Mission Statement

University Supplier Diversity Program's mission is to expand enrollment and participation of small/minority businesses on University contracts, by facilitating the opportunity for said businesses to provide valuable, quality, timely goods and services, while building mutually beneficial, respectful, lasting business relationships with the University community.

USDP Core Values

USDP Policy Statement

The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a professionally inclusive environment within which small/minority businesses are encouraged to participate in the procurement experience, as they are afforded equal access to the bid process that transfers goods and services to the campus communities.

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SMBE Connect

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CT Business Matchmaker – December 3rd, 2025, 9am – 4pm

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CT Business Matchmaker

The CT Business Matchmaker is a high-impact networking event designed to connect businesses with government buyers and prime contractors to strengthen our national/local supply chains and open opportunities of procurement for CT businesses.

One-on-one prescheduled matchmaking meetings are at the heart of the CT Business Matchmaker. Businesses will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with buyers from federal, state and local agencies as well as prime contractors.

The event will also include a dynamic networking Business Expo featuring key resource providers, lenders, prime contractors and government agencies. In addition to a full day of training sessions facilitated by SBA employees, resource partners and contracting experts.

The SBA is committed to opening the doors of procurement so more businesses can grow and thrive by doing business with the federal government – the world’s largest customer who buys all types of products and services.

Business Expo

Resource Hub & Networking

The business expo will be a dynamic networking and resource hub designed to complement the CT Business Matchmaker. This expo will connect small businesses with key resource providers, lenders, prime contractors and government agencies.

Business Resource Providers

Organizations that support small businesses with training, certifications, and procurement readiness.

  • Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
  • CT APEX Accelerator
  • CT Small Business Development Center
  • DOT Northeast Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC)
  • Minority Construction Council
  • Women’s Business Development Council

Financial Institutions and Lenders

Banks, credit unions and alternative lenders offering financing solutions for government contractors.

  • BDC Capital
  • Berkshire Bank
  • Citizens Bank
  • Community Investment Corporation (CIC)
  • Liberty Bank
  • M&T Bank
  • TD Bank
  • Webster Bank

Prime Contractors

Large companies and industry leaders looking for small business subcontractors and partners.

  • Dimeo Construction
  • Gilbane Building
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Manafort Brothers Incorporated
  • Suffolk Construction

Government Agencies

Federal, state, and local agencies seeking small business vendors for procurement needs.

  • Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
  • City of Hartford
  • CT Department of Administrative Services (DAS)
  • CT Lottery Corporation
  • CT Office of the State Comptroller
  • Public Purchasing Association of Connecticut (PPAC)
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • University of Connecticut
  • U.S. Commerce – U.S. Commercial Services
  • USDA, Rural Development
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England Healthcare Sys

Connecticut Supplier Connection – Supplier Growth Summit November 19 – 20 Matchmaker

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The 9th Annual CT Supplier Connection Growth Summit is designed to help the region’s small suppliers meet with large buyers and prime contractors in Connecticut, strengthen the local supply chain community, and foster its growth and ability to grow in an ever-changing and challenging market.

The centerpiece of the Supplier Connection Growth Summit is the Business MatchMaker. Suppliers will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one (virtually) with buyers from some of the largest buying organizations in our area. MatchMaker Meetings will take place over one and half days, with each lasting approx. 15 minutes.

Last year, we hosted over 225 one-on-one supplier meetings with 20 buyers from the region’s largest corporations and buying groups at the Supplier Growth Summit and overall, through our twice-a-year Summits & MatchMaker events, we have enabled more than 2,000 such meetings. At the Summit Kickoff Sessions, and other workshops throughout the year, we have brought together members of leading buying organizations, state government officials, and other representatives from support organizations to increase awareness of various programs that are designed to assist small and diverse suppliers.

Join us for our Keynote Session and Kickoff on November 19th from 9am – 11:45am.

MatchMaker Sessions – Meet One-on-One with Buyers November 20th, 2025, 8am – 5pm

SBA LENDER EXPO

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SBA

Come meet our lenders and find funding for your business

Do you need funding to expand your business, purchase a building, new equipment, or working capital?  Are you prepared to take the next step to get your startup off the ground?  Take advantage of this free opportunity!

Need help with your business plan, or other business activities?
Come learn about no-cost business counseling from SBA resource partners.

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2024 CT Supplier Connection Growth Summit & MatchMaker

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The CT Supplier Connection’s, 8th Annual Supplier Growth Summit. is a virtual event for ALL small and diverse suppliers that would like to meet one-on-one with large buying organizations.

IS YOUR COMPANY REGISTERED ON THE CT SUPPLIER CONNECTION PORTAL?
If not, no problem. After you register for the CT Supplier Connection’s, 8th Annual Supplier Growth Summit. consider joining CT Supplier Connection, a program that links small and diverse suppliers with Connecticut’s largest procurement groups. Suppliers that register on the CT Supplier Connection portal will be invited to other events and classes that focus on helping you get “Contract Ready”, and buyers in CT can review your company information. If you wish to register for the CT Supplier Connection portal, you can click on the link provided after your complete this event registration process.

If you have further questions, please contact us at ctsupplierconnection@gmail.com

To Register Please Click The Link Below:
https://bit.ly/CTSupplierConnection2024-buyer

Generative AI Economic Impact: The Big Picture

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Presented by WBENC and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

December 11 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET | Virtual

Join WBENC LIFT and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses for an informative session on the economic impact of generative artificial intelligence featuring Goldman Sachs Vice President, Frank Long. Frank will do a deep dive into the macro implications that impact small businesses such as investment flow, power and utility infrastructure, supply chain management, and more! Participants will walk away with an understanding of how AI is shaping the future.

Register Now

CTSBDC Newsletter November 2024

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  • SBA Disaster Loan Deadline Nov. 19 for Connecticut Businesses
  • Facing Supply Chain Challenges? Improve Operations and Boost Efficiency –
    Free Virtual Event, November 19 (Rescheduled)
  • Connect with Top Buyers and Industry Experts. Join the 2024 Supplier
    Connection Growth Summit & Matchmaker: Free and Virtual Event on
    December 4-5
  • Women’s Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Small Business Innovation Research
    Journey. Free – Virtual – Organized by USPTO – November 21.
  • Explore CTSBDC: Access On-Demand Webinars Anytime – View Our Full Library of Recorded Sessions.
  • And reach out if we can help! Connecticut Small Business Development Center Team