Entrepreneurial Center

Welcome to the CT State Northwestern Entrepreneurial Center!
Serving entrepreneurs everywhere
(Especially in the Northwest Corner of CT)

The CT State Northwestern Entrepreneurial Center strives to develop vibrant and connected communities of entrepreneurs in Northwest CT by serving as a central hub for entrepreneurship in our community, working to empower anyone with a desire to create, from startups focused on global benevolent world domination to micro-companies serving the local community. We provide training, resources, space and support for creators looking to build businesses, giving them the tools they need to execute from inception to completion. We will accomplish our mission with intentionality, working with national, state, and community partners who champion economic development, community engagement, and healthy competition.

Contact Us

John Fiorello, Coordinator of the Career and Entrepreneurial Center
Phone: 860-738-6444
Email: john.fiorello@ctstate.edu

Northwest Startup

Northwest Startup is a support hub established to connect and guide new business in all stages of development from idea conception to global impact. Northwest Startup brings together skilled business and industry mentors who provide support and feedback to help founders and their startups reach their potential. Northwest Startup is presented by the Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest Connecticut at CT State Northwestern.

Business Startups

Do you have a new business concept? Do you know your next steps? Can you turn your goals into reality?

Register to make a presentation about your business and ask for professional feedback and advice from seasoned business founders and mentors.

Mentors

Are you a mentor? Can you help a new business? Will you listen and share your experience?

Use your expertise in healthcare, technology, social services, engineering, finance, legal or other industries to support entrepreneurs and new businesses.

Recurring Events at Northwest Startup

Northwest Startup Community Nights

Northwest Startup Community Nights are a chance for early-stage startups to meet with more experienced business owners to brainstorm, discuss challenges and support one another.

To learn more, contact John Fiorello or fill out this form.

Northwest Startup Happy Hour

Northwest Startup Happy Hour is a place for entrepreneurs and startup-adjacent people to connect, relax, network, and get refreshed. Perfect for founders, creators, innovators, builders, and makers… Join us to enjoy some libations, network, and chat about what what you’re building in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

No registration required! Just stop by Salt 2.0 in Torrington on the first Wednesday of the month from 5-7pm. The restaurant is located just to the left of the Warner Theater. Food and drink can be purchased through Salt 2.0, metered parking is available on Main Street.

Startup Business Help Desk

Every Thursday at 4 p.m. EST, virtual on WebEX

The Startup Helpdesk was started to help entrepreneurs like yourself get help from other experienced entrepreneurs, in an online community setting, where you can get help with your most pressing business problem. Running a startup can feel like you’re jogging in circles, putting out fires. The Startup Helpdesk is here to help you put at least one of those fires out each week!

We’re an ad-hoc community, so come when you can, but don’t feel obligated to attend each week. If you’ve put out most of your fires this week and have a spare hour, we’d love for you to drop by and help out another founder that may be a bit overwhelmed! Did a founder help you out last week? Maybe you can pay it forward this Thursday!

Grab a stiff drink, log into your Webex, and relax to some chill beats if you make it to the pre-party. Tunes provided by lofi hip hop radio. Looking forward to seeing you there.