how to organize your ideas into a professional, actionable roadmap.

📍 Better Business Bureau Offices
29 Berlin Rd, Cromwell, CT 06416
📅 Monday, June 8, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Plus, see a live demonstration of LivePlan and explore the latest AI-powered tools designed to help entrepreneurs move from concept to confident presentation.

✅ Free to attend, but registration is required.
🔗 Sign up here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/bbbforms/sparkeventregistrationform

06/02/2026

What do community lenders really look for in a loan application? It’s about more than credit scores and collateral.
From industry experience and cash flow projections to financial discipline and “skin in the game,” this new CEDF article breaks down the key factors that can strengthen your chances of approval — and help you prepare before you apply.
Read more:

Securing financing is not just about needing money — it’s about demonstrating that you are prepared to use it wisely and repay it responsibly.

06/01/2026

June marks the halfway point of the year—a great time to pause, reflect, and refocus.
What's your biggest priority for the second half of 2026?
✔ Increasing sales
✔ Hiring employees
✔ Purchasing equipment
✔ Improving cash flow
✔ Expanding your business
Tell us in the comments. We'd love to hear what you're working toward.

05/29/2026

Great business ideas need more than confidence — they need proof.
Before investors or lenders commit capital, entrepreneurs must demonstrate three essentials:
✔️ A clear value proposition
✔️ Realistic feasibility
✔️ Market validation
At CEDF, we know strong businesses are built on preparation, strategy, and real-world demand. Read more about the three pillars of a fundable business idea in this article: https://weteachsuccess.org/three-critical-steps-before-seeking-funding/

05/28/2026

We’re excited to welcome our newest customers to the CEDF family! 🎉

Thank you for trusting us to support your business journey. We’re proud to work alongside hardworking entrepreneurs and small business owners who are building stronger communities every day.

If you’re a small business looking for funding, resources, and support to grow, we’d love to connect with you. Check us out and see how CEDF can help your business thrive!

05/27/2026

Ignite, sparked by the BBB, continues its SPARK Events series—and CEDF is proud to be part of it.

These upcoming sessions are designed to give entrepreneurs and small business owners practical tools to grow smarter and stronger:
🔹 May 19 | How to Lower Your Lifetime Taxes
Learn strategies to reduce one of your biggest expenses and keep more of what you earn.
🔹 June 8 | Build a Winning Business Plan + LivePlan Demo
Hosted by Frederick Welk, CEDF Director of Business Development, this session will walk you through turning your business idea into a clear, compelling plan—covering everything from your elevator pitch to financial forecasting.

At CEDF, we’re committed to helping businesses access the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed—and we’re excited to collaborate on events like these that bring real value to our community.

👉 Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/bbbforms/sparkeventregistrationform
BBB, Connecticut

05/26/2026

Join us at the Meriden Small Business Breakfast on June 4! ☕

CEDF’s Director of Business Development, Fred Welk, will be part of a panel discussion on small business funding and technical assistance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about financing options, connect with resource partners, and support your business growth.

📍 Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, Meriden
🕗 8:00–10:00 AM