Gateway Community College (GCC) will host two workshops with the Connecticut Small Business Development Center on Friday, Dec. 10, aimed at helping Connecticut’s 225,000 veterans start, grow and maintain small businesses.

The workshops are free, but seating is limited so registration is strongly encouraged by Wednesday, Dec. 8.

The first workshop is designed for counselors, faculty and others who provide services to veterans. This “Train the Trainer” workshop will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in room 160 on GCC’s Long Wharf campus at 60 Sargent Drive. This workshop will include information about counseling, education, training and financing available to veterans through the state and federal governments, as well as through the private sector. Presenters include Webster Bank, Connecticut colleges certified veteran officers, the state Department of Labor and Connect Veterans Inc. Special invited guests include U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District), and via telecast, Bill Elmore, associate administrator of veterans’ business development for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The second workshop is designed for veterans who would like to start a small business or want assistance with an existing business. This workshop will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 160 on GCC’s Long Wharf campus at 60 Sargent Drive. Participants will learn about special veteran-friendly resources that can help veterans start, grow and maintain a small business. Presenters include the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, America’s Counselors to Small Business – SCORE, Webster Bank, Connect Veterans Inc., and the U.S. SBA. Special invited guests include U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District), and via telecast, Bill Elmore, associate administrator of veterans’ business development for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

To register for either event, please contact Professor Rose Bednarz-Luglio at (203) 285-2198 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Rick Palinko at (203) 285-2146 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..