EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 25, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC), administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT), the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CSBDC), and the Connecticut Technology Center (CTC) will be hosting a series of events in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Week. The activities will run May 2-6.
Small Business Week recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. Connecticut's support of Small Business Week will feature networking receptions, a panel discussion on accessing financing, and webinars focusing on: patents, trademarks, and copyright; cyber security; and branding.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of all Americans either own or work for small businesses, which create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
"The impact of small businesses on the fuel cell industry is immense. Almost all of the 1,100 supply chain companies served by NEESC across the region are small businesses," stated Joel Rinebold, director of energy, CCAT. "The sector generates more than 6,550 jobs and contributes nearly $1.4 billion in revenue and investment."
"The Small Business Week events we are offering in partnership with the Connecticut SBDC and the Connecticut Technology Council are designed to help these innovative businesses succeed and grow," said Rinebold.
Starting and sustaining a small business is a challenge. SBA data shows that although 78 percent of small businesses succeed in the first year, only about half last five years.
The events planned during Small Business Week are designed to provide businesses with the support needed to help them thrive and succeed. The networking and webinar sessions offer insight on financing decisions, growth and security that is useful to both startups and established small businesses.
"It is necessary to take a full week to focus on the importance and relevance of small business. By adding these events to the week, we not only celebrate but we can offer beneficial information to small business owners throughout the state," said Emily Carter, CSBDC state director.
"Small businesses are the work horses of Connecticut's economy. CTC's goal is to help these businesses innovate and grow. Events like the Small Business Week give us an opportunity to share our innovative programs that assist small business owners in achieving their goal of thriving in CT," said Bruce Carlson, president & CEO, Connecticut Technology Council Inc.
For a full schedule of events, go to: Small Business Week in CT
About NEESC
The Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster is a network of industry, academic, government and non-governmental leaders working together to provide energy storage solutions. The cluster is focused on the innovative development, production, promotion and deployment of hydrogen fuels and fuel cells to meet the pressing demand for energy storage solutions. The cluster is based in New York, New Jersey, and the New England States, and is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Innovative Economies Initiative. NEESC is administered by CCAT.
About CCAT
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. (CCAT) is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., that creates bold, new ideas for designing and implementing applied technologies, IT strategies, STEM education, career development, and energy solutions. By leading state, regional, and national partnerships, CCAT helps manufacturers, academia, government and nonprofit organizations to succeed. Learn more at ccat.us, or follow CCAT on Twitter - @CCATInc.
About the Connecticut Technology Council
The Connecticut Technology Council (ct.org) is the state's industry association for the technology sector. CTC's mission is to connect people, ideas and opportunities to the global technology and innovation community. CTC provides members with business assistance and specialized programs, in addition to promoting and supporting public policies that position Connecticut to have a globally recognized "culture of innovation" that helps attract great ideas and entrepreneurs to in-turn develop new jobs and wealth for the state.
About The Connecticut Small Business Development Center
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) provides no-cost, confidential business advising services to small business owners and entrepreneurs in every stage of business development and growth in the state of Connecticut. CTSBDC business advisors are prepared to assist with a range of business issues including access to capital and loan preparation. For more information, visit GrowCT.com.