Building a Main Street Business Ecosystem

Small businesses are the heart of every vibrant downtown. Across Connecticut, retailers are using creativity, innovation, and new strategies to reach customers and activate their storefronts. But for these entrepreneurs to thrive, they need more than ingenuity—they need supportive, connected environments that enable them to do what they do best.

Join the Connecticut Main Street Center and CBIA for the 2026 Spring Summit: Building a Main Street Business Ecosystem—a half-day program showcasing the best practices, partnerships, and policy strategies that help local businesses flourish and keep downtowns vibrant.

The event features:

• Panel discussions featuring on-the-ground experts and statewide changemakers
• Case studies highlighting effective approaches to nurturing strong downtown ecosystems
• Actionable insights on how communities can attract new entrepreneurs, support existing businesses, and create the conditions for long-term success
• Networking opportunities to connect with the leaders and partners who can help bring a thriving Main Street ecosystem to life

Discover what Connecticut’s most innovative entrepreneurs need to put down roots, learn new tools to support business growth, and leave inspired to help make your downtown a place where businesses flock to and flourish.